Stop him now , 19 Nov 2008
I went to school with him, and contrary to what he says in the Sunday Times, he was expelled for smoking dope at the prep school !
I am a fan , however; Top gear is great and his books are good fun to read but give me a break , they are all the same !
I live abroad , but when I come back to visit I like to go into the big bookshops and am invariably bombarded with the latest Jeremy Clarkson offering. This is getting annoying .

However funny he might be , there is only so much that can be written about cars, late seventies rock music and what there is still good about England.



Don't stop me now, 18 Oct 2008
Don't Stop Me NowWhat a fantastic read, you'd think this book would only appeal to the petrol heads. Don't be fooled. Very well written and it's super how Jeremy can twist his topic to fit the item under review.

Car reviews that are laugh out loud!, 13 Oct 2008
Firstly, this is more than a book about cars. It is Mr Clarkson's dry, witty and always cynical outlook on the world. If, like me, you find relief in discovering someone who is still politically incorrect, chauvanistic and doesn't care who knows it you will love the book. I found a lot of myself reflected in reading this

I have not enjoyed reading a book as much as this in a long time. The format of the reviews makes this an easy read to pick up and put down. Reviews are about 4 pages on average with great photography. The first 3 pages of a review are devoted to a humorous commentary on something seemingly unconnected with a car. This is always rectified in the last page with a surprisingly insightful description of the car itself. I believe all the reviews have previously been published in The Times.

Many car types are covered; supercars to the lowliest of runabouts....they're all here. Genuinely useful information can be found within the covers....not just the eye-watering performance figures of Veyrons and Diablos.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for both entertainment and basic information on the cars reviewed. Someone who was only a fan of humour would probably be best advised to steer clear (amusing pun intended) as this is a serious work of car journalism too.

At the time of writing (October 2008) Jeremy has been involved in a head on crash but early reports indicate that he is pretty much unscathed; "My right index finger looked like a burst sausage, my left shin was fatter than my thigh and my back felt like someone had driven over it with a pile-driver."

Good luck with the recovery, Jeremy, and lets hope another book as good as this appears soon.

Funny and funnier, 14 Aug 2008
Now we all know that Clarkson makes loads of money from selling books full of stuff he has already written in the paper but so what....who cares whether he's making extra money or not when you get to read this much funny stuff all in one book!

We all know he says he's writing about cars when in fact he just rants about complete rubbish for 3/4's of the articles....but who cares when he can make rubbish this funny!!!

We all know that Clarkson is a pompous, over opinionated, biggot....who cares....he's funnier than most other people you can read these days!!

I love this book....I think all the clarkson books are great but this one really is one of his best. I like the fact that they have made a bit more effort and actually put pictures of the cars he is talking about in the book. I probably like it more because it is more recent as well so the jokes are more topical.

If you want a bit of light reading, you know the kind of thing you can lie in bed and giggle to or sit in on a sunday morning and relax to then this is the book for you. Its light hearted, its funny, its easy to read and it offends 90% of the population which has to make you laugh doesn't to really!!

I'm not sure I will ever vote Clarkson for Prime Minister but I would certainly give him my vote when it comes to his writing. Dont think about the fact that he makes money out of this book having already been paid for writing the articles for the paper. It doesn't make any difference to you it just means you get to read all his funniest material in one go, which to be honest, is well worth the money!! In fact, with that kind of money making ability maybe he should be our Prime Minister!!!


"To everyone except John Prescott", 07 Jun 2008
Jezza's dedication, above, is a little unfair, in that he and the redoubtable Mr "two-jags" Prescott at least share a passion for cars. I like Clarkson's refreshinging un-PC attitude, although not his complancency about CO2 (although he may yet turn out to be right) and enjoy his columns on cars, and on more general matters, in The Sunday Times.

But is this a good book? Mr wife bought me it for Christmas, bouyed up no doubt by my positive reaction to "The World according to Clarkson" the year before, but I have read perhaps half of the fifty or so "chapters". Why?

Well, I can remember most of them from when I first read them, 2003 - 2006, for a start. At the same time, some of the contemporary references were so fleeting that they conjure forth no recollection at all. For example: in October 2003 "BBC bosses" decided to replace DJ Sara Cox with someone. Jezza suggested it was "The Queen". I have no recollection at all what that was about - have you?

In any case, Clarkson's humour about cars is perhaps a little intense when presented in such a format.

Whereas the content of a peperback is normally exactly the same as the hardback that preceeded it, be aware that the paperback does not include the excellent colour plates of all of the cars. As with the hardback, you don't get the number of "stars" Clarkson awarded to each car in that paper. How much would that have cost?

This is a book for the "lavatory reference section", from which to try to read one chapter before bed, or from dipping into on some other basis. Within those terms it succeeds.

Stop him now , 19 Nov 2008
I went to school with him, and contrary to what he says in the Sunday Times, he was expelled for smoking dope at the prep school !
I am a fan , however; Top gear is great and his books are good fun to read but give me a break , they are all the same !
I live abroad , but when I come back to visit I like to go into the big bookshops and am invariably bombarded with the latest Jeremy Clarkson offering. This is getting annoying .

However funny he might be , there is only so much that can be written about cars, late seventies rock music and what there is still good about England.



Don't stop me now, 18 Oct 2008
Don't Stop Me NowWhat a fantastic read, you'd think this book would only appeal to the petrol heads. Don't be fooled. Very well written and it's super how Jeremy can twist his topic to fit the item under review.

Car reviews that are laugh out loud!, 13 Oct 2008
Firstly, this is more than a book about cars. It is Mr Clarkson's dry, witty and always cynical outlook on the world. If, like me, you find relief in discovering someone who is still politically incorrect, chauvanistic and doesn't care who knows it you will love the book. I found a lot of myself reflected in reading this

I have not enjoyed reading a book as much as this in a long time. The format of the reviews makes this an easy read to pick up and put down. Reviews are about 4 pages on average with great photography. The first 3 pages of a review are devoted to a humorous commentary on something seemingly unconnected with a car. This is always rectified in the last page with a surprisingly insightful description of the car itself. I believe all the reviews have previously been published in The Times.

Many car types are covered; supercars to the lowliest of runabouts....they're all here. Genuinely useful information can be found within the covers....not just the eye-watering performance figures of Veyrons and Diablos.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for both entertainment and basic information on the cars reviewed. Someone who was only a fan of humour would probably be best advised to steer clear (amusing pun intended) as this is a serious work of car journalism too.

At the time of writing (October 2008) Jeremy has been involved in a head on crash but early reports indicate that he is pretty much unscathed; "My right index finger looked like a burst sausage, my left shin was fatter than my thigh and my back felt like someone had driven over it with a pile-driver."

Good luck with the recovery, Jeremy, and lets hope another book as good as this appears soon.

Funny and funnier, 14 Aug 2008
Now we all know that Clarkson makes loads of money from selling books full of stuff he has already written in the paper but so what....who cares whether he's making extra money or not when you get to read this much funny stuff all in one book!

We all know he says he's writing about cars when in fact he just rants about complete rubbish for 3/4's of the articles....but who cares when he can make rubbish this funny!!!

We all know that Clarkson is a pompous, over opinionated, biggot....who cares....he's funnier than most other people you can read these days!!

I love this book....I think all the clarkson books are great but this one really is one of his best. I like the fact that they have made a bit more effort and actually put pictures of the cars he is talking about in the book. I probably like it more because it is more recent as well so the jokes are more topical.

If you want a bit of light reading, you know the kind of thing you can lie in bed and giggle to or sit in on a sunday morning and relax to then this is the book for you. Its light hearted, its funny, its easy to read and it offends 90% of the population which has to make you laugh doesn't to really!!

I'm not sure I will ever vote Clarkson for Prime Minister but I would certainly give him my vote when it comes to his writing. Dont think about the fact that he makes money out of this book having already been paid for writing the articles for the paper. It doesn't make any difference to you it just means you get to read all his funniest material in one go, which to be honest, is well worth the money!! In fact, with that kind of money making ability maybe he should be our Prime Minister!!!


"To everyone except John Prescott", 07 Jun 2008
Jezza's dedication, above, is a little unfair, in that he and the redoubtable Mr "two-jags" Prescott at least share a passion for cars. I like Clarkson's refreshinging un-PC attitude, although not his complancency about CO2 (although he may yet turn out to be right) and enjoy his columns on cars, and on more general matters, in The Sunday Times.

But is this a good book? Mr wife bought me it for Christmas, bouyed up no doubt by my positive reaction to "The World according to Clarkson" the year before, but I have read perhaps half of the fifty or so "chapters". Why?

Well, I can remember most of them from when I first read them, 2003 - 2006, for a start. At the same time, some of the contemporary references were so fleeting that they conjure forth no recollection at all. For example: in October 2003 "BBC bosses" decided to replace DJ Sara Cox with someone. Jezza suggested it was "The Queen". I have no recollection at all what that was about - have you?

In any case, Clarkson's humour about cars is perhaps a little intense when presented in such a format.

Whereas the content of a peperback is normally exactly the same as the hardback that preceeded it, be aware that the paperback does not include the excellent colour plates of all of the cars. As with the hardback, you don't get the number of "stars" Clarkson awarded to each car in that paper. How much would that have cost?

This is a book for the "lavatory reference section", from which to try to read one chapter before bed, or from dipping into on some other basis. Within those terms it succeeds.

