Pimp My Ride

Watch Pimp My Ride

  • TV-PG
  • 2004
  • 6 Seasons
  • 5.7  (5,020)

Pimp My Ride is a reality television show that aired on MTV from 2004 to 2009. The show was hosted by rapper Xzibit and aimed at turning boring, old, and beat-up cars into swanky, shiny hot rods. The objective of the show was to give viewers an idea of what was possible with the investment of some time and money. The premise was that a team of mechanics and volunteers took on the task of transforming an old car into an extraordinary vehicle, catering to the unique tastes of the owner. Each episode showcased one 'ride' transformed into a remarkable work of art complete with new wheels, rims, custom sound systems, paint jobs, and other state-of-the-art features.

The show began with Xzibit surprising an unsuspecting owner of a rundown car, most likely a cash-strapped college student, with an offer to "pimp their ride." The owner was often gobsmacked, jumping up and down at the thought of turning their wreck into a massive, custom-built, mobile hi-tech machine. Xzibit takes the owner to where the magic happens, at West Coast Customs, to meet master technician and auto-designer Mad Mike, who discusses what the owner wants and doesn't want in their new car. Mad Mike then takes the owner on a tour of the workshop and shows them some of the previous rides transformed into show-stopping automobiles. During the tour, the owner shares information about their job, interests, hobbies, and what they'd like to see incorporated into their new car.

Once the design has been settled on, the vehicle is handed over to a team of mechanics who spend the next few days pimping the ride. They strip the car down to its basics and then work their magic transforming it from rags to riches. The mechanics build everything from scratch, from installing new sound systems to creating custom rims in the on-site machine shop. Then, once the ride is built to perfection, it gets its new coat of paint, and off the crew goes to bring it to the owner.

Finally, the climax of the show, the "reveal." A team of pimp-my-ride mechanics and Xzibit show up in the "pimped out" ride at the owner’s location, announcing that their dream car is ready. In some episodes, the owner’s friends or family also play a big role in the reveal as they pop up to see the incredible transformation. The owner is then blindfolded and led up to see their unique, customized ride. After the blindfold is removed, the owner’s reaction is always memorable, and they express their excitement and appreciation for their new ride. Xzibit presents the new and improved car with his signature line, "I heard you liked ‘[insert interest or hobby here],' so we put 'em in your ride, dog!" The owner is then given a full tour of their new ride, from the state-of-the-art sound to the fresh, extravagant exterior.

Pimp My Ride was hugely popular, most likely because of the unique concept of transforming beat-up cars into off-the-wall works of art, and for the charismatic host Xzibit's playful catchphrases, such as "Yo Dawg, I heard you like (insert hobby), so we put (insert hobby) in your ride." The transformations were always extravagant and somewhat outlandish, as the team goes out of their way to cater to the owner's specific desires. At the beginning of each episode, viewers were introduced to the owner, and at the end, they were shown revisiting the car and interacting with the enhancements.

The show’s emphasis on the importance of individual taste, personalization, and model materials made it stand out in contemporary car renovation-based shows. It was highly influential, inspiring several replicas of its design formula around the world, such as the Turkish program “Benim Arabam” and the Australian show “Pimp My Ride Australia.” The brand even a spin-off cartoon network and video games.

In summary, Pimp My Ride was a trendy automobile renovation show that aimed to turn rust-bucket cars into stunning pieces of art. Xzibit played a key role in the show’s success with his catchy phrases, sense of humor, and engaging persona. It's undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable shows of its type, highly praised by car enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike, as it explored the values of creativity, individualism, and craft.

Pimp My Ride is a series that is currently running and has 6 seasons (88 episodes). The series first aired on March 4, 2004.

