Before the TV networks started to launch new programs throughout a given year, September was the traditional time period for premieres because that's when (No. 1 TV advertiser)
Detroit rolled out many of its new automotive models. Sure, the TV landscape has changed dramatically in the last few decades with the mass proliferation of cable programming, but
September remains the most important month to debut new shows (just check your local listings this week to see what we mean). So, to chalk one up for tradition, we provide some of
the most widely circulated car magazines, also known in the trade as "buff books." Most of the pubs mentioned below provide in-depth news/analysis on the automotive industry;
African Americans on Wheels, a supplement to Black newspapers, covers the waterfront, too, but from the African-American point of view.
| Top U.S. Automotive Magazines | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magazine Title | City | State |
Circulation
|
Editorial Profile |
| Car and Driver | Ann Arbor | MI |
1,350,336
|
Presents the latest new cars, vans, SUVs and pickups, both imported and domestic. Editorial examines in detail new technology, new directions and new ideas put forth by the automotive industry, and it takes a diversified approach to the vehicles they cover, ranging from the practical to the exotic to the opinionated. |
| Motor Trend | Los Angeles | CA |
1,131,105
|
Monthly features include test results of both domestic and imported cars; auto-industry, environmental and government news reports; car care and Q&A repair columns; motor-sports coverage; the latest in factory and aftermarket trends; long-term vehicle test reports; sneak peeks at future vehicles; and a dedicated monthly truck section. |
| African Americans On Wheels | Detroit | MI |
800,000
|
Created as a supplement to major Black newspapers in top U.S. cities and to several major dailies in black communities. Includes coverage of cars, the companies that make them, motor sports, car care and travel all from the African-American point of view. Provides auto reviews on urban driving conditions and the latest trends on innovative technology. |
| Road & Track | Newport Beach | CA |
731,036
|
Written for the automotive enthusiast. Features in-depth Formula 1 racing coverage while also covering CART, IRL, NASCAR and sports-car racing. Topics covered include design, engineering, driving reports, road tests and detailed technical discussions. Profiles of personalities in the automotive industry are included as well as articles on auto-related travel, books, art, history and humor. |
| Automobile Magazine | Ann Arbor | MI |
551,091
|
Established in 1986 and edited for the automotive enthusiast interested in the novelty as well as the tradition of all things automotive. Focus ranges from cars as machines to cars as objects of art and design. Editorial offers industry trends, travel information, road-trip and destination ideas, and car culture and personalities as well as test drives of a wide array of automobiles from vintage to the latest high-tech sports vehicles. |