Refreshing and enjoyable but makes you wonder, 17 Mar 2008
3.5 stars really. The author is fun to watch in action on TV. He is not afraid to speak his mind and has a unique turn of phrase when critcally examining something. He writes in much the same way. In fact, you sometimes catch yourself reading like Clarkson talks - complete with the pregnant pauses!

A light-hearted read, really. I did find some of the explanations/comments frustrating though. There is a chapter on Australia with a few outlandish statements that could be read as fact when they're not. Outlandish statements are, of course, pure, classic Clarkson but it got me thinking what else in the book (several countries I am not too familiar with) was really an embellishment - a "Clarksonism".

But then, that'd be regarding this book seriously which it certainly isn't. If you've been doing some heavy reading of late or enjoy Clarkson's take on the world, or even just want a laugh from a different type of travel book, then this book is a good choice. Makes me want to watch the Motorworld TV series.

100% of Britishness, 13 Dec 2006
Top Gear is a BBC TV series that does not need recommendation. I was not sure what to expect from a book though. But when I opened the book I simply couldn't put it down. It is so refreshing, funny, addictive. I have been to at least half of the places the author describes. But the way he does it (LOL at every other line) and the observations he makes make it so special. Finally, the language is 100% English, which is the REAL beauty of this book. Recommended to all the motorization fans but also all those who are interested in foreign places or just want to have some fun.

A Clarkson Classic, 20 Aug 2006
This is the perfect book, full of wit and humour typical of Clarkson's personality. Even for people who aren't keen on cars, this book is for you. It's brilliantly written and brings a smile to my face everytime I think of a comment he's made in this superb book. Quite old the book may be, but it's always an entertaining read, which has resulted in me desperately wanting to purchase Clarkson's other publishings.

Fantastic!, 02 Nov 2005
I love Jeremy Clarkson's style and wit and this book made me cry with laughter. I can picture his voice when reading it which makes it all the funnier. I love cars but even if this is not the case for you, it is a definite recommended read. I even made my boyfriend read it which believe me is a feat in itself (he doesnt like reading)and even he is now reading other Clarkson books. If you're sick of PC rubbish and like the idea of some refreshing and individual thoughts then read this book. Go Clarkson!

Refreshing, 20 Sep 2005
I have no interest in cars whatsoever. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Jeremy Clarkson is opinionated and outspoken, a rare quality amongst the politically correct English. Added to that, he is also very witty. Love him or hate him at least you get a laugh. How many obnoxious people do you know who make you laugh?

The book is great if you don't have much time as each chapter is independant of the other so you can pick it up, read a chapter and put it down again without feeling like you're messing up the flow of some novel.

Jeremy confesses he is prone to exaggeration and some of his episodes have to be read to be believed. The chapter on Detroit comes to mind. Thoroughly entertaining though.

Well worth a read.

Stop him now , 19 Nov 2008
I went to school with him, and contrary to what he says in the Sunday Times, he was expelled for smoking dope at the prep school !
I am a fan , however; Top gear is great and his books are good fun to read but give me a break , they are all the same !
I live abroad , but when I come back to visit I like to go into the big bookshops and am invariably bombarded with the latest Jeremy Clarkson offering. This is getting annoying .

However funny he might be , there is only so much that can be written about cars, late seventies rock music and what there is still good about England.



Don't stop me now, 18 Oct 2008
Don't Stop Me NowWhat a fantastic read, you'd think this book would only appeal to the petrol heads. Don't be fooled. Very well written and it's super how Jeremy can twist his topic to fit the item under review.

Car reviews that are laugh out loud!, 13 Oct 2008
Firstly, this is more than a book about cars. It is Mr Clarkson's dry, witty and always cynical outlook on the world. If, like me, you find relief in discovering someone who is still politically incorrect, chauvanistic and doesn't care who knows it you will love the book. I found a lot of myself reflected in reading this

I have not enjoyed reading a book as much as this in a long time. The format of the reviews makes this an easy read to pick up and put down. Reviews are about 4 pages on average with great photography. The first 3 pages of a review are devoted to a humorous commentary on something seemingly unconnected with a car. This is always rectified in the last page with a surprisingly insightful description of the car itself. I believe all the reviews have previously been published in The Times.

Many car types are covered; supercars to the lowliest of runabouts....they're all here. Genuinely useful information can be found within the covers....not just the eye-watering performance figures of Veyrons and Diablos.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for both entertainment and basic information on the cars reviewed. Someone who was only a fan of humour would probably be best advised to steer clear (amusing pun intended) as this is a serious work of car journalism too.

At the time of writing (October 2008) Jeremy has been involved in a head on crash but early reports indicate that he is pretty much unscathed; "My right index finger looked like a burst sausage, my left shin was fatter than my thigh and my back felt like someone had driven over it with a pile-driver."

Good luck with the recovery, Jeremy, and lets hope another book as good as this appears soon.

Funny and funnier, 14 Aug 2008
Now we all know that Clarkson makes loads of money from selling books full of stuff he has already written in the paper but so what....who cares whether he's making extra money or not when you get to read this much funny stuff all in one book!

We all know he says he's writing about cars when in fact he just rants about complete rubbish for 3/4's of the articles....but who cares when he can make rubbish this funny!!!

We all know that Clarkson is a pompous, over opinionated, biggot....who cares....he's funnier than most other people you can read these days!!

I love this book....I think all the clarkson books are great but this one really is one of his best. I like the fact that they have made a bit more effort and actually put pictures of the cars he is talking about in the book. I probably like it more because it is more recent as well so the jokes are more topical.

If you want a bit of light reading, you know the kind of thing you can lie in bed and giggle to or sit in on a sunday morning and relax to then this is the book for you. Its light hearted, its funny, its easy to read and it offends 90% of the population which has to make you laugh doesn't to really!!

I'm not sure I will ever vote Clarkson for Prime Minister but I would certainly give him my vote when it comes to his writing. Dont think about the fact that he makes money out of this book having already been paid for writing the articles for the paper. It doesn't make any difference to you it just means you get to read all his funniest material in one go, which to be honest, is well worth the money!! In fact, with that kind of money making ability maybe he should be our Prime Minister!!!


"To everyone except John Prescott", 07 Jun 2008
Jezza's dedication, above, is a little unfair, in that he and the redoubtable Mr "two-jags" Prescott at least share a passion for cars. I like Clarkson's refreshinging un-PC attitude, although not his complancency about CO2 (although he may yet turn out to be right) and enjoy his columns on cars, and on more general matters, in The Sunday Times.

But is this a good book? Mr wife bought me it for Christmas, bouyed up no doubt by my positive reaction to "The World according to Clarkson" the year before, but I have read perhaps half of the fifty or so "chapters". Why?

Well, I can remember most of them from when I first read them, 2003 - 2006, for a start. At the same time, some of the contemporary references were so fleeting that they conjure forth no recollection at all. For example: in October 2003 "BBC bosses" decided to replace DJ Sara Cox with someone. Jezza suggested it was "The Queen". I have no recollection at all what that was about - have you?

In any case, Clarkson's humour about cars is perhaps a little intense when presented in such a format.

Whereas the content of a peperback is normally exactly the same as the hardback that preceeded it, be aware that the paperback does not include the excellent colour plates of all of the cars. As with the hardback, you don't get the number of "stars" Clarkson awarded to each car in that paper. How much would that have cost?

This is a book for the "lavatory reference section", from which to try to read one chapter before bed, or from dipping into on some other basis. Within those terms it succeeds.

Refreshing and enjoyable but makes you wonder, 17 Mar 2008
3.5 stars really. The author is fun to watch in action on TV. He is not afraid to speak his mind and has a unique turn of phrase when critcally examining something. He writes in much the same way. In fact, you sometimes catch yourself reading like Clarkson talks - complete with the pregnant pauses!

A light-hearted read, really. I did find some of the explanations/comments frustrating though. There is a chapter on Australia with a few outlandish statements that could be read as fact when they're not. Outlandish statements are, of course, pure, classic Clarkson but it got me thinking what else in the book (several countries I am not too familiar with) was really an embellishment - a "Clarksonism".

But then, that'd be regarding this book seriously which it certainly isn't. If you've been doing some heavy reading of late or enjoy Clarkson's take on the world, or even just want a laugh from a different type of travel book, then this book is a good choice. Makes me want to watch the Motorworld TV series.

100% of Britishness, 13 Dec 2006
Top Gear is a BBC TV series that does not need recommendation. I was not sure what to expect from a book though. But when I opened the book I simply couldn't put it down. It is so refreshing, funny, addictive. I have been to at least half of the places the author describes. But the way he does it (LOL at every other line) and the observations he makes make it so special. Finally, the language is 100% English, which is the REAL beauty of this book. Recommended to all the motorization fans but also all those who are interested in foreign places or just want to have some fun.

A Clarkson Classic, 20 Aug 2006
This is the perfect book, full of wit and humour typical of Clarkson's personality. Even for people who aren't keen on cars, this book is for you. It's brilliantly written and brings a smile to my face everytime I think of a comment he's made in this superb book. Quite old the book may be, but it's always an entertaining read, which has resulted in me desperately wanting to purchase Clarkson's other publishings.

Fantastic!, 02 Nov 2005
I love Jeremy Clarkson's style and wit and this book made me cry with laughter. I can picture his voice when reading it which makes it all the funnier. I love cars but even if this is not the case for you, it is a definite recommended read. I even made my boyfriend read it which believe me is a feat in itself (he doesnt like reading)and even he is now reading other Clarkson books. If you're sick of PC rubbish and like the idea of some refreshing and individual thoughts then read this book. Go Clarkson!