Pimp My Ride
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Seasons
Andrew's Cadillac Fleetwood Hearse
18. Andrew's Cadillac Fleetwood Hearse
June 9, 2007
Xzibit surprises Andrew, a cook, and the owner of a 1970 Cadillac hearse. The guys at GAS turn it into a 'macabre mobile' complete with airbrushed skulls, purple velvet interior and 42 inch monitor. They also install a motorized coffin that contains a barbeque grill and refrigerator.
Louis' Subaru Impreza
17. Louis' Subaru Impreza
June 9, 2007
Xzibit and the guys at GAS take aim at a 1996 Subaru Impreza owned by a paintball player named Louis. They turn the Imrpreza into a "rally car" with off-road tires, authentic rally graphics and a whole lot of paintball gear.
Amber's Chevy Cavalier
16. Amber's Chevy Cavalier
June 9, 2007
Xzibit and the guys set their sights on a 2002 Chevy Cavalier owned by Amber. They turn it into a one of a kind sparkly 'root-beer' painted creation, complete with a gumball machine, a scrapbooking station, and virtual reality gaming seats.
Crown Victoria Station Wagon
15. Crown Victoria Station Wagon
June 9, 2007
Xzibit surprises an EMT/nurse named Therese who owns a 1984 Ford Crown Victoria station wagon. The guys at GAS take this 'family truckster' and turn it into a hot-rod style ambulance. They create a CAT scan style sound system, a video monitor shaped like a defibrillator and install a funky siren.
Justin's Toyota RAV4
14. Justin's Toyota RAV4
June 9, 2007
Xzibit and the guys at GAS set their sights on Justin's 1997 Toyota RAV4. Since Justin has terrible luck with getting a girlfriend, the guys turn the RAV4 into a luxury SUV with 22 inch chrome wheels and a romantic red leather interior. Plus, they throw in a chocolate fountain and a projection TV system.
Esmerelda's Pontiac Sunbird
13. Esmerelda's Pontiac Sunbird
June 9, 2007
Xzibit and the guys at GAS take in a Pontiac Sunbird owned by Esmeralda. This beat down convertible gets a whole new lease on life as a "Tiki-mobile", with Tiki graphics, binoculars, and an Italian ice machine in the trunk.
Will's Jeep Grand Wagoneer
12. Will's Jeep Grand Wagoneer
June 9, 2007
Xzibit gets his hands on a Jeep Grand Wagoneer owned by Will, a contractor who is always on the go.  The guys at GAS give the Jeep a 'lowrider' style paint job and airbags and they also put in the ultimate contractors tool box in the back.
David's Ford Econoline
11. David's Ford Econoline
June 9, 2007
Xzibit and the guys find a kid named David who owns a mobile doggie grooming company.  Unfortunately, his 1972 Ford Econonline is one mangy mutt.  GAS get the van back in business with a top-of-the-line doggie washing station, two plasma TVs, and a door that rises up on hydraulics.
Jonathan's Honda CRX
10. Jonathan's Honda CRX
June 7, 2007
Chamillionaire fills in for Xzibit and finds a comic book fan who loves the Fantastic Four.  The guys at GAS turn his beat down ride into a chromed out "Silver Surfer" masterpiece.
Vanessa's 1991 Ford Festiva L
9. Vanessa's 1991 Ford Festiva L
May 31, 2007
Xzibit suprises Vanessa, the owner of a tiny Ford Festiva she calls "Skippy". The guys at GAS give Skippy a whole new life with a nitrous system, realistic flames, a racing body kit, a 'tower of power' and telescoping sound and video system.
Seth's Nissan Maxima
8. Seth's Nissan Maxima
May 24, 2007
X introduces the guys at GAS to Seth's 1989 Maxima that has no working front doors. The guys at GAS give the car reverse gull-wing doors, a transformer style back seat and a cotton candy machine in the trunk.
Laila's Plymouth Minivan Grand Voyager Expresso
7. Laila's Plymouth Minivan Grand Voyager Expresso
May 17, 2007
Xzibit can't believe his eyes when he gets a hold of a dented and messy "mom's minivan" being driven by Laila, a self-proclaimed 'glamour girl'. The guys at GAS paint it pink and purple, add a computer that simulates the engine sound of a Ferrari and put in a wrap around couch made out of designer denim.
Robert's Chevrolet Van
6. Robert's Chevrolet Van
May 10, 2007
X takes Robert's Chevy van that was Vegas themed in the '80s and adds a whole new Vegas touch with a mini-baby grand piano, a craps table floor and slot machine. Gold flake paint and heavy bling everywhere makes this a ride that hits the jackpot.
Spechelle's Mercedes-Benz 300SD
5. Spechelle's Mercedes-Benz 300SD
May 2, 2007
Xzibit takes Spechelle's 1981 Mercedes sedan and turns it into a car befitting the self-proclaimed "Queen of Crunk." The car gets a bright pink and white paint job, chrome rims and a blinged out rotating hood ornament. Also the car gets outfitted with a flopping 'crunk trunk' powered by an air-ram.
Kristoffer's Chevrolet Impala SS
4. Kristoffer's Chevrolet Impala SS
April 22, 2007
Xzibit and the guys at GAS decide to celebrate Earth Day by taking a gas guzzling ride and converting it to run on bio-diesel. Proving that you don't have to sacrifice power to go "green" the engine is tuned to get 800 hp and is put to the test against a Lamborghini.
Mike's Grumman Kurbmaster Bread Truck
3. Mike's Grumman Kurbmaster Bread Truck
April 19, 2007
Xzibit finds an old Wonder Bread truck from the seventies and creates the loudest vehicle in Pimp My Ride history. The guys at Gas hook the truck up with a skate ramp and a lounge that includes two "JackHammer" woofers, the largest speakers in the world.
Description
Where to Watch Pimp My Ride
Pimp My Ride is available for streaming on the MTV website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Pimp My Ride on demand at Amazon, Microsoft Movies & TV and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    March 4, 2004
  • IMDB Rating
    5.7  (5,020)