Top Gear backdrop
Documentary

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!

Binge this in 1h 53m•Peaking at 8.6/10

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

Airs on
BBC Two
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons45

All123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    Top Gear Season 45 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.6/10(16 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #2 - Episode 3

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 9 - Episode 9
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #3 - Episode 9

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Top Gear Season 3 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #4 - Episode 1

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Top Gear Season 4 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.4/10(12 votes)

    #5 - Episode 5

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Top Gear Season 1 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.3/10(34 votes)

    #6 - Episode 1

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Top Gear

    READ
  7. Top Gear Season 1 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.2/10(14 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #8 - Episode 1

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #9 - Episode 4

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #10 - Episode 5

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #11 - Episode 6

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #12 - Episode 7

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Top Gear Season 2 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #13 - Episode 8

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Top Gear Season 3 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #14 - Episode 2

    S3:E2

    Frank Page continues his road tests on the ' Frugal Fellows ' - the most economical cars on the market. Peter Macann reports on Carfax, a new system of vehicle communication now under test, and Gill Pyrah takes a look at the country's first do-it-yourself motor maintenance centre at Milton Keynes. George Bailey analyses and demonstrates a recent motorcycle crash.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Top Gear Season 3 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #15 - Episode 6

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Top Gear Season 4 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #16 - Episode 1

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Top Gear Season 4 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #17 - Episode 2

    S4:E2

    Top Gear continues its look into the future of road transportation in the 80s, highlights the problems of child seatbelts, looks at two new vehicles and attempts to improve your driving technique.

    Director:Phil Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Top Gear Season 4 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #18 - Episode 3

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Top Gear Season 4 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #19 - Episode 4

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Top Gear Season 4 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #20 - Episode 6

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Top Gear Season 5 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.2/10(10 votes)

    #21 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Top Gear Season 5 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    8.2/10(10 votes)

    #22 - Episode 2

    S5:E2

    Garages have received much adverse publicity for indifferent servicing. Sue Baker finds a consumer watchdog service in New York which could have implications here. One of the most spectacular offbeat car races is the All-Wheel Drive Event and Judith Jackson reports on this cross-country event from Scotland. Back to the Drawing Board: Car owners tell us of design faults and Frank Page demonstrates what they mean. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker with the news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.

    Director:Brian Strachan
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Top Gear Season 5 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.2/10(10 votes)

    #23 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Top Gear Season 5 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    8.2/10(10 votes)

    #24 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Top Gear Season 20 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.2/10(12 votes)

    #25 - Episode 6

    S20:E6

    From the Transport and Road Research Laboratory in Berkshire. William Woollard reviews the progress on computerised systems to ease traffic congestion and Chris Goffey reports on ways to make motorcycling safer. Beki Adam talks to some dedicated supporters of three-wheelers and Tiff Needell assesses the latest Reliant Robin as practical transport. Plus a road test on the Honda Concerto, the Japanese equivalent of Rover’s Maestro replacement, out next year.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Episode 1" is the best rated episode of "Top Gear". It scored 8.6/10 based on 16 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, "Episode 3".