Magazine reviews

My father cleaned out much his his overgrown "office" library, consisting of several hundred automotive magazines.I helped myself to some.Ditto the magazines on the "free materials" table at the library inside of the
university in which I work. I've read my share of all the major titles.As a service to the non-gearheads interested in getting updated on the current events of the transportation scene, here is a rundown of the literature available. We will use a system of 1 to 5 stars, based on presentation, content, and writing.

-Automobile Magazine: The magazine covers look a bit upscale, so I originally thought it was pretentious. However, I recently read a few back issues and realized that Automobile is one of the most interesting in its class.One issue contained an article about driving through Romania in cheap, locally-produced cars (Dacias). Another article described the reactions of local residents while cruising through India in new Ford Mustangs.It is absolutely possible for non-car folks to find entertainment in some of the stories.Personally, I like the reviews of auction sales.Painstaking details are provided for the vehicles sold, along with an analysis of the sale price when compared with the going rate.Great variety.Four stars.

-Autoweek: The Readers Digest of automotive magazines.AW is a condensed, short publication covering all the bases in less space.Usually theres only 1 auction result featured, there is a page of funny material, and often 1 page with 3 cars reviewed, with about 4 reporters writing 1 paragraph for each summing up their thoughts.Good attention to motorsports. I actually took an issue to Starbucks and finished it in 1 sitting, and felt like it gave me plenty of information.Smaller size makes it feel more like an "indie" publication,which makes it seem more interesting.As a bonus, it has the best classified ad section.Definitely geared toward serious enthusiasts but best value. Five Stars.

-Car and Driver: CD is definitely the most humorous, and often has some fairly off-beat features.The "Letters  to the Editor" section can be uproarious, with truly strange letters encouraged, and sarcastic, witty responses from the editor.Articles can be about test drives and car comparisons, OR they can be about movie cars, demolition derbies and racing schools, all written in a very entertaining fashion.Exciting covers,truly entertaining articles,but usually takes me 2 or 3 sittings to finish an issue and get the most out of it.Four stars.

-Car Craft/Hot Rod: Both are pretty similar.You won't learn a thing about new cars and modern technology, and most of the cars are American.Definitely reserved for specific tastes, and very tech heavy.People with no appreciation for older American cars will be bored with these.Cool photography of muscle cars burning rubber and large group gatherings.Less inclusive than the others and only intended for 1 segment of the enthusiast community, so more of a hobby read than something to learn from.Two stars to anyone outside of the target audience.

-Motor Trend: Very informative look at supercars and future cars, but very enthusiast-oriented.The writing is dry, it can get pretty technical, and the overall design lacks neccesarry excitement for a magazine devoted to fun, recreational objects like Italian sports cars.Most cars are high-priced, and foreign.MT's car of the year award is an enviable honor that holds weight. These guys know their stuff, but need to do a better job of delivering it beyond the real serious followers.Two stars.

-Road & Track:The most pretentious. The columnists often talk about times in the past when they borrowed their friends sports car for a cross-country drive, and letters to the editor from elderly men remembering vintage races from 30 years ago.Lots of motorsports articles, and exotic cars.Limited humor, and a bit more emphasis on history.They have had printed Buyers Guides in book form that were quite good, but monthly issues are hit or miss.Two stars.

-Hemmings:Including "Muscle Machines" and "Classic Car"-Complete, thorough resource for classics and collectibles.Useless for keeping up on current trends or styles but collectibles are a big part of the enthusiastic scene and these guys have it covered. No humor, it doesnt stray from its core audience, it does its intended goal very well, but nevertheless, still limited in scope and not much for those not already interested. Hemmings Motor News is very plain, but Muscle Machines and Classic Car are nicely styled and grab attention reasonably well. Three Stars.