The Washington Auto Show

Ok so let me say that I’ve never been into cars enough for me to have a *Dream Car* hell if I didn’t need a car I probably wouldn’t even have one, I’ve been in a lot of cars from lemons to Exotics and I do appreciate the beauty, purpose and dependability (my truck during snow) of them all
Now to the show, a coworker gave me a ticket for my so I figured I’m in, I get the my hand stamped and proceeded, as I’m going down the escalator I can see tons of cars and people and had no idea where to start so went to back and worked back up to the front
For the regular cars they had reps from the company to tell you everything about the cars and answer questions and you could get in them as well
The military vehicles were awesome as they had placards on them describing how many soldiers they hold, gun and ammo type, tire and the usage of the vehicle, we couldn’t sit in these
There were also unique cars from personal owners and some from local places that had designs that were out of this world, I saw a Kia off road sport car with racing seats and HUGE tires reminiscent of Moon Patrol lol
The Exotics were not to be touched and just to be looked at and were pretty much taped off just at a distance for good pic
To sum it up I had an Awesome time, some cars that I wouldn’t see anywhere other than TV, met some cool people got some good pics and learned more about these cars, The only thing to me that was negative about the entire event was the security, won’t give it all away but if an area is blocked off (what one security person is yelling to a young man) blocked it off with a velvet rope and put a sign up!
I don’t know enough about cars to breakdown such things as horsepower and Torque so as far as the cars go you can look at all of the pics that I took.

I’ve been coming to the Washington Auto Show for as long as I can remember. My dad and brother are both huge car enthusiasts and I, on the other hand, can barely tell what the make and model of a car is from a block away. I also walk past my own car in parking garages… but that’s all to say that you don’t have to be very knowledgeable about cars to enjoy yourself. It’s also pretty kid-​friendly. Be sure to check their website to see what special events they have going on. I know usually on the weekdays they have local sports players come to do meet and greets with fans (this year they had Kirk Cousins and Ryan Zimmerman).
The Auto Show takes place in the Washington Convention Center, which makes it really easy to come by metro since it’s one of the stops on the green or yellow lines (Mt. Vernon Sq. 7^th St. — Convention Center). You just go up the escalator at the metro stop and you’re brought right to the doors of the convention center.
After purchasing tickets, there’s two levels you can check out. The top level has American brands of cars and is smaller while the bottom level has the foreign brands as well as more options for food and other attractions. I’d recommend eating before coming here because your food options are limited and obviously overpriced. I’d also say to start on the top floor and then work your way down.
A lot of the brands have fun giveaways, like Toyota and Jeep who always have reusable tote bags. I like that you can get to sit in the actual cars (many of which I’ll never be able to afford in my lifetime) without a sales rep breathing down your neck like at dealerships. You’ll also get to see cars that aren’t even on the market yet like the iCar, which is a one-​person car, and the Mirai, a hydrogen-​fueled car (actually, this one is only available in Cali, so far) both made by Toyota.

This is worth checking out if you’re interested in cars at all and are looking to spend a few hours out of the cold. They have a decent selection of cars from most of the manufacturers and you can sit in most of them, other than a few high end/​concept cars. I thought I’d spend a couple hours here but ended up here for over three hours.
Eat before or after you go though since food/​drinks are expensive. Metro is there showing off a new bus which is kinda funny and makes you wonder how they can afford promotions when they can’t fix their escalators?
Check out the Groupon or see if they have any deals on their website to avoid paying full price. Be warned this show might just tempt you to want a new car!

I would have fared better had I properly set my expectations… The Washington Auto Show has slowly lost its shine (sorry) over the last decade, in part because it no longer caters to enthusiasts but instead attempts to create a combined family /​tire kicking experience… Which is acceptable, but not a haven for Auto Enthusiasts who want to share the best of what auto brand offer.
You’ll now find a seriously fun Jeep Off Road Experience Track (Hall A, Downstairs far left) where a family can share a mini adventure across some impressive obstacles. Memorabilia that spans several generations of Auto Enthusiasts and interactive trivia sessions with a few brands who seek to subtly educate potential buyers. Many will also enjoy the opportunity to experience circa 1930s-​plus vehicles from local car clubs, wonderfully restored, and their sage-​like owners.
What you won’t find are many of the leading brand marques from European manufacturers like Audi, Land Rover and BMW… As neither opted to deliver an RS5/​6/​7 (Audi), SRV (Land Rover), M¾/​5/​6/​7 (BMW… And the M Package isn’t a fair substitute) or Porsche Anything… Who simply was a No Show. American brand enthusiasts were given no greater than a GT model Mustang, wonderfully optioned and adorned, but no preference of a Shelby. Cadillac was unfortunately burdened with carrying the Red, White & Blue towards greatness, with an exhibition that represented the best of what we’re capable of building… And they pulled it off well, highlighting their Wolf-In-Wolf’s Clothing range of V Series rockets.
I would encourage all who have a modest appreciation of automobiles, a colorful sense of nostalgia, family fun seekers and Washington Area visitors and residents to attend… Hopeful that this helps.
BTW… If entering from the front of the building (New York Avenue), please be mindful that tickets may be purchased from the counter located on your left… Behind the Ford booth (A little hidden).
Enjoy!
Ross

The Washington DC Auto Show is getting a little stale, but at least it is a big family attraction, lots to see and do.