Refreshing, 20 Sep 2005
I have no interest in cars whatsoever. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Jeremy Clarkson is opinionated and outspoken, a rare quality amongst the politically correct English. Added to that, he is also very witty. Love him or hate him at least you get a laugh. How many obnoxious people do you know who make you laugh?

The book is great if you don't have much time as each chapter is independant of the other so you can pick it up, read a chapter and put it down again without feeling like you're messing up the flow of some novel.

Jeremy confesses he is prone to exaggeration and some of his episodes have to be read to be believed. The chapter on Detroit comes to mind. Thoroughly entertaining though.

Well worth a read.

Pithy., 20 Dec 2007
The two things I look for in a book are that they be:
i) funny
ii) short
Crap Cars has each of these attributes in spades, so I loved it. To be honest, it's too short (hence only 4 stars); I read the whole thing in under an hour. But the fact that I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting must tell you something about how entertained I was by it.
It's bleedin' hilarious.

Crap Cars, crap book more like, 08 Feb 2006
I agree with a great number of other people that reviewed this book. It's very opionated and not very factual, hardly even funny. Of course people are entitled to their own opinion, but sweeping statements are made without any back-up apart from the fact that the author thinks so.

If you want a much more reasoned opinion "Unsafe at Any Speed" is a far better read.

Laughed til I cried, 02 Jan 2006
Had to buy it because I was laughing too much in W.H. Smiths and making a fool of myself. Couldn't believe Beetle came bottom but was so glad my car wasn't mentioned !!

Laugh till you cry, 08 Feb 2005
There are not many books you have to put down every so often to wipe away the tears. this is one of them. Extremely funny

For those who don't even LIKE cars..., 22 Jan 2005
I am a forteen-year-old girl. I have absolutely no interest in cars, crap or not. But I ADORED this book! My younger brother was given it for Christmas and one dull afternoon I picked it up to have a read- I seldom laugh so much at litriture! Though, I felt, less informitive on cars than insulting, it was highly amusing. Beautifully written and full of great one-liners, even those who have no interest in cars what so ever should have a read!

Stop him now , 19 Nov 2008
I went to school with him, and contrary to what he says in the Sunday Times, he was expelled for smoking dope at the prep school !
I am a fan , however; Top gear is great and his books are good fun to read but give me a break , they are all the same !
I live abroad , but when I come back to visit I like to go into the big bookshops and am invariably bombarded with the latest Jeremy Clarkson offering. This is getting annoying .

However funny he might be , there is only so much that can be written about cars, late seventies rock music and what there is still good about England.



Don't stop me now, 18 Oct 2008
Don't Stop Me NowWhat a fantastic read, you'd think this book would only appeal to the petrol heads. Don't be fooled. Very well written and it's super how Jeremy can twist his topic to fit the item under review.

Car reviews that are laugh out loud!, 13 Oct 2008
Firstly, this is more than a book about cars. It is Mr Clarkson's dry, witty and always cynical outlook on the world. If, like me, you find relief in discovering someone who is still politically incorrect, chauvanistic and doesn't care who knows it you will love the book. I found a lot of myself reflected in reading this

I have not enjoyed reading a book as much as this in a long time. The format of the reviews makes this an easy read to pick up and put down. Reviews are about 4 pages on average with great photography. The first 3 pages of a review are devoted to a humorous commentary on something seemingly unconnected with a car. This is always rectified in the last page with a surprisingly insightful description of the car itself. I believe all the reviews have previously been published in The Times.

Many car types are covered; supercars to the lowliest of runabouts....they're all here. Genuinely useful information can be found within the covers....not just the eye-watering performance figures of Veyrons and Diablos.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for both entertainment and basic information on the cars reviewed. Someone who was only a fan of humour would probably be best advised to steer clear (amusing pun intended) as this is a serious work of car journalism too.

At the time of writing (October 2008) Jeremy has been involved in a head on crash but early reports indicate that he is pretty much unscathed; "My right index finger looked like a burst sausage, my left shin was fatter than my thigh and my back felt like someone had driven over it with a pile-driver."

Good luck with the recovery, Jeremy, and lets hope another book as good as this appears soon.

Funny and funnier, 14 Aug 2008
Now we all know that Clarkson makes loads of money from selling books full of stuff he has already written in the paper but so what....who cares whether he's making extra money or not when you get to read this much funny stuff all in one book!

We all know he says he's writing about cars when in fact he just rants about complete rubbish for 3/4's of the articles....but who cares when he can make rubbish this funny!!!

We all know that Clarkson is a pompous, over opinionated, biggot....who cares....he's funnier than most other people you can read these days!!

I love this book....I think all the clarkson books are great but this one really is one of his best. I like the fact that they have made a bit more effort and actually put pictures of the cars he is talking about in the book. I probably like it more because it is more recent as well so the jokes are more topical.

If you want a bit of light reading, you know the kind of thing you can lie in bed and giggle to or sit in on a sunday morning and relax to then this is the book for you. Its light hearted, its funny, its easy to read and it offends 90% of the population which has to make you laugh doesn't to really!!

I'm not sure I will ever vote Clarkson for Prime Minister but I would certainly give him my vote when it comes to his writing. Dont think about the fact that he makes money out of this book having already been paid for writing the articles for the paper. It doesn't make any difference to you it just means you get to read all his funniest material in one go, which to be honest, is well worth the money!! In fact, with that kind of money making ability maybe he should be our Prime Minister!!!


"To everyone except John Prescott", 07 Jun 2008
Jezza's dedication, above, is a little unfair, in that he and the redoubtable Mr "two-jags" Prescott at least share a passion for cars. I like Clarkson's refreshinging un-PC attitude, although not his complancency about CO2 (although he may yet turn out to be right) and enjoy his columns on cars, and on more general matters, in The Sunday Times.

But is this a good book? Mr wife bought me it for Christmas, bouyed up no doubt by my positive reaction to "The World according to Clarkson" the year before, but I have read perhaps half of the fifty or so "chapters". Why?

Well, I can remember most of them from when I first read them, 2003 - 2006, for a start. At the same time, some of the contemporary references were so fleeting that they conjure forth no recollection at all. For example: in October 2003 "BBC bosses" decided to replace DJ Sara Cox with someone. Jezza suggested it was "The Queen". I have no recollection at all what that was about - have you?

In any case, Clarkson's humour about cars is perhaps a little intense when presented in such a format.

Whereas the content of a peperback is normally exactly the same as the hardback that preceeded it, be aware that the paperback does not include the excellent colour plates of all of the cars. As with the hardback, you don't get the number of "stars" Clarkson awarded to each car in that paper. How much would that have cost?

This is a book for the "lavatory reference section", from which to try to read one chapter before bed, or from dipping into on some other basis. Within those terms it succeeds.

Refreshing and enjoyable but makes you wonder, 17 Mar 2008
3.5 stars really. The author is fun to watch in action on TV. He is not afraid to speak his mind and has a unique turn of phrase when critcally examining something. He writes in much the same way. In fact, you sometimes catch yourself reading like Clarkson talks - complete with the pregnant pauses!

A light-hearted read, really. I did find some of the explanations/comments frustrating though. There is a chapter on Australia with a few outlandish statements that could be read as fact when they're not. Outlandish statements are, of course, pure, classic Clarkson but it got me thinking what else in the book (several countries I am not too familiar with) was really an embellishment - a "Clarksonism".

But then, that'd be regarding this book seriously which it certainly isn't. If you've been doing some heavy reading of late or enjoy Clarkson's take on the world, or even just want a laugh from a different type of travel book, then this book is a good choice. Makes me want to watch the Motorworld TV series.

100% of Britishness, 13 Dec 2006
Top Gear is a BBC TV series that does not need recommendation. I was not sure what to expect from a book though. But when I opened the book I simply couldn't put it down. It is so refreshing, funny, addictive. I have been to at least half of the places the author describes. But the way he does it (LOL at every other line) and the observations he makes make it so special. Finally, the language is 100% English, which is the REAL beauty of this book. Recommended to all the motorization fans but also all those who are interested in foreign places or just want to have some fun.

A Clarkson Classic, 20 Aug 2006
This is the perfect book, full of wit and humour typical of Clarkson's personality. Even for people who aren't keen on cars, this book is for you. It's brilliantly written and brings a smile to my face everytime I think of a comment he's made in this superb book. Quite old the book may be, but it's always an entertaining read, which has resulted in me desperately wanting to purchase Clarkson's other publishings.

Fantastic!, 02 Nov 2005
I love Jeremy Clarkson's style and wit and this book made me cry with laughter. I can picture his voice when reading it which makes it all the funnier. I love cars but even if this is not the case for you, it is a definite recommended read. I even made my boyfriend read it which believe me is a feat in itself (he doesnt like reading)and even he is now reading other Clarkson books. If you're sick of PC rubbish and like the idea of some refreshing and individual thoughts then read this book. Go Clarkson!

Refreshing, 20 Sep 2005
I have no interest in cars whatsoever. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Jeremy Clarkson is opinionated and outspoken, a rare quality amongst the politically correct English. Added to that, he is also very witty. Love him or hate him at least you get a laugh. How many obnoxious people do you know who make you laugh?

The book is great if you don't have much time as each chapter is independant of the other so you can pick it up, read a chapter and put it down again without feeling like you're messing up the flow of some novel.

