The 10 Best Automotive Magazines & Publications

The automotive industry is a fascinating world filled with cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and a passion for all things motorized. For over a century, automotive magazines have chronicled this dynamic industry, providing car enthusiasts with the latest news, in-depth reviews, and expert perspectives.

Today, print automotive magazines compete with a growing number of online publications catering to all facets of the car community. But the most prominent, longest-running automotive magazines still deliver an unparalleled wealth of quality content.

Here are 10 of the best and most influential automotive magazines and publications:

1. Motor Trend

• Founded in 1949, Motor Trend is the oldest American automotive magazine still publishing today.
• Known for its new car reviews, comparisons, and annual Car of the Year award.
• Motor Trend pioneered modern automotive journalism with thorough, data-driven vehicle testing.
• In recent years, Motor Trend has expanded content across print, web, YouTube, and television.
• Caters to a mainstream audience interested in new cars, tech trends, industry news.

2. Car and Driver

• Launched in 1955 as Sports Cars Illustrated, renamed in 1961.
• Provides industry news, vehicle reviews and comparisons, technical articles.
• Known for ambitious road tests and annual “10Best” awards.
• Digital and YouTube content complements its respected print magazine.
• Car and Driver offers an irreverent perspective geared toward driving enthusiasts.

3. Road & Track

• Founded in 1947, Road & Track is one of the oldest car magazines still in print.
• Primarily focuses on reviews, comparisons, and technical analyses of sports cars and high-performance vehicles.
• Known for immersive photography and emphasis on the driving experience.
• Road & Track offers a more literary take on the automotive world compared to other magazines.
• Caters to driving purists and racing aficionados.

4. Automobile Magazine

• First published in 1986, providing a modernist perspective on the automotive landscape.
• Places emphasis on automotive design and engineering, highlighting the most innovative vehicles.
• Known for thoughtful reviews and high-quality photography showcasing exotic cars.
• Regular columns provide insider industry perspectives from designers and engineers.
• Caters to an affluent readership passionate about luxury and performance automobiles.

5. Autoweek

• A weekly publication launched in 1958 providing auto racing coverage and industry news.
• Extensive reporting on motorsports, from Formula 1 to NASCAR and sports car endurance racing.
• In-depth new car reviews with a focus on performance and racing capabilities.
• Broad automotive lifestyle coverage beyond new cars and racing.
• Autoweek is a must-read for hardcore racing fans and performance enthusiasts.

6. Motorcyclist

• First published in 1912, Motorcyclist is the longest-running motorcycle magazine.
• Providing motorcycle reviews, comparisons, buyer’s guides, and industry news.
• Caters to motorcycle enthusiasts spanning sportbikes, cruisers, touring, dirt bikes, and more.
• Known for comprehensive motorcycle buyer’s guides and comparisons.
• Motorcyclist offers page-turning adventures, travelogues, and riding tales.

7. Cycle World

• Launched in 1962, Cycle World provides motorcycle reviews, industry news, and technical breakdowns.
• Places greater emphasis on cutting-edge sportbikes and racing.
• Conducts superbike shootouts and extensively covers top-level racing like MotoGP.
• Known for sophisticated photography and focus on motorcycle tech & engineering.
• Caters to performance-oriented and racing-influenced motorcycle enthusiasts.

8. Road & Track Performance Car

• A separate publication launched in 2019 focused entirely on high-performance vehicles.
• Features exotic supercar reviews, driving impressions, and photography.
• Spotlights latest hypercars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, etc.
• Provides modified car features, technical articles, and racing coverage.
• Perfect for supercar lovers and fans of the world’s most extreme performance machines.

9. Truck Trend

• Launched in 1998, Truck Trend is the leading publication for pickup trucks and SUVs.
• Provides truck comparisons, reviews, and news catering specifically to the truck community.
• Annual “Truck of the Year” award is the most coveted prize in the pickup segment.
• Enthusiast-oriented reviews focus on truck capability, utility, and performance.
• Essential reading for pickup truck and off-roading enthusiasts.

10. MotorHome Magazine

• First published in 1968, MotorHome is dedicated to motorhomes and RV living.
• Provides motorhome reviews, comparisons, news, and lifestyle content.
• Annual “Motorhome of the Year” award recognizes the best new Class A, B, and C motorhomes.
• Features travelogues spotlighting popular RV destinations and tips.
• Essential for RV enthusiasts and those interested in the motorhome lifestyle.

The Past, Present & Future of Automotive Journalism

For over a century, automotive magazines have documented the fascinating evolution of motorized transportation. Early publications like The Horseless Age (1895–1918) chronicled the earliest days of motoring. Following World War II, magazines like Road & Track and Motor Trend shaped the modern automotive magazine formula combining vehicle reviews, industry news, and enthusiast culture.

Today, legacy automotive magazines continually adapt to remain relevant in the digital age. Many have developed multimedia platforms delivering content across print, web, YouTube, social media, and TV. Independent online publications like Jalopnik and Roadshow by CNET have also thrived by embracing digital and social media.

Looking ahead, automotive journalism will likely shift further from traditional reviews to more immersive, shareable experiences. New technologies like augmented reality and 360-degree video can allow audiences to virtually experience vehicles from the driver’s seat. Magazine brands may evolve into multimedia hubs facilitating automotive passions like customization, racing, shows, and more. But the best automotive publications will continue providing enthusiasts with the most trusted, engaging content across every platform.

The automotive world spins faster each year, with groundbreaking technologies like electric vehicles and autonomous driving. For over 100 years, automotive magazines have helped make sense of it all, combining expert insights with compelling storytelling. As the industry continues evolving in exciting new directions, these automotive magazines and publications will continue fueling our shared passion for all things on wheels.