I purchase tickets before hand, print, wear comfortable clothes, and pack my purse light.
The cars are always impressive. You can really get familiar with the current year models there.
Food okay.
A few options for children.
There could be seating — for the people that need a break from the walking.

Keeps getting worse every year. Big lines, pointless bag checks, no seating, no exotics, bad food, rude employees… The show has pretty much turned into a one-​stop car shopping trip. Come compare and see in person in one location multiple regular cars and sit in them — unless they cost more than $ 60k in which case they’re locked or behind a rope or fence. This saves you time between dealerships. Don’t waste time or money if you’re expecting an actual world class automotive expo type show.

No there were no self-​driving cars. The best futuristic looking car was the Hydrogen powered fuel cell car Mirai by Toyota.
I sent with my son and the show had a mixture of families with kids and serious car enthusiasts.
It’s huge and is on 2 floors of the Washington convention center. The coolest part off it was the Camp Jeep exhibit. They had setup an off road course and took you through on all the Jeep models. Looked scary but had a long line of people wanting to try the adventure.
Toyota was most well staffed and friendly. Loved the Acura models. Disappointed by Volvo only because my expectations were high. Kia had a cool video booth, you may see my Kia hamster dance video if you are lucky.
Go of you have kids and want to see all the car models in one place.
Never been to another Auto show so my review won’t be a comparison.

This is going from bad to worst every year, less cars, less options and still too expensive for a show not worth it

The DC Auto Show is OK. It’s pretty low frills compared to some of the others; but if you are just looking to see what cars are available for purchase it should prove pretty useful. This year they had a Jeep course and were offering ride along experiences for anyone willing to wait in a pretty long line.
It’s two levels and covers domestics and some luxury vehicles, although the latter seems to be lacking in recent years. I also agree with a couple of other reviews, the conference center was extremely warm this year and the bag check line was ridiculously long.
So be prepared to be slightly annoyed with both.

My husband and I were disappointed this year by the show. We’re currently shopping for a new car and have our list narrowed down to 3. Only two were there. The third one was on display in the electric version and not the hybrid only version we were looking for. Meh, close enough I guess. We only saw two concept cars, both one-​seaters by Toyota. Where was all the fun innovative stuff?
Downstairs, Camp Jeep was back. This year was missing the Fiat driving course. It would have been nice if Tesla was there. It almost feels more like a large everyday car lot than an auto show. We were looking for the «oooooooh, shiney!» cars that you don’t see everyday thrown into the mix. Last year also had more military vehicles to checkout. This year there was only one.
For being the second to last day it was more on the empty side. Perhaps that was because we arrived for the first half of the day? Maybe next year will be better.

Better than last year but crowded for the last day. Lots of fun mobiles (f-​type, viper, etc) plus plenty of wheels that regular humans can afford. All the Chevys, GMCs, Fords, Fiats, Toyotas, Hondas, Subarus, Scions, VWs, Volvos, Infinitys, etc you would think you’d see.
Next set of wheels may be a Volvo or a fiat

I will admit that I’m spoiled by LA and Detroit-​calibre auto shows, but I was pretty disappointed. A quick synopsis:
Upper floor is mostly mid-​range domestics and a huge section dedicated to Toyota. It really felt like a car lot with carpeting. Nothing but current model 2014 vehicles with plenty of annoying marketing people hovering as you explore. There was virtually nothing new on this floor except two Toyota concept cars. There was a sexy SRT viper if you’re into that kind of thing… otherwise, my advice, pass and head down to the lower level.
Lower level has luxury and the low-​end imports. Again, not much that’s going to surprise you, but the matching Audi R8s in electric and matte blue are eye candy. And a gorgeous XJR Jag… I mean how often do you get to sit in a $ 120K car that looks like a vibrator on wheels? Hyundai amused with a zombie apocalypse mobile… and Jeep has a cool obstacle course.
I guess my chief complaint is it was DEAD. Maybe it was the time of day I went, but where are the presentations on new alt-​fuel technology, designs, concepts, etc? No music, only a few giveaways, etc. I was even surprised at how few Ride & Drives were available…
Finally, if you do go, where comfy shoes. If you get the urge to do a ride and drive like I did, you will have to hike across the lower level, back up to the top level, then back down to the ground level on the other side where the tents are set up. Do it last… you won’t want to make to journey back to the cars.