Jeremy confesses he is prone to exaggeration and some of his episodes have to be read to be believed. The chapter on Detroit comes to mind. Thoroughly entertaining though.

Well worth a read.

Pithy., 20 Dec 2007
The two things I look for in a book are that they be:
i) funny
ii) short
Crap Cars has each of these attributes in spades, so I loved it. To be honest, it's too short (hence only 4 stars); I read the whole thing in under an hour. But the fact that I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting must tell you something about how entertained I was by it.
It's bleedin' hilarious.

Crap Cars, crap book more like, 08 Feb 2006
I agree with a great number of other people that reviewed this book. It's very opionated and not very factual, hardly even funny. Of course people are entitled to their own opinion, but sweeping statements are made without any back-up apart from the fact that the author thinks so.

If you want a much more reasoned opinion "Unsafe at Any Speed" is a far better read.

Laughed til I cried, 02 Jan 2006
Had to buy it because I was laughing too much in W.H. Smiths and making a fool of myself. Couldn't believe Beetle came bottom but was so glad my car wasn't mentioned !!

Laugh till you cry, 08 Feb 2005
There are not many books you have to put down every so often to wipe away the tears. this is one of them. Extremely funny

For those who don't even LIKE cars..., 22 Jan 2005
I am a forteen-year-old girl. I have absolutely no interest in cars, crap or not. But I ADORED this book! My younger brother was given it for Christmas and one dull afternoon I picked it up to have a read- I seldom laugh so much at litriture! Though, I felt, less informitive on cars than insulting, it was highly amusing. Beautifully written and full of great one-liners, even those who have no interest in cars what so ever should have a read!

Stop him now , 19 Nov 2008
I went to school with him, and contrary to what he says in the Sunday Times, he was expelled for smoking dope at the prep school !
I am a fan , however; Top gear is great and his books are good fun to read but give me a break , they are all the same !
I live abroad , but when I come back to visit I like to go into the big bookshops and am invariably bombarded with the latest Jeremy Clarkson offering. This is getting annoying .

However funny he might be , there is only so much that can be written about cars, late seventies rock music and what there is still good about England.



Don't stop me now, 18 Oct 2008
Don't Stop Me NowWhat a fantastic read, you'd think this book would only appeal to the petrol heads. Don't be fooled. Very well written and it's super how Jeremy can twist his topic to fit the item under review.

Car reviews that are laugh out loud!, 13 Oct 2008
Firstly, this is more than a book about cars. It is Mr Clarkson's dry, witty and always cynical outlook on the world. If, like me, you find relief in discovering someone who is still politically incorrect, chauvanistic and doesn't care who knows it you will love the book. I found a lot of myself reflected in reading this

I have not enjoyed reading a book as much as this in a long time. The format of the reviews makes this an easy read to pick up and put down. Reviews are about 4 pages on average with great photography. The first 3 pages of a review are devoted to a humorous commentary on something seemingly unconnected with a car. This is always rectified in the last page with a surprisingly insightful description of the car itself. I believe all the reviews have previously been published in The Times.

Many car types are covered; supercars to the lowliest of runabouts....they're all here. Genuinely useful information can be found within the covers....not just the eye-watering performance figures of Veyrons and Diablos.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for both entertainment and basic information on the cars reviewed. Someone who was only a fan of humour would probably be best advised to steer clear (amusing pun intended) as this is a serious work of car journalism too.

At the time of writing (October 2008) Jeremy has been involved in a head on crash but early reports indicate that he is pretty much unscathed; "My right index finger looked like a burst sausage, my left shin was fatter than my thigh and my back felt like someone had driven over it with a pile-driver."

Good luck with the recovery, Jeremy, and lets hope another book as good as this appears soon.

Funny and funnier, 14 Aug 2008
Now we all know that Clarkson makes loads of money from selling books full of stuff he has already written in the paper but so what....who cares whether he's making extra money or not when you get to read this much funny stuff all in one book!

We all know he says he's writing about cars when in fact he just rants about complete rubbish for 3/4's of the articles....but who cares when he can make rubbish this funny!!!

We all know that Clarkson is a pompous, over opinionated, biggot....who cares....he's funnier than most other people you can read these days!!

I love this book....I think all the clarkson books are great but this one really is one of his best. I like the fact that they have made a bit more effort and actually put pictures of the cars he is talking about in the book. I probably like it more because it is more recent as well so the jokes are more topical.

If you want a bit of light reading, you know the kind of thing you can lie in bed and giggle to or sit in on a sunday morning and relax to then this is the book for you. Its light hearted, its funny, its easy to read and it offends 90% of the population which has to make you laugh doesn't to really!!

I'm not sure I will ever vote Clarkson for Prime Minister but I would certainly give him my vote when it comes to his writing. Dont think about the fact that he makes money out of this book having already been paid for writing the articles for the paper. It doesn't make any difference to you it just means you get to read all his funniest material in one go, which to be honest, is well worth the money!! In fact, with that kind of money making ability maybe he should be our Prime Minister!!!


"To everyone except John Prescott", 07 Jun 2008
Jezza's dedication, above, is a little unfair, in that he and the redoubtable Mr "two-jags" Prescott at least share a passion for cars. I like Clarkson's refreshinging un-PC attitude, although not his complancency about CO2 (although he may yet turn out to be right) and enjoy his columns on cars, and on more general matters, in The Sunday Times.

But is this a good book? Mr wife bought me it for Christmas, bouyed up no doubt by my positive reaction to "The World according to Clarkson" the year before, but I have read perhaps half of the fifty or so "chapters". Why?

Well, I can remember most of them from when I first read them, 2003 - 2006, for a start. At the same time, some of the contemporary references were so fleeting that they conjure forth no recollection at all. For example: in October 2003 "BBC bosses" decided to replace DJ Sara Cox with someone. Jezza suggested it was "The Queen". I have no recollection at all what that was about - have you?

In any case, Clarkson's humour about cars is perhaps a little intense when presented in such a format.

Whereas the content of a peperback is normally exactly the same as the hardback that preceeded it, be aware that the paperback does not include the excellent colour plates of all of the cars. As with the hardback, you don't get the number of "stars" Clarkson awarded to each car in that paper. How much would that have cost?

This is a book for the "lavatory reference section", from which to try to read one chapter before bed, or from dipping into on some other basis. Within those terms it succeeds.

Stop him now , 19 Nov 2008
I went to school with him, and contrary to what he says in the Sunday Times, he was expelled for smoking dope at the prep school !
I am a fan , however; Top gear is great and his books are good fun to read but give me a break , they are all the same !
I live abroad , but when I come back to visit I like to go into the big bookshops and am invariably bombarded with the latest Jeremy Clarkson offering. This is getting annoying .

However funny he might be , there is only so much that can be written about cars, late seventies rock music and what there is still good about England.



Don't stop me now, 18 Oct 2008
Don't Stop Me NowWhat a fantastic read, you'd think this book would only appeal to the petrol heads. Don't be fooled. Very well written and it's super how Jeremy can twist his topic to fit the item under review.

Car reviews that are laugh out loud!, 13 Oct 2008
Firstly, this is more than a book about cars. It is Mr Clarkson's dry, witty and always cynical outlook on the world. If, like me, you find relief in discovering someone who is still politically incorrect, chauvanistic and doesn't care who knows it you will love the book. I found a lot of myself reflected in reading this

I have not enjoyed reading a book as much as this in a long time. The format of the reviews makes this an easy read to pick up and put down. Reviews are about 4 pages on average with great photography. The first 3 pages of a review are devoted to a humorous commentary on something seemingly unconnected with a car. This is always rectified in the last page with a surprisingly insightful description of the car itself. I believe all the reviews have previously been published in The Times.

Many car types are covered; supercars to the lowliest of runabouts....they're all here. Genuinely useful information can be found within the covers....not just the eye-watering performance figures of Veyrons and Diablos.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for both entertainment and basic information on the cars reviewed. Someone who was only a fan of humour would probably be best advised to steer clear (amusing pun intended) as this is a serious work of car journalism too.

At the time of writing (October 2008) Jeremy has been involved in a head on crash but early reports indicate that he is pretty much unscathed; "My right index finger looked like a burst sausage, my left shin was fatter than my thigh and my back felt like someone had driven over it with a pile-driver."

Good luck with the recovery, Jeremy, and lets hope another book as good as this appears soon.

Funny and funnier, 14 Aug 2008
Now we all know that Clarkson makes loads of money from selling books full of stuff he has already written in the paper but so what....who cares whether he's making extra money or not when you get to read this much funny stuff all in one book!

We all know he says he's writing about cars when in fact he just rants about complete rubbish for 3/4's of the articles....but who cares when he can make rubbish this funny!!!

We all know that Clarkson is a pompous, over opinionated, biggot....who cares....he's funnier than most other people you can read these days!!

I love this book....I think all the clarkson books are great but this one really is one of his best. I like the fact that they have made a bit more effort and actually put pictures of the cars he is talking about in the book. I probably like it more because it is more recent as well so the jokes are more topical.

If you want a bit of light reading, you know the kind of thing you can lie in bed and giggle to or sit in on a sunday morning and relax to then this is the book for you. Its light hearted, its funny, its easy to read and it offends 90% of the population which has to make you laugh doesn't to really!!

