Brian Makse
Brian Makse isn't your typical car guy. He's a professionally obsessed speed addict who's won championships and piloted machines that spark pure excitement. With a racing background hard-earned through lessons learned at the limits and sometimes beyond, he's spent more time sideways on racetracks than most spend in office chairs.
His YouTube channel is an authentic dive into driving, narrated by someone who can mock himself while breaking down performance with surgical precision. He's owned racing teams and driven supercars worth more than most homes, but he'll be the first to admit he's never outgrown his fascination with speed.
Expect unfiltered insights from someone who knows cars so well he can laugh at his own expertise — and hopefully make you laugh along the way.
Brian Makse
NEW EPISODE: The 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport.
We didn't just read the spec sheet. We drove it until the tank ran dry (twice) to find the real fuel economy number.
The Good: Excellent chassis balance and surprisingly capable tires.
The Bad: The MPG penalty is real.
The Verdict: If you actually drive on dirt, buy it. If you just like the "look"... you're wasting money.
Watch the full deep dive here: https://youtu.be/DHywXJZTrog
3 days ago | [YT] | 14
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Brian Makse
Honda claims the new 2026 CR-V TrailSport gets 38 MPG City. Physics (and my right foot) disagrees.
We just finished testing the "most capable CR-V ever." They bolted on heavy Continental A/T tires and lifted the suspension. The result? It’s genuinely good in the dirt, but the efficiency took a serious hit.
Is it worth buying "off-road" capability you'll use 1% of the time if it costs you at the pump 100% of the time?
Full review drops tomorrow at 6:30am Eastern.
#HondaCRV #TrailSport #Hybrid #RealWorldMPG
3 days ago | [YT] | 30
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Brian Makse
We need to talk about Mazda's "Product Segmentation."
If you buy an automatic MX-5, Mazda deletes the limited slip diff, the Bilstein shocks, and the tower brace.
But they charge you the same money (or $920 more in the US).
Is the automatic MX-5 still a sports car without the hardware or just a cruiser?
1 week ago | [YT] | 10
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Brian Makse
2025 MX-5 Automatic review is live! Here's the TL;DR before you click.
• Automatic deletes limited slip differential, Bilstein dampers, DSC Track mode, strut tower brace, and induction sound enhancer. You can't option them back at any price. $37,580 buys you the same suspension as the $29,530 Sport manual.
• USA specific: GT automatic gets exclusive Mazda Radar Cruise Control. Manual doesn't. Canadians get it on both. Apparently American manual buyers don't need driver aids.
• Aisin 6 speed automatic has zero documented failures across ND1/ND2/ND3 generations. Manual owners are documenting 3rd gear synchro issues. If reliability is your priority, the automatic's track record is exceptional.
• Critical owner intel: use ONLY Mazda-spec transmission fluid. One owner used technically correct Liqui Moly and got a $7,700 warranty denial for transmission replacement.
If you've been told the automatic is a compromise, this review provides data to make an informed decision.
Full breakdown → https://youtu.be/ZxpBKLZBmxU
1 week ago | [YT] | 23
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Brian Makse
Is the trade off worth it?
We just dropped our deep dive on the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Automatic ⬇️
https://youtu.be/ZxpBKLZBmxU
The headline isn't that it shifts for you, it's what you lose. Mazda removes the limited slip diff, the Bilstein dampers, and the chassis bracing when you choose the two pedal set up.
You get a softer ride and a bulletproof transmission (no synchro issues here), but you lose the ability to steer with the throttle.
If you were commuting in traffic daily:
1 week ago | [YT] | 6
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Brian Makse
Everyone said this was just a sticker package. Then I looked underneath. Actual steel skid plates. Developed by Honda's Powersports division. But is that enough to justify $55k when the 4Runner exists?
The full review of the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is live now. We tackle the V6, the fake off road stigma, and the pricing paradox.
1 week ago | [YT] | 36
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Brian Makse
Honda just pulled a massive act of rebellion with the 2026 Passport TrailSport. While everyone else went all in on turbos and hybrids, Honda kept the naturally aspirated V6.
After driving it, I have a strong opinion, but I want to know yours:
1 week ago | [YT] | 17
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Brian Makse
New Video: The 2025 Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition.
Is 181 horsepower enough in 2025?. The answer is yes, but only if the chassis is perfect.
In this episode, we go beyond the press release. We talk about the new asymmetric limited slip diff that actually changes how the car behaves in corners, the specific maintenance quirks of the beige soft top, and the mechanical failure points owners are seeing.
Full review ➡️ https://youtu.be/FzHSPND5dxk
If you think this is just a sticker package, you need to watch this.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 47
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Brian Makse
We've spent a week with the 2025 VW ID.Buzz and the reality is...complicated.
It turns heads like a supercar, but it lacks basic EV features like a camping mode (unless you use a cheat code) and the highway range is a wake up call.
Question for you: At $70k USD, are you paying for the tech, or just the nostalgia tax?
Full review drops Dec 3 @ 6:30 AM Eastern. Turn on notifications!
https://youtu.be/RTCvDpHyoFM
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 21
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Brian Makse
BLACK FRIDAY ENDS TODAY. 🏁
My merch store is 20% OFF starting right now.
#SAVETHEMANUALS tees and more while sizes last.
👉 Shop here: makse.com/shop
Use code: BLACKFRIDAY20 at checkout.
Sale ends soon. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 4
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