The Autopian is a website for people who love cars in all their forms, from the everyday commuter car to the strange and the rare. It was created in 2021 by a group of well known motoring journalists who wanted a place to write about cars with humour, curiosity, and real expertise. The site covers everything from classic cars and cheap beaters to the latest electric vehicles, and it does it with a tone that feels like a conversation with a friend who knows a lot about cars. If you enjoy cars, and you want to read about them without the usual sales talk, The Autopian is a site you should know.
What The Autopian covers
The Autopian covers a wide mix of topics: new car news, classic car stories, car culture, engineering, and the odd and interesting cars that rarely get attention elsewhere. The writers look at cars from many angles, so you will find reviews, deep dives into car history, and stories about the people who design and build cars. The site also covers electric vehicles, hybrids, and the future of driving, and it does it in a way that is easy to follow even if you are not a car expert. Action: if you want to see what the site does best, start with a story about a car you already know, then follow the links to a car you have never heard of. You will learn something new in both cases.
Who should read The Autopian
This site is for anyone who likes cars, whether you own a sports car or a ten year old hatchback. It is written for readers who enjoy the stories behind cars, not just the specs, and it is a good place to start if you are new to car culture. The Autopian also appeals to experienced enthusiasts who want thoughtful writing and a fresh point of view. The readers include people who work on their own cars, people who collect cars, and people who simply enjoy reading about them. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy it. Action: if you are thinking about buying a car, read a few reviews on the site first. You will get a clear idea of what the car is really like to live with, which is often very different from what the brochure says.
What makes The Autopian different
The difference is the people and the tone. The site was founded by Jason Torchinsky, a former editor at Jalopnik, and the team includes writers who have worked for the biggest car publications in the world. That experience shows in the writing, which is detailed, honest, and often funny. The Autopian is independent, so it is not tied to a car maker or a dealer, and that independence lets the writers say what they really think. It also has a strong community, with readers who comment, share stories, and help each other with car problems. Action: when you read a review, check the comments. The readers often add useful details, such as common faults or running costs, that help you judge the car more accurately.
How to get the most from The Autopian
Use the site to learn about cars before you buy, and to enjoy car culture after you buy. Read the reviews, look at the photos, and follow the stories that interest you. If you find a car you like, use the site to learn about its history, its common problems, and its running costs. Then work out what it will cost you each month, because the purchase price is only part of the story. Use our car payment calculator to enter the price, your down payment, and the loan term, and see the monthly payment and the total interest. That number, together with what you have learned from The Autopian, helps you decide whether the car is right for you. Action: pick one car you are interested in, read the site coverage, then run the numbers through the calculator. If the monthly payment fits your budget, and the car fits your needs, you have found a good match.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded The Autopian?
The Autopian was founded in 2021 by Jason Torchinsky, a former editor at Jalopnik, together with a team of experienced motoring journalists. The site is independent, and it is written by people who have worked for the biggest car publications in the world.
Does The Autopian cover electric cars?
Yes. The site covers electric vehicles and hybrids alongside classic cars and petrol cars. It looks at the future of driving, and it explains new technology in a way that is easy to follow, even if you are new to electric cars.
Is The Autopian free to read?
Yes. The site is free to read, and you can browse the stories without a subscription. Some features, such as the community and the comments, are open to readers, and the site is supported by advertising and by readers who choose to support it.