I'm not sure I will ever vote Clarkson for Prime Minister but I would certainly give him my vote when it comes to his writing. Dont think about the fact that he makes money out of this book having already been paid for writing the articles for the paper. It doesn't make any difference to you it just means you get to read all his funniest material in one go, which to be honest, is well worth the money!! In fact, with that kind of money making ability maybe he should be our Prime Minister!!!


"To everyone except John Prescott", 07 Jun 2008
Jezza's dedication, above, is a little unfair, in that he and the redoubtable Mr "two-jags" Prescott at least share a passion for cars. I like Clarkson's refreshinging un-PC attitude, although not his complancency about CO2 (although he may yet turn out to be right) and enjoy his columns on cars, and on more general matters, in The Sunday Times.

But is this a good book? Mr wife bought me it for Christmas, bouyed up no doubt by my positive reaction to "The World according to Clarkson" the year before, but I have read perhaps half of the fifty or so "chapters". Why?

Well, I can remember most of them from when I first read them, 2003 - 2006, for a start. At the same time, some of the contemporary references were so fleeting that they conjure forth no recollection at all. For example: in October 2003 "BBC bosses" decided to replace DJ Sara Cox with someone. Jezza suggested it was "The Queen". I have no recollection at all what that was about - have you?

In any case, Clarkson's humour about cars is perhaps a little intense when presented in such a format.

Whereas the content of a peperback is normally exactly the same as the hardback that preceeded it, be aware that the paperback does not include the excellent colour plates of all of the cars. As with the hardback, you don't get the number of "stars" Clarkson awarded to each car in that paper. How much would that have cost?

This is a book for the "lavatory reference section", from which to try to read one chapter before bed, or from dipping into on some other basis. Within those terms it succeeds.

Refreshing and enjoyable but makes you wonder, 17 Mar 2008
3.5 stars really. The author is fun to watch in action on TV. He is not afraid to speak his mind and has a unique turn of phrase when critcally examining something. He writes in much the same way. In fact, you sometimes catch yourself reading like Clarkson talks - complete with the pregnant pauses!

A light-hearted read, really. I did find some of the explanations/comments frustrating though. There is a chapter on Australia with a few outlandish statements that could be read as fact when they're not. Outlandish statements are, of course, pure, classic Clarkson but it got me thinking what else in the book (several countries I am not too familiar with) was really an embellishment - a "Clarksonism".

But then, that'd be regarding this book seriously which it certainly isn't. If you've been doing some heavy reading of late or enjoy Clarkson's take on the world, or even just want a laugh from a different type of travel book, then this book is a good choice. Makes me want to watch the Motorworld TV series.

100% of Britishness, 13 Dec 2006
Top Gear is a BBC TV series that does not need recommendation. I was not sure what to expect from a book though. But when I opened the book I simply couldn't put it down. It is so refreshing, funny, addictive. I have been to at least half of the places the author describes. But the way he does it (LOL at every other line) and the observations he makes make it so special. Finally, the language is 100% English, which is the REAL beauty of this book. Recommended to all the motorization fans but also all those who are interested in foreign places or just want to have some fun.

A Clarkson Classic, 20 Aug 2006
This is the perfect book, full of wit and humour typical of Clarkson's personality. Even for people who aren't keen on cars, this book is for you. It's brilliantly written and brings a smile to my face everytime I think of a comment he's made in this superb book. Quite old the book may be, but it's always an entertaining read, which has resulted in me desperately wanting to purchase Clarkson's other publishings.

Fantastic!, 02 Nov 2005
I love Jeremy Clarkson's style and wit and this book made me cry with laughter. I can picture his voice when reading it which makes it all the funnier. I love cars but even if this is not the case for you, it is a definite recommended read. I even made my boyfriend read it which believe me is a feat in itself (he doesnt like reading)and even he is now reading other Clarkson books. If you're sick of PC rubbish and like the idea of some refreshing and individual thoughts then read this book. Go Clarkson!

Refreshing, 20 Sep 2005
I have no interest in cars whatsoever. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Jeremy Clarkson is opinionated and outspoken, a rare quality amongst the politically correct English. Added to that, he is also very witty. Love him or hate him at least you get a laugh. How many obnoxious people do you know who make you laugh?

The book is great if you don't have much time as each chapter is independant of the other so you can pick it up, read a chapter and put it down again without feeling like you're messing up the flow of some novel.

Jeremy confesses he is prone to exaggeration and some of his episodes have to be read to be believed. The chapter on Detroit comes to mind. Thoroughly entertaining though.

Well worth a read.

Pithy., 20 Dec 2007
The two things I look for in a book are that they be:
i) funny
ii) short
Crap Cars has each of these attributes in spades, so I loved it. To be honest, it's too short (hence only 4 stars); I read the whole thing in under an hour. But the fact that I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting must tell you something about how entertained I was by it.
It's bleedin' hilarious.

Crap Cars, crap book more like, 08 Feb 2006
I agree with a great number of other people that reviewed this book. It's very opionated and not very factual, hardly even funny. Of course people are entitled to their own opinion, but sweeping statements are made without any back-up apart from the fact that the author thinks so.

If you want a much more reasoned opinion "Unsafe at Any Speed" is a far better read.

Laughed til I cried, 02 Jan 2006
Had to buy it because I was laughing too much in W.H. Smiths and making a fool of myself. Couldn't believe Beetle came bottom but was so glad my car wasn't mentioned !!

Laugh till you cry, 08 Feb 2005
There are not many books you have to put down every so often to wipe away the tears. this is one of them. Extremely funny

For those who don't even LIKE cars..., 22 Jan 2005
I am a forteen-year-old girl. I have absolutely no interest in cars, crap or not. But I ADORED this book! My younger brother was given it for Christmas and one dull afternoon I picked it up to have a read- I seldom laugh so much at litriture! Though, I felt, less informitive on cars than insulting, it was highly amusing. Beautifully written and full of great one-liners, even those who have no interest in cars what so ever should have a read!

Stop him now , 19 Nov 2008
I went to school with him, and contrary to what he says in the Sunday Times, he was expelled for smoking dope at the prep school !
I am a fan , however; Top gear is great and his books are good fun to read but give me a break , they are all the same !
I live abroad , but when I come back to visit I like to go into the big bookshops and am invariably bombarded with the latest Jeremy Clarkson offering. This is getting annoying .

However funny he might be , there is only so much that can be written about cars, late seventies rock music and what there is still good about England.



Don't stop me now, 18 Oct 2008
Don't Stop Me NowWhat a fantastic read, you'd think this book would only appeal to the petrol heads. Don't be fooled. Very well written and it's super how Jeremy can twist his topic to fit the item under review.

Car reviews that are laugh out loud!, 13 Oct 2008
Firstly, this is more than a book about cars. It is Mr Clarkson's dry, witty and always cynical outlook on the world. If, like me, you find relief in discovering someone who is still politically incorrect, chauvanistic and doesn't care who knows it you will love the book. I found a lot of myself reflected in reading this

I have not enjoyed reading a book as much as this in a long time. The format of the reviews makes this an easy read to pick up and put down. Reviews are about 4 pages on average with great photography. The first 3 pages of a review are devoted to a humorous commentary on something seemingly unconnected with a car. This is always rectified in the last page with a surprisingly insightful description of the car itself. I believe all the reviews have previously been published in The Times.

Many car types are covered; supercars to the lowliest of runabouts....they're all here. Genuinely useful information can be found within the covers....not just the eye-watering performance figures of Veyrons and Diablos.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for both entertainment and basic information on the cars reviewed. Someone who was only a fan of humour would probably be best advised to steer clear (amusing pun intended) as this is a serious work of car journalism too.

At the time of writing (October 2008) Jeremy has been involved in a head on crash but early reports indicate that he is pretty much unscathed; "My right index finger looked like a burst sausage, my left shin was fatter than my thigh and my back felt like someone had driven over it with a pile-driver."

Good luck with the recovery, Jeremy, and lets hope another book as good as this appears soon.

Funny and funnier, 14 Aug 2008
Now we all know that Clarkson makes loads of money from selling books full of stuff he has already written in the paper but so what....who cares whether he's making extra money or not when you get to read this much funny stuff all in one book!

We all know he says he's writing about cars when in fact he just rants about complete rubbish for 3/4's of the articles....but who cares when he can make rubbish this funny!!!

We all know that Clarkson is a pompous, over opinionated, biggot....who cares....he's funnier than most other people you can read these days!!

I love this book....I think all the clarkson books are great but this one really is one of his best. I like the fact that they have made a bit more effort and actually put pictures of the cars he is talking about in the book. I probably like it more because it is more recent as well so the jokes are more topical.

If you want a bit of light reading, you know the kind of thing you can lie in bed and giggle to or sit in on a sunday morning and relax to then this is the book for you. Its light hearted, its funny, its easy to read and it offends 90% of the population which has to make you laugh doesn't to really!!

I'm not sure I will ever vote Clarkson for Prime Minister but I would certainly give him my vote when it comes to his writing. Dont think about the fact that he makes money out of this book having already been paid for writing the articles for the paper. It doesn't make any difference to you it just means you get to read all his funniest material in one go, which to be honest, is well worth the money!! In fact, with that kind of money making ability maybe he should be our Prime Minister!!!


"To everyone except John Prescott", 07 Jun 2008
Jezza's dedication, above, is a little unfair, in that he and the redoubtable Mr "two-jags" Prescott at least share a passion for cars. I like Clarkson's refreshinging un-PC attitude, although not his complancency about CO2 (although he may yet turn out to be right) and enjoy his columns on cars, and on more general matters, in The Sunday Times.

