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The Best Episodes of Top Gear

Every episode of Top Gear ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Top Gear!

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Motoring programme featuring reviews of and reports about cars of all types.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Top Gear Season 45 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.8/10(18 votes)

    #1 - Episode 1

    S45:E1

    Tonight, chasing the Mondeo and the Renault Laguna, the Lamborghini Miura and how it will blow your doors off, and the future may well be bright but does it make sense.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 3 - David Soul Breaks Two Lianas
    8.6/10(13 votes)

    #2 - David Soul Breaks Two Lianas

    S2:E3

    Would you drop your child face downwards from a third-floor window? The impact is exactly the same for an unsecured child in the passenger seat of a car crash at 30 mph. Judith Jackson investigates child seat safety. How Fair are those Speeding Fines? Dr. Vernon Coleman has made a special study of the variations in punishments handed out by magistrates and Geoffrey Norman , Secretary of the Magistrates' Association, answers the case. Noel Edmonds tests some new cars coming into our showrooms and Alec Jones, Chief Instructor of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 9 - Jeremy Drives From the Backseat
    8.6/10(13 votes)

    #3 - Jeremy Drives From the Backseat

    S2:E9

    Angela Rippon goes to the Ruhr to discover technology in a new road information system. Last year Mike Dornan took part in a drink-and-driving test in conjunction with Motor magazine at Brands Hatch. This is a second chance to see this award-winning film. Noel Edmonds tests another new car and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Top Gear Season 3 Episode 1 - The Team Kills Off Old Stig
    8.6/10(13 votes)

    #4 - The Team Kills Off Old Stig

    S3:E1

    Tonight "Top Gear" shows just what happens when motorcyclists run into trouble. Frank Page checks out four of the most economical cars on the market and we also report on a new cross-Channel ferry. Today a new car arrives on the British market and a new motoring newspaper comes on to the bookstalls.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Top Gear Season 4 Episode 5 - Hammond Gets Struck by Lightning
    8.6/10(13 votes)

    #5 - Hammond Gets Struck by Lightning

    S4:E5

    Ian Breach meets the contenders for a world title when he goes stock-car racing at Bradford. Top Gear cameras visit the Lucas Electrathon at Donington - a competition to find the battery-powered vehicle which can travel the furthest. Sue Baker gives a progress report on a Trail Park - an area of derelict land where young motor-cyclists can learn to ride and fall safely.

    Director:Brian Strachan
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Top Gear Season 1 Episode 1 - Stig Outruns a Speed Camera
    8.4/10(34 votes)

    #6 - Stig Outruns a Speed Camera

    S1:E1

    The big holiday rush begins this weekend and many drivers plan to travel through Friday night. How dangerous is this practice? What are the stress factors and what are the signs of fatigue? Angela finds out for herself by night driving to the West Country. Twenty people are killed and over 200 seriously injured each week yet these figures could be cut to one tenth if we used our seat belts. Should we leave it to persuasion or is compulsion the final answer?

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Top Gear

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  7. Top Gear Season 1 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.4/10(15 votes)

    #7 - Episode 4

    S1:E4

    Tonight Angela Rippon reports from Northern Ireland where to park your car can cost £600, a taxi fare is cheaper than a bus ride and where you are twice as likely to be killed in a road accident as in the rest of the UK. Driven to Drink. How much alcohol can you take and still drive safely? Mike Dornan reports on a special test day at Brands Hatch.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 1 - Richard Becomes a Driving God
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #8 - Richard Becomes a Driving God

    S2:E1

    Every day in central London approximately 140 vehicles are towed away by the Metropolitan Police and taken to compounds. Angela reports on what happens to your car when you park it illegally. Noel Edmonds tests some of the new cars just coming into the showrooms and Judith Jackson takes to the country in a new four-wheel-drive vehicle. Alec Jones, Chief Instructor of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 4 - Clarkson Doesn't Get Bored of Driving
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #9 - Clarkson Doesn't Get Bored of Driving

    S2:E4

    Technology has totally changed the performance of today's tyres and Angela examines the latest developments. Are You Thinking of Buying a New Car? Mike Dornan and Gill Pyrah begin a series designed to help the prospective buyer. Noel Edmonds tests some new cars coming into our showrooms and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

    Director:Keith Ackrill
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 5 - Clarkson Doesn't Hate a 911
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #10 - Clarkson Doesn't Hate a 911

    S2:E5

    Angela joins the motoring press at Donington race circuit. Are You Thinking of Buying a Used Car? with Mike Dornanand Gill Pyrah. Noel Edmonds tests another new car and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 6 - The Team Doesn't Set a Caravan Land Speed Record
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #11 - The Team Doesn't Set a Caravan Land Speed Record

    S2:E6

    Each day of the year six pedestrians are killed and fifty seriously injured, and half involve children under 14 years of age. Angela Rippon reports on research towards safer car design. Are You Thinking of Buying a Banger? Mike Dornan and Gill Pyrah continue the series designed to help the prospective buyer of a well-used car avoid a few of the pitfalls. Noel Edmonds tests another new car and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

    Director:Keith Ackrill
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 7 - Richard Flattens a Portakabin
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #12 - Richard Flattens a Portakabin

    S2:E7

    The Problems People Have with Their New Cars: New owners have a chance to air their grievances about unsafe and badly made cars. Mike Dornan reports on a new method of weighing lorries which could be bad news for overloaded juggernauts. Noel Edmonds tests another new car and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 8 - James and Richard Go Camping in Cabriolets
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #13 - James and Richard Go Camping in Cabriolets

    S2:E8

    Citizens' Band Radio - Mike Dornan investigates whether we should be free to make CB Radio the motorists' friend. Judith Jackson spends a day with perhaps the most enthusiastic motorcyclists in Britain - Junior Grasstrack Racing. and Noel Edmonds tests a new car.

