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Entertainment
Updated July 12, 2025
Ray Magliozzi
Ray Magliozzi is a radio host and mechanic who co-hosted NPR's Car Talk. He and his brother provided humorous, practical car advice to listeners for decades.
Notable Facts
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Co-host of Car Talk show
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Known for laugh out loud humor
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Expert in auto repair advice
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Gave quirky nicknames to callers
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Retired from radio in 2012
Career Highlights
Background
Ray Magliozzi is an American radio personality and mechanical engineer, best known as one half of the duo behind the NPR radio show Car Talk. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1972. After graduating, he worked briefly in the field of environmental engineering before transitioning to automotive repair.
Major Contributions
Ray Magliozzi, alongside his brother Tom, co-founded Car Talk, a weekly radio program that combined automotive advice with humor. The show aired on NPR from 1977 to 2012 and became one of the most popular programs in public radio history.
Co-authored several books, including Car Talk: Click and Clack's As the Wrench Turns and In Our Humble Opinion.
Developed a loyal following for their approachable, comedic take on car diagnostics and repair.
The show’s success led to a syndicated newspaper column and a PBS animated series.
Impact on Their Field
Car Talk revolutionized automotive media by making car repair accessible and entertaining to a broad audience.
The show’s call-in format democratized car advice, allowing listeners to get free, expert-level diagnostics.
Ray and Tom’s humor and storytelling helped bridge the gap between technical expertise and mainstream appeal.
The program’s archives remain popular, maintaining relevance through podcasts and digital platforms.
Current Work/Relevance
Though Car Talk ended new episodes in 2012, Ray Magliozzi continues to be associated with the show’s legacy.
The Car Talk podcast, featuring reruns of classic episodes, remains widely listened to.
Ray occasionally makes public appearances and contributes to automotive-related projects.
The show’s website and digital content continue to provide resources for car owners.
Ray Magliozzi is an American radio personality and mechanical engineer, best known as one half of the duo behind the NPR radio show Car Talk. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1972. After graduating, he worked briefly in the field of environmental engineering before transitioning to automotive repair.
Major Contributions
Ray Magliozzi, alongside his brother Tom, co-founded Car Talk, a weekly radio program that combined automotive advice with humor. The show aired on NPR from 1977 to 2012 and became one of the most popular programs in public radio history.
Impact on Their Field
Car Talk revolutionized automotive media by making car repair accessible and entertaining to a broad audience.
Current Work/Relevance
Though Car Talk ended new episodes in 2012, Ray Magliozzi continues to be associated with the show’s legacy.
Personal Story
Who They Are
Ray Magliozzi is one half of the famous Magliozzi brothers, best known as the co-host of NPR’s beloved radio show Car Talk. Born in 1949 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Ray grew up tinkering with cars alongside his older brother, Tom. With a background in engineering and a knack for humor, Ray turned his passion for automobiles into a career that entertained and educated millions.
Why They Matter
Ray and his brother Tom revolutionized the way people think about car repair by blending expert advice with laugh-out-loud comedy. Their show, Car Talk, became a cultural phenomenon, running for over 35 years and attracting a loyal fanbase. Ray’s quick wit and down-to-earth personality made car maintenance accessible to everyday listeners, demystifying complex mechanical issues with humor and charm.
Helped millions of listeners solve car problems with practical, no-nonsense advice.
Won a Peabody Award in 1992 for their unique blend of entertainment and education.
Inspired a generation of DIY car enthusiasts with their relatable approach.
What They’re Known For
Ray Magliozzi is most famous for Car Talk, the NPR show where he and Tom answered callers’ car questions while cracking jokes and sharing hilarious anecdotes. The show’s success led to books, a syndicated newspaper column, and even an animated TV series. Ray’s signature laugh and playful banter with Tom became iconic, making Car Talk a staple of weekend radio.
Co-hosted Car Talk, one of NPR’s most popular shows, from 1977 to 2012.
Authored several best-selling books, including In Our Humble Opinion.
Voiced the animated versions of himself and Tom in PBS’s Click and Clack’s As the Wrench Turns.
Ray Magliozzi is one half of the famous Magliozzi brothers, best known as the co-host of NPR’s beloved radio show Car Talk. Born in 1949 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Ray grew up tinkering with cars alongside his older brother, Tom. With a background in engineering and a knack for humor, Ray turned his passion for automobiles into a career that entertained and educated millions.
Why They Matter
Ray and his brother Tom revolutionized the way people think about car repair by blending expert advice with laugh-out-loud comedy. Their show, Car Talk, became a cultural phenomenon, running for over 35 years and attracting a loyal fanbase. Ray’s quick wit and down-to-earth personality made car maintenance accessible to everyday listeners, demystifying complex mechanical issues with humor and charm.
What They’re Known For
Ray Magliozzi is most famous for Car Talk, the NPR show where he and Tom answered callers’ car questions while cracking jokes and sharing hilarious anecdotes. The show’s success led to books, a syndicated newspaper column, and even an animated TV series. Ray’s signature laugh and playful banter with Tom became iconic, making Car Talk a staple of weekend radio.