But is this a good book? Mr wife bought me it for Christmas, bouyed up no doubt by my positive reaction to "The World according to Clarkson" the year before, but I have read perhaps half of the fifty or so "chapters". Why?

Well, I can remember most of them from when I first read them, 2003 - 2006, for a start. At the same time, some of the contemporary references were so fleeting that they conjure forth no recollection at all. For example: in October 2003 "BBC bosses" decided to replace DJ Sara Cox with someone. Jezza suggested it was "The Queen". I have no recollection at all what that was about - have you?

In any case, Clarkson's humour about cars is perhaps a little intense when presented in such a format.

Whereas the content of a peperback is normally exactly the same as the hardback that preceeded it, be aware that the paperback does not include the excellent colour plates of all of the cars. As with the hardback, you don't get the number of "stars" Clarkson awarded to each car in that paper. How much would that have cost?

This is a book for the "lavatory reference section", from which to try to read one chapter before bed, or from dipping into on some other basis. Within those terms it succeeds.

Richard Hammond at his very best!, 17 Sep 2008
Richard Hammond's Car Confidential is a simply staggering book in many ways.

The Hamster's back and, inevitably, with fantastic style and unparalleled characteristics.
He's full of wit, knowledge and he's also a car nut...and he's not afraid to show it!

Have you ever wanted to read a book that is aesthetically pleasing as is technically possible?
Well, you're in the right place.
Ever wanted to read a book with precisely 144 pages, that you'll read all in one go, not being physically able to put it down? Well, look no further. Once you've opened this book, you'll not be able to put it down - and that, my friends, is a guarantee.

The odd, the mad, the bad and the curious... it's a guide to everything you need to know about modern motoring. Richard Hammond covers many, many things including: passing your driving test, buying your first car, coolest hearses to make that last journey... and many more things with much enthusiasm. His unmistakable humour will put a smile on your face that'll split it clean in half.
This one's guaranteed to make you smile.
Are you ready for the read of your life?
This book will take you on a wild ride of all that's petrol-headed.

I therefore hope, for your sake, that your armchair is fitted with seatbelts.........


Makes fantastic reading material, 21 Aug 2008
Still, to this day, I can't get my head round how damn good this book was.

This book is a compendium of Richard Hammond's unmistakable humour and sarcasm.
This book is not just a riveting read for car fans, but anyone who enjoys some quirky facts.

It includes everything...
e.g in some foreign countries it's legal to wash your car using clean underwear. If you fancy using dirty underwear, however...illegal!

Now answer me this: where else would you find trivia like that?

So not only is this book car-nut-tastic, it makes fantastic reading material for anyone who wants a bit of a laugh.

From cover to cover this book is laugh a minute.

Superb read.
5 STAR *****

Hamster's back, 23 Oct 2006
This is an excellent book, not just for fans of the Hamster and Top Gear but also anyone interested in quirky facts. It is packed full of the wit and humour that we have come to expect. There are lots of top tens of everything - the top 10 mad foreign road signs being a particular favourite as well as plenty of hints and tips. It is well presented and colourfully illustrated inside which gives it a pick up/put down at leisure feel. Definitely one for the Christmas list.

Stop him now , 19 Nov 2008
I went to school with him, and contrary to what he says in the Sunday Times, he was expelled for smoking dope at the prep school !
I am a fan , however; Top gear is great and his books are good fun to read but give me a break , they are all the same !
I live abroad , but when I come back to visit I like to go into the big bookshops and am invariably bombarded with the latest Jeremy Clarkson offering. This is getting annoying .

However funny he might be , there is only so much that can be written about cars, late seventies rock music and what there is still good about England.



Don't stop me now, 18 Oct 2008
Don't Stop Me NowWhat a fantastic read, you'd think this book would only appeal to the petrol heads. Don't be fooled. Very well written and it's super how Jeremy can twist his topic to fit the item under review.

Car reviews that are laugh out loud!, 13 Oct 2008
Firstly, this is more than a book about cars. It is Mr Clarkson's dry, witty and always cynical outlook on the world. If, like me, you find relief in discovering someone who is still politically incorrect, chauvanistic and doesn't care who knows it you will love the book. I found a lot of myself reflected in reading this

I have not enjoyed reading a book as much as this in a long time. The format of the reviews makes this an easy read to pick up and put down. Reviews are about 4 pages on average with great photography. The first 3 pages of a review are devoted to a humorous commentary on something seemingly unconnected with a car. This is always rectified in the last page with a surprisingly insightful description of the car itself. I believe all the reviews have previously been published in The Times.

Many car types are covered; supercars to the lowliest of runabouts....they're all here. Genuinely useful information can be found within the covers....not just the eye-watering performance figures of Veyrons and Diablos.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for both entertainment and basic information on the cars reviewed. Someone who was only a fan of humour would probably be best advised to steer clear (amusing pun intended) as this is a serious work of car journalism too.

At the time of writing (October 2008) Jeremy has been involved in a head on crash but early reports indicate that he is pretty much unscathed; "My right index finger looked like a burst sausage, my left shin was fatter than my thigh and my back felt like someone had driven over it with a pile-driver."

Good luck with the recovery, Jeremy, and lets hope another book as good as this appears soon.

Funny and funnier, 14 Aug 2008
Now we all know that Clarkson makes loads of money from selling books full of stuff he has already written in the paper but so what....who cares whether he's making extra money or not when you get to read this much funny stuff all in one book!

We all know he says he's writing about cars when in fact he just rants about complete rubbish for 3/4's of the articles....but who cares when he can make rubbish this funny!!!

We all know that Clarkson is a pompous, over opinionated, biggot....who cares....he's funnier than most other people you can read these days!!

I love this book....I think all the clarkson books are great but this one really is one of his best. I like the fact that they have made a bit more effort and actually put pictures of the cars he is talking about in the book. I probably like it more because it is more recent as well so the jokes are more topical.

If you want a bit of light reading, you know the kind of thing you can lie in bed and giggle to or sit in on a sunday morning and relax to then this is the book for you. Its light hearted, its funny, its easy to read and it offends 90% of the population which has to make you laugh doesn't to really!!

I'm not sure I will ever vote Clarkson for Prime Minister but I would certainly give him my vote when it comes to his writing. Dont think about the fact that he makes money out of this book having already been paid for writing the articles for the paper. It doesn't make any difference to you it just means you get to read all his funniest material in one go, which to be honest, is well worth the money!! In fact, with that kind of money making ability maybe he should be our Prime Minister!!!


"To everyone except John Prescott", 07 Jun 2008
Jezza's dedication, above, is a little unfair, in that he and the redoubtable Mr "two-jags" Prescott at least share a passion for cars. I like Clarkson's refreshinging un-PC attitude, although not his complancency about CO2 (although he may yet turn out to be right) and enjoy his columns on cars, and on more general matters, in The Sunday Times.

But is this a good book? Mr wife bought me it for Christmas, bouyed up no doubt by my positive reaction to "The World according to Clarkson" the year before, but I have read perhaps half of the fifty or so "chapters". Why?

Well, I can remember most of them from when I first read them, 2003 - 2006, for a start. At the same time, some of the contemporary references were so fleeting that they conjure forth no recollection at all. For example: in October 2003 "BBC bosses" decided to replace DJ Sara Cox with someone. Jezza suggested it was "The Queen". I have no recollection at all what that was about - have you?

In any case, Clarkson's humour about cars is perhaps a little intense when presented in such a format.

Whereas the content of a peperback is normally exactly the same as the hardback that preceeded it, be aware that the paperback does not include the excellent colour plates of all of the cars. As with the hardback, you don't get the number of "stars" Clarkson awarded to each car in that paper. How much would that have cost?

This is a book for the "lavatory reference section", from which to try to read one chapter before bed, or from dipping into on some other basis. Within those terms it succeeds.

Refreshing and enjoyable but makes you wonder, 17 Mar 2008
3.5 stars really. The author is fun to watch in action on TV. He is not afraid to speak his mind and has a unique turn of phrase when critcally examining something. He writes in much the same way. In fact, you sometimes catch yourself reading like Clarkson talks - complete with the pregnant pauses!

A light-hearted read, really. I did find some of the explanations/comments frustrating though. There is a chapter on Australia with a few outlandish statements that could be read as fact when they're not. Outlandish statements are, of course, pure, classic Clarkson but it got me thinking what else in the book (several countries I am not too familiar with) was really an embellishment - a "Clarksonism".

But then, that'd be regarding this book seriously which it certainly isn't. If you've been doing some heavy reading of late or enjoy Clarkson's take on the world, or even just want a laugh from a different type of travel book, then this book is a good choice. Makes me want to watch the Motorworld TV series.

100% of Britishness, 13 Dec 2006
Top Gear is a BBC TV series that does not need recommendation. I was not sure what to expect from a book though. But when I opened the book I simply couldn't put it down. It is so refreshing, funny, addictive. I have been to at least half of the places the author describes. But the way he does it (LOL at every other line) and the observations he makes make it so special. Finally, the language is 100% English, which is the REAL beauty of this book. Recommended to all the motorization fans but also all those who are interested in foreign places or just want to have some fun.

A Clarkson Classic, 20 Aug 2006
This is the perfect book, full of wit and humour typical of Clarkson's personality. Even for people who aren't keen on cars, this book is for you. It's brilliantly written and brings a smile to my face everytime I think of a comment he's made in this superb book. Quite old the book may be, but it's always an entertaining read, which has resulted in me desperately wanting to purchase Clarkson's other publishings.