    Director:Keith Ackrill
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Top Gear Season 3 Episode 6 - The Hilux Still Won't Die
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #14 - The Hilux Still Won't Die

    S3:E6

    Half those taking a driving test fail. Why? Peter Macann looks at the examiner's point of view. The holiday season begins next weekend and Top Gear reports on the latest models and equipment from the Caravan Festival and Exhibition at Brands Hatch. Peter Macann joins Cop Drive - an international cross-country event for police forces. George Bailey analyses another motorcycle crash.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Top Gear Season 4 Episode 1 - Rover CityRover
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #15 - Rover CityRover

    S4:E1

    How will our motoring change during the 80s? Tonight Top Gear takes a look into the future to find out some of the new ideas and new products in road transportation likely to be seen within the decade. Top Gear also features the latest news on the motoring scene.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Top Gear Season 4 Episode 3 - Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, 1968 Dodge Charger 440 R T
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #16 - Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, 1968 Dodge Charger 440 R T

    S4:E3

    Top Gear takes a closer look at accident investigators; Ian Breach discovers Britain's least-known motor racing champion; Frank Page takes to the hills with the new V8 Land Rover; and Mike Dornan attempts to improve your driving technique.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Top Gear Season 4 Episode 4 - Car Darts
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #17 - Car Darts

    S4:E4

    Mike Dornan takes an early look at the prospects for this year's Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre. Frank Page gives his impressions of two new small cars; and some driving instructors air their views on driving examiners' interpretation of the rules for passing the test.

    Director:Brian Strachan
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Top Gear Season 4 Episode 6 - Renault Clio 182, Jaguar XJS, Nissan Cube
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #18 - Renault Clio 182, Jaguar XJS, Nissan Cube

    S4:E6

    The Paris Motor Show: The world's motor manufacturers exhibit their latest products in the first of the autumn season of motor shows. Frank Page drives to Paris in the new Rolls-Royce and reports on many other new cars.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Top Gear Season 5 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.4/10(11 votes)

    #19 - Episode 1

    S5:E1

    Frank Page and Merrill Boulton report from the International Motorcycle Show at the National Exhibition Centre on the latest products from the industry, including a brand-new British motorcycle. One of the most spectacular offbeat car races is the All-Wheel Drive Event, and Judith Jackson reports on this cross-country race from Scotland. Back to the Drawing Board: Owners tell us of design faults with their cars, and Frank Page illustrates manufacturers' shortcomings. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up-to-date with the news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Top Gear Season 5 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.4/10(11 votes)

    #20 - Episode 5

    S5:E5

    Who cares for the handicapped driver? Sue Baker investigates some of the latest ways in which their special problems are being overcome. Speed limits: are the restrictions on many of our roads as low as they need to be? Frank Page reports. Ted Clements , Senior Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, demonstrates good driving techniques. Back to the Drawing Board: Owners tell Frank Page of design faults with their cars. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up to date with news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Top Gear Season 5 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    8.4/10(11 votes)

    #21 - Episode 8

    S5:E8

    Frank Page reports from the final of the Halfords Popular Motoring Do-It-Yourself Mechanic of the Year competition. Top Gear salutes the Triumph Sports Car with a look at some of the highlights of its successful career. The Metro Job: a report on the introduction of the Metro into Italy. Ted Clements, Senior Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, demonstrates good driving techniques. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up-to-date with news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.

    Director:Brian Strachan
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Top Gear Season 6 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.3/10(10 votes)

    #22 - Episode 1

    S6:E1

    Top Gear takes a look at the development of the motor car during the past 100 years while Frank Page anticipates the innovators of tomorrow's cars by looking at some of today's concept cars. Stewart Woodcock tells the story of a classic car - the Aston Martin - and Sue Baker takes a long, hard drive in the new Vauxhall Cavalier.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Top Gear Season 6 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.3/10(10 votes)

    #23 - Episode 5

    S6:E5

    Motorway Control Centre. How does a disabled driver cope with breaking down on a motorway, refuelling without getting out of his car or with parking? Martin Duffy reports. Operation Mole: the code-name of the heavy duty vehicle check carried out by the Gwent Constabulary to discover whether trucks are safe and legal and drivers' records are up to date. Every year two million pounds' worth of vehicles are stolen from the London area. Frank Page reports from the Stolen Car Squad Headquarters.

    Director:Brian Strachan
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Top Gear Season 6 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.3/10(10 votes)

    #24 - Episode 6

    S6:E6

    A brand new racing circuit has been constructed to bring motor racing to the Middle East. Drivers and personalities from the world of Grand Prix racing will be flown to Dubai to celebrate this spectacular event. The Land-Rover, for 20 years the workhorse, of the desert, is under increasing competition. Top Gear looks at the rivals in Dubai, and Dan Cherrington road tests two newcomers in Britain. Sue Baker reports on a new versatile vehicle which could have a big impact in Third World countries.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Top Gear Season 6 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    8.3/10(10 votes)

    #25 - Episode 7

    S6:E7

    Frank Page takes a driving lesson from legendary rally driver Erik Carlsson to learn how best to cope with winter road conditions. Sam Toy, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford of Britain, reviews the past year and looks forward to the future, in conversation with Peter Smith. Stewart Woodcock tells the story of another classic car, the Jaguar, and William Woollard suggests some useful Christmas presents for the motoring family.

    Director:Brian Strachan
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Episode 1" is the best rated episode of "Top Gear". It scored 8.8/10 based on 18 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 2/22/2001. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "David Soul Breaks Two Lianas".