Martin Padgett, Editorial Director

Martin Padgett is Internet Brands Automotive Group’s Editorial Director. He ensures the quality of content across the Group’s portfolio of automotive destinations, which include The Car Connection, Motor Authority, and Green Car Reports. Padgett oversees the editorial development of each site, as well as vehicle reviews and evaluations that are unique to The Car Connection, including its numeric TCC Rating scoring system. He also guides deeply sourced industry reporting at each site, from first drive reviews of the latest supercars and electric vehicles, to in-depth analysis of topics that range from EV charging to the future of gas-powered trucks and SUVs. With a career that spans more than 30 years, Padgett has reported on the automotive industry since he joined Car and Driver magazine in 1991. Prior to joining the startup site that would become The Car Connection, he wrote for other prominent automotive outlets including AutoTrader, Edmunds, Automobile Magazine, Stuff, Outside, and BusinessWeek. As a juror for the prestigious North American Car and Truck of the Year awards, his insights and evaluations play a vital role in recognizing excellence within the automotive industry. Padgett is a native of Washington, D.C. He graduated with a BA in history with honors from Duke University. He earned an MFA in narrative nonfiction writing from the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications in 2018. In 2023, he completed his PhD in U.S. Constitutional history at Georgia State University.

Articles

Write About Green Cars, Win Audi Swag from High Gear Media! Martin Padgett September 2, 2009

High Gear Media's the only place on the Web, where you can write about cars alongside the pros. This week, we're kicking off a new contest to get you to join the growing number of gearheads posting...
Write About Green Cars, Win an iPod Touch!
High Gear Media is looking for you--show off your expert touch and win an iPod Touch!
Martin Padgett August 3, 2009

2011 Jaguar XJ To Be Latest Luxury Hybrid?
A gas-electric version of Jaguar's big sedan is in the works--and owes something to the Chevrolet Volt.
Martin Padgett June 11, 2009
Ten Things the 2010 Toyota Prius Will Not Do For You
It might make your world a better place, but that smug little Prius can't pull espresso, now, can it?
Martin Padgett December 22, 2008
2010 Toyota Prius: Our Fearless Predictions
What's the new car all about? Here's our best guess before the world premiere.
Martin Padgett December 15, 2008
2010 Toyota Prius: It's Here
The first official pics of the new Prius leak out.
Martin Padgett November 13, 2008
The Prius's Not So Secret Gas-Mileage Secrets Martin Padgett September 10, 2008

Drivers everywhere recognize Toyota's Prius as the vehicle with the best fuel economy in America. How does it achieve that mileage, though? On its corporate blog, Toyota recently explained how the...

How To Get Even More Gas Mileage from Your Prius
Can you be in the 50-mpg club?
Martin Padgett September 10, 2008
Why's the Prius So Fuel-Efficient?
Toyota's gas-electric hybrid uses clever tech to keep it sipping fuel.
Martin Padgett September 10, 2008
Toyota Prius: A Brief History in Time
Toyota's Prius has gone from a grand experiment to a sales charts success.
Martin Padgett September 10, 2008
Plug-In Prius on the Way?
A 100-mpg Prius could be in the offing, as Toyota plans a rechargeable version using home power outlets.
Martin Padgett September 10, 2008
Hertz Goes Green: Rent A Prius
Need a hybrid away from home? Rental-car company has your number.
Martin Padgett September 10, 2008

Is There a Prius Killer On the Loose? Martin Padgett September 6, 2008

The success of the Toyota Prius has spurred a backlash against big gas-guzzling SUVs--but now the Prius itself might be the victim of a backlash in some California towns.

Since the spring, some...
Reasons To Buy a Prius -- and Reasons Not To
Make sure you're buying your new hybrid for the right reason.
Martin Padgett September 5, 2008
Site Review: Prius Owner’s Group
The place where Prius owners unite offers good debates, good ideas.
Martin Padgett September 5, 2008
Prius Becomes Star Trek Shuttle
A psychiatrist turns his hybrid into a space-age transporter.
Martin Padgett September 2, 2008
It's Tough to Find a Prius Right Now
What's a green-car lover to do?
Martin Padgett September 2, 2008
Site Review: PriusChat.com
Want to talk about the Toyota hybrid? Here's a good start.
Martin Padgett September 2, 2008

Prius Heads to Mississippi Martin Padgett September 2, 2008

What do James Earl Jones, Lance Bass, Faith Hill and the next-generation Toyota Prius all have in common? They call the great state of Mississippi home.

The Japanese automaker has announced plans...
Prius Could Win Under President McCain
Could Toyota's hybrid find a friend in the next administration?
Martin Padgett September 2, 2008