Fantastic!, 02 Nov 2005
I love Jeremy Clarkson's style and wit and this book made me cry with laughter. I can picture his voice when reading it which makes it all the funnier. I love cars but even if this is not the case for you, it is a definite recommended read. I even made my boyfriend read it which believe me is a feat in itself (he doesnt like reading)and even he is now reading other Clarkson books. If you're sick of PC rubbish and like the idea of some refreshing and individual thoughts then read this book. Go Clarkson!

Refreshing, 20 Sep 2005
I have no interest in cars whatsoever. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Jeremy Clarkson is opinionated and outspoken, a rare quality amongst the politically correct English. Added to that, he is also very witty. Love him or hate him at least you get a laugh. How many obnoxious people do you know who make you laugh?

The book is great if you don't have much time as each chapter is independant of the other so you can pick it up, read a chapter and put it down again without feeling like you're messing up the flow of some novel.

Jeremy confesses he is prone to exaggeration and some of his episodes have to be read to be believed. The chapter on Detroit comes to mind. Thoroughly entertaining though.

Well worth a read.

Pithy., 20 Dec 2007
The two things I look for in a book are that they be:
i) funny
ii) short
Crap Cars has each of these attributes in spades, so I loved it. To be honest, it's too short (hence only 4 stars); I read the whole thing in under an hour. But the fact that I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting must tell you something about how entertained I was by it.
It's bleedin' hilarious.

Crap Cars, crap book more like, 08 Feb 2006
I agree with a great number of other people that reviewed this book. It's very opionated and not very factual, hardly even funny. Of course people are entitled to their own opinion, but sweeping statements are made without any back-up apart from the fact that the author thinks so.

If you want a much more reasoned opinion "Unsafe at Any Speed" is a far better read.

Laughed til I cried, 02 Jan 2006
Had to buy it because I was laughing too much in W.H. Smiths and making a fool of myself. Couldn't believe Beetle came bottom but was so glad my car wasn't mentioned !!

Laugh till you cry, 08 Feb 2005
There are not many books you have to put down every so often to wipe away the tears. this is one of them. Extremely funny

For those who don't even LIKE cars..., 22 Jan 2005
I am a forteen-year-old girl. I have absolutely no interest in cars, crap or not. But I ADORED this book! My younger brother was given it for Christmas and one dull afternoon I picked it up to have a read- I seldom laugh so much at litriture! Though, I felt, less informitive on cars than insulting, it was highly amusing. Beautifully written and full of great one-liners, even those who have no interest in cars what so ever should have a read!

Stop him now , 19 Nov 2008
I went to school with him, and contrary to what he says in the Sunday Times, he was expelled for smoking dope at the prep school !
I am a fan , however; Top gear is great and his books are good fun to read but give me a break , they are all the same !
I live abroad , but when I come back to visit I like to go into the big bookshops and am invariably bombarded with the latest Jeremy Clarkson offering. This is getting annoying .

However funny he might be , there is only so much that can be written about cars, late seventies rock music and what there is still good about England.



Don't stop me now, 18 Oct 2008
Don't Stop Me NowWhat a fantastic read, you'd think this book would only appeal to the petrol heads. Don't be fooled. Very well written and it's super how Jeremy can twist his topic to fit the item under review.

Car reviews that are laugh out loud!, 13 Oct 2008
Firstly, this is more than a book about cars. It is Mr Clarkson's dry, witty and always cynical outlook on the world. If, like me, you find relief in discovering someone who is still politically incorrect, chauvanistic and doesn't care who knows it you will love the book. I found a lot of myself reflected in reading this

I have not enjoyed reading a book as much as this in a long time. The format of the reviews makes this an easy read to pick up and put down. Reviews are about 4 pages on average with great photography. The first 3 pages of a review are devoted to a humorous commentary on something seemingly unconnected with a car. This is always rectified in the last page with a surprisingly insightful description of the car itself. I believe all the reviews have previously been published in The Times.

Many car types are covered; supercars to the lowliest of runabouts....they're all here. Genuinely useful information can be found within the covers....not just the eye-watering performance figures of Veyrons and Diablos.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for both entertainment and basic information on the cars reviewed. Someone who was only a fan of humour would probably be best advised to steer clear (amusing pun intended) as this is a serious work of car journalism too.

At the time of writing (October 2008) Jeremy has been involved in a head on crash but early reports indicate that he is pretty much unscathed; "My right index finger looked like a burst sausage, my left shin was fatter than my thigh and my back felt like someone had driven over it with a pile-driver."

Good luck with the recovery, Jeremy, and lets hope another book as good as this appears soon.

Funny and funnier, 14 Aug 2008
Now we all know that Clarkson makes loads of money from selling books full of stuff he has already written in the paper but so what....who cares whether he's making extra money or not when you get to read this much funny stuff all in one book!

We all know he says he's writing about cars when in fact he just rants about complete rubbish for 3/4's of the articles....but who cares when he can make rubbish this funny!!!

We all know that Clarkson is a pompous, over opinionated, biggot....who cares....he's funnier than most other people you can read these days!!

I love this book....I think all the clarkson books are great but this one really is one of his best. I like the fact that they have made a bit more effort and actually put pictures of the cars he is talking about in the book. I probably like it more because it is more recent as well so the jokes are more topical.

If you want a bit of light reading, you know the kind of thing you can lie in bed and giggle to or sit in on a sunday morning and relax to then this is the book for you. Its light hearted, its funny, its easy to read and it offends 90% of the population which has to make you laugh doesn't to really!!

I'm not sure I will ever vote Clarkson for Prime Minister but I would certainly give him my vote when it comes to his writing. Dont think about the fact that he makes money out of this book having already been paid for writing the articles for the paper. It doesn't make any difference to you it just means you get to read all his funniest material in one go, which to be honest, is well worth the money!! In fact, with that kind of money making ability maybe he should be our Prime Minister!!!


"To everyone except John Prescott", 07 Jun 2008
Jezza's dedication, above, is a little unfair, in that he and the redoubtable Mr "two-jags" Prescott at least share a passion for cars. I like Clarkson's refreshinging un-PC attitude, although not his complancency about CO2 (although he may yet turn out to be right) and enjoy his columns on cars, and on more general matters, in The Sunday Times.

But is this a good book? Mr wife bought me it for Christmas, bouyed up no doubt by my positive reaction to "The World according to Clarkson" the year before, but I have read perhaps half of the fifty or so "chapters". Why?

Well, I can remember most of them from when I first read them, 2003 - 2006, for a start. At the same time, some of the contemporary references were so fleeting that they conjure forth no recollection at all. For example: in October 2003 "BBC bosses" decided to replace DJ Sara Cox with someone. Jezza suggested it was "The Queen". I have no recollection at all what that was about - have you?

In any case, Clarkson's humour about cars is perhaps a little intense when presented in such a format.

Whereas the content of a peperback is normally exactly the same as the hardback that preceeded it, be aware that the paperback does not include the excellent colour plates of all of the cars. As with the hardback, you don't get the number of "stars" Clarkson awarded to each car in that paper. How much would that have cost?

This is a book for the "lavatory reference section", from which to try to read one chapter before bed, or from dipping into on some other basis. Within those terms it succeeds.

Richard Hammond at his very best!, 17 Sep 2008
Richard Hammond's Car Confidential is a simply staggering book in many ways.

The Hamster's back and, inevitably, with fantastic style and unparalleled characteristics.
He's full of wit, knowledge and he's also a car nut...and he's not afraid to show it!

Have you ever wanted to read a book that is aesthetically pleasing as is technically possible?
Well, you're in the right place.
Ever wanted to read a book with precisely 144 pages, that you'll read all in one go, not being physically able to put it down? Well, look no further. Once you've opened this book, you'll not be able to put it down - and that, my friends, is a guarantee.

The odd, the mad, the bad and the curious... it's a guide to everything you need to know about modern motoring. Richard Hammond covers many, many things including: passing your driving test, buying your first car, coolest hearses to make that last journey... and many more things with much enthusiasm. His unmistakable humour will put a smile on your face that'll split it clean in half.
This one's guaranteed to make you smile.
Are you ready for the read of your life?
This book will take you on a wild ride of all that's petrol-headed.

I therefore hope, for your sake, that your armchair is fitted with seatbelts.........


Makes fantastic reading material, 21 Aug 2008
Still, to this day, I can't get my head round how damn good this book was.

This book is a compendium of Richard Hammond's unmistakable humour and sarcasm.
This book is not just a riveting read for car fans, but anyone who enjoys some quirky facts.

It includes everything...
e.g in some foreign countries it's legal to wash your car using clean underwear. If you fancy using dirty underwear, however...illegal!

Now answer me this: where else would you find trivia like that?

So not only is this book car-nut-tastic, it makes fantastic reading material for anyone who wants a bit of a laugh.

From cover to cover this book is laugh a minute.

Superb read.
5 STAR *****

Hamster's back, 23 Oct 2006
This is an excellent book, not just for fans of the Hamster and Top Gear but also anyone interested in quirky facts. It is packed full of the wit and humour that we have come to expect. There are lots of top tens of everything - the top 10 mad foreign road signs being a particular favourite as well as plenty of hints and tips. It is well presented and colourfully illustrated inside which gives it a pick up/put down at leisure feel. Definitely one for the Christmas list.

