[VINMAN]

I think the main problem is everyone needs too stop comparing it to Top Gear UK. It's supposed to be TG America!

Traditional American car culture is way different than the kind of snobbish Eurocentric car culture. While the European auto enthusiam mostly revolves around "sports cars", the American culture has a much wider range. Your average typical car guy is into anything with wheels and some type of propulsion. Anywhere from your home build orange crate scooter all the way up to big rigs, and everything in between.
The show is supposed to appeal to that type of audience. I really dont think the majority of viewers pay much attention the the hosts interaction. They just want to see cars, trucks , etc ,etc... go fast and make noise!