I read all the other reviews for the DC Auto Show and wasn’t expecting much but I was glad to be proven wrong. I mean, okay, it’s not the most AMAZING auto show ever, but it was still pretty darn good. Just don’t expect hovercrafts or glass cars or something.
There are SO many cars though, two whole floors of them. Enough to comprise of 5 tower sized Transformers. Yup. However, the majority of the cars are the somewhat recent ones, don’t expect too many super new ones. They have the luxury cars, the innovative/​eco-​friendly cars, cars from the olden days, for-sh*ts-and-giggles-cars, and just other. «normal» cars.
I liked that you could actually sit in all the cars for the most part. New car smell is great.
I wasn’t expecting anything much other than just cars on cars on cars but I came to find that they actually had some simulators and even a Jeep ride.
Food is expensive here. A water bottle was essentially the same price as a Starbucks drink. So bring your own food and drinks folks, or at least eat before or something.
The staff working the car brand areas are all good looking too so that’s a plus.

Growing up in Detroit has its perks and peskiness. On one hand, majority of people outside of Detroit paint the city as a dark, bankrupt, isolated, crime-​ridden city. One thing is for sure, the Detroit auto show is still the best in the US bar none.
How does the Washington auto show compare? It’s taking the bare minimum of what an auto show should be, and never excel in any way.
The convention center splits up the auto show into two sections — something not very obvious unless you read the program, or have been to the auto show before. While there are plenty of helpers to guide you from place to place, obvious signage would have done the trick too.
Don’t even think about the food options here — better to eat beforehand since the selections are bare and prices are high.
Tips: there are plenty of ways to get discount tickets — follow their facebook, main page or look for deals on sites such as livingsocial, groupon and so forth. They also have a twitter feed that gives out xmas specials, black friday’s and new years.

I haven’t been to the Washington Auto Show in a while, my experience wasn’t nostalgic the experience that I enjoyed in my youth.
The show is a showcase of different car manufacturers almost like a showroom at a car dealer. $ 12??? Why it should be free!!! Manufacturers should cover the cost of admission if it’s nothing but a sales promo! Where are the exotic cars? No Porsche, Maybach, Lamborghini, or Ferraris.
The food is ridiculously overpriced… why??? Food vendors could’ve made an enormous amount of money from this event serving crappy food. Instead they jacked up their prices and had no one in their lines.
Parking is ridiculous, nearby lots charge $ 30 and you’ll need to check in your coat because the heat is cranked up. Which was definitely done by design.

Every year the husband and I look forward to going to the DC Autoshow. We are very pleased with all the different cars available to look at and the knowledge of the salespeople. However, what sucks is that you have to fight off MILLIONS of children to be able to sit in and feel out the cars.

I was tricked into coming here! I am not a car aficionado; although I can recognize car models and some differences in model changes. Nevertheless, I somehow ended up here.
The Washington Auto Show was weak.
–If you are in the market for new car, this might be a great venue for you to view everything. However, I can also see how a car show could also be overwhelming.
–Disappointing selection… a general highlight to car shows are being able to see the concept cars or supercars. This car show was similar to Carmax or any other dealership.
–Mediocre people watching. I lied to myself and told myself that at least I would enjoy the people watching at this show. Don’t get me wrong, there were a significant amount of ladies all dolled up in groups, groups of teens… However there was also a significant amount of families too. There were a LOT of people. If you are not a crowds person, this might not be the place for you.
–Deep Fryers… What’s a show without refreshments?! At the auto show you can purchase: chicken fingers, fries, funnel cake, hot dogs, beverages, etc. The vendors had deep fryers. The odor was sensed throughout the whole show room. Kinda gross.

Vroom Vroom! Do you like cars? You’ll like this. Do you want to «sit test» new models to narrow down a potential purchase? You’ll like this. Do you want to see those crazy expensive and wacky autos out there? You won’t like this.
The auto show was a great event to see all the new model year cars from cheap to expensive. Definitely better than driving from dealer to dealer. They didn’t have the Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc. that some shows have (Bentley and some classics were there though). You could even test drive a few of the models inside the convention center.
No real food options, although I did spend $ 8 for a smoothie. It was also one of the most kid friendly event I’ve been to in a long time. Seemed like there were more kids behind the wheel than adults (and they are probably better drivers that most of them too).
It’s an annual event so I’d check it out if you are in the market for a new car next time it is in town.

This was the first auto show that I attended in my life and in DC it will perhaps be my last.
By no means am I a car aficionado. I can’t recognize many car models and certainly can’t tell differences in model changes from year to year.
As oblivious as I am, I do have a set of expectations when I go to a car show. I expected to see a lot futuristic concept cars in a cool setting but the only cars I see are models from 2014.
It is hard to believe that the auto industry was hit so hard by the severe economic downtown such that the R&D budget could only be allocated to models going one year into the future.
Luckily I was able to bypass the crowds (b/​c this was a special prescreening) and access an open bar and free food for 3 hours. Despite this, I still don’t think I would have gone if I knew what I was going to see.
For those you are going to the regular show starting tomorrow (