Fabulous Sequel, 06 Sep 2005
First - be warned! Though lacking the explicit volume numbers of Rankin's Brentford sequence or Armageddon trilogy, Raiders of the Lost Car Park is in fact a direct sequel to The Book of Ultimate Truths, following on immediately from where the action in that novel left off, so don't even consider reading this unless you've read the previous novel first!

Raiders Of The Lost Car Park continues with Cornelius and Tuppe's quest to enter the Forbidden Zones, rescue Rune, and pick up some wealth in the process, (though is it just me or does Rankin forget to provide an explanation for the heroic shadows in the previous book?). The scope is broadened by the introduction of some additional characters, notably put-upon detective Sherringford Hovis, his assistant Polly Gotting, and her sister Anna who teams up with Cornelius and Tuppe. This novel isn't quite as bowel-burstingly funny as The Book of Ultimate Truths, but it still contains plenty of good humour, and is a better plotted book, building to a stupendous extended climax involving a rock concert by Ghandi's Hairdryer, an army of travellers, the police, Prince Charles, The Queen, and her husband Santa Clause (yes - you did read that right!).

Together with The Book of Ultimate Truths, these two books comprise a masterful blend of humour, off the wall ideas and vivid characters - and rank among the best that Rankin has written. Recommended.

Truly the stuff of epics., 05 May 2003
Having read a few Rankin books I feel I can confidently say this is one of the best. Like all of Rankin`s work its smart, thought-provoking and blimmin hilarious. Cornelious and Tuppe are great, characters you really WANT to read more about,and though it isn`t as good as its predecessor, The Book Of Ultimate Truths, fans will be transported to new hights of literary delight. If, however you aren`t a fan you should buy the book. I would definately recomend this book to anyone who feels other authors are getting a bit dull and fans of Tom holt.

Read one...read them all, 17 Apr 2001
This was the first Rankin book I read and after a two week gorging session can confidently add it damn well won't be my last. OK, so it was the title that got me interested initially but as a guy who got fed up of Pratchett a long time ago, the idea of a humorous sci-fi book had me all clammy. Having since met the guy at a book signing I can tell you he is as decent a bloke you could hope to meet, (wish I'd invited him for a beer afterwards). Basically - BUY THIS BOOK 'cause it's great...'nuff said.

This book is one of Rankins best!, 11 Dec 2000
In 'Raiders of the lost carpark', we are taken on a fantastic journey around Brentford in search of the 'hidden Zones'!

Cornelius, and his friend Tuppe have learned from the 'Ultimate book of truths' about the existence of 'hidden zones' and with the help of an ice-cream van, and a modified musical instrument they manage to open the door to a magical car park It is from within this car park, that they discover the existence of a car that runs entirely on water, as well as helping Cornelius' father escape from his 18 year prison. The magic is only just beggining!

I am a huge fan of all of Rankins works, but this book is a must read.

Stop him now , 19 Nov 2008
I went to school with him, and contrary to what he says in the Sunday Times, he was expelled for smoking dope at the prep school !
I am a fan , however; Top gear is great and his books are good fun to read but give me a break , they are all the same !
I live abroad , but when I come back to visit I like to go into the big bookshops and am invariably bombarded with the latest Jeremy Clarkson offering. This is getting annoying .

However funny he might be , there is only so much that can be written about cars, late seventies rock music and what there is still good about England.



Don't stop me now, 18 Oct 2008
Don't Stop Me NowWhat a fantastic read, you'd think this book would only appeal to the petrol heads. Don't be fooled. Very well written and it's super how Jeremy can twist his topic to fit the item under review.

Car reviews that are laugh out loud!, 13 Oct 2008
Firstly, this is more than a book about cars. It is Mr Clarkson's dry, witty and always cynical outlook on the world. If, like me, you find relief in discovering someone who is still politically incorrect, chauvanistic and doesn't care who knows it you will love the book. I found a lot of myself reflected in reading this

I have not enjoyed reading a book as much as this in a long time. The format of the reviews makes this an easy read to pick up and put down. Reviews are about 4 pages on average with great photography. The first 3 pages of a review are devoted to a humorous commentary on something seemingly unconnected with a car. This is always rectified in the last page with a surprisingly insightful description of the car itself. I believe all the reviews have previously been published in The Times.

Many car types are covered; supercars to the lowliest of runabouts....they're all here. Genuinely useful information can be found within the covers....not just the eye-watering performance figures of Veyrons and Diablos.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for both entertainment and basic information on the cars reviewed. Someone who was only a fan of humour would probably be best advised to steer clear (amusing pun intended) as this is a serious work of car journalism too.

At the time of writing (October 2008) Jeremy has been involved in a head on crash but early reports indicate that he is pretty much unscathed; "My right index finger looked like a burst sausage, my left shin was fatter than my thigh and my back felt like someone had driven over it with a pile-driver."

Good luck with the recovery, Jeremy, and lets hope another book as good as this appears soon.

Funny and funnier, 14 Aug 2008
Now we all know that Clarkson makes loads of money from selling books full of stuff he has already written in the paper but so what....who cares whether he's making extra money or not when you get to read this much funny stuff all in one book!

We all know he says he's writing about cars when in fact he just rants about complete rubbish for 3/4's of the articles....but who cares when he can make rubbish this funny!!!

We all know that Clarkson is a pompous, over opinionated, biggot....who cares....he's funnier than most other people you can read these days!!

I love this book....I think all the clarkson books are great but this one really is one of his best. I like the fact that they have made a bit more effort and actually put pictures of the cars he is talking about in the book. I probably like it more because it is more recent as well so the jokes are more topical.

If you want a bit of light reading, you know the kind of thing you can lie in bed and giggle to or sit in on a sunday morning and relax to then this is the book for you. Its light hearted, its funny, its easy to read and it offends 90% of the population which has to make you laugh doesn't to really!!

I'm not sure I will ever vote Clarkson for Prime Minister but I would certainly give him my vote when it comes to his writing. Dont think about the fact that he makes money out of this book having already been paid for writing the articles for the paper. It doesn't make any difference to you it just means you get to read all his funniest material in one go, which to be honest, is well worth the money!! In fact, with that kind of money making ability maybe he should be our Prime Minister!!!


"To everyone except John Prescott", 07 Jun 2008
Jezza's dedication, above, is a little unfair, in that he and the redoubtable Mr "two-jags" Prescott at least share a passion for cars. I like Clarkson's refreshinging un-PC attitude, although not his complancency about CO2 (although he may yet turn out to be right) and enjoy his columns on cars, and on more general matters, in The Sunday Times.

But is this a good book? Mr wife bought me it for Christmas, bouyed up no doubt by my positive reaction to "The World according to Clarkson" the year before, but I have read perhaps half of the fifty or so "chapters". Why?

Well, I can remember most of them from when I first read them, 2003 - 2006, for a start. At the same time, some of the contemporary references were so fleeting that they conjure forth no recollection at all. For example: in October 2003 "BBC bosses" decided to replace DJ Sara Cox with someone. Jezza suggested it was "The Queen". I have no recollection at all what that was about - have you?

In any case, Clarkson's humour about cars is perhaps a little intense when presented in such a format.

Whereas the content of a peperback is normally exactly the same as the hardback that preceeded it, be aware that the paperback does not include the excellent colour plates of all of the cars. As with the hardback, you don't get the number of "stars" Clarkson awarded to each car in that paper. How much would that have cost?

This is a book for the "lavatory reference section", from which to try to read one chapter before bed, or from dipping into on some other basis. Within those terms it succeeds.

Refreshing and enjoyable but makes you wonder, 17 Mar 2008
3.5 stars really. The author is fun to watch in action on TV. He is not afraid to speak his mind and has a unique turn of phrase when critcally examining something. He writes in much the same way. In fact, you sometimes catch yourself reading like Clarkson talks - complete with the pregnant pauses!

A light-hearted read, really. I did find some of the explanations/comments frustrating though. There is a chapter on Australia with a few outlandish statements that could be read as fact when they're not. Outlandish statements are, of course, pure, classic Clarkson but it got me thinking what else in the book (several countries I am not too familiar with) was really an embellishment - a "Clarksonism".

But then, that'd be regarding this book seriously which it certainly isn't. If you've been doing some heavy reading of late or enjoy Clarkson's take on the world, or even just want a laugh from a different type of travel book, then this book is a good choice. Makes me want to watch the Motorworld TV series.

100% of Britishness, 13 Dec 2006
Top Gear is a BBC TV series that does not need recommendation. I was not sure what to expect from a book though. But when I opened the book I simply couldn't put it down. It is so refreshing, funny, addictive. I have been to at least half of the places the author describes. But the way he does it (LOL at every other line) and the observations he makes make it so special. Finally, the language is 100% English, which is the REAL beauty of this book. Recommended to all the motorization fans but also all those who are interested in foreign places or just want to have some fun.

A Clarkson Classic, 20 Aug 2006
This is the perfect book, full of wit and humour typical of Clarkson's personality. Even for people who aren't keen on cars, this book is for you. It's brilliantly written and brings a smile to my face everytime I think of a comment he's made in this superb book. Quite old the book may be, but it's always an entertaining read, which has resulted in me desperately wanting to purchase Clarkson's other publishings.

Fantastic!, 02 Nov 2005
I love Jeremy Clarkson's style and wit and this book made me cry with laughter. I can picture his voice when reading it which makes it all the funnier. I love cars but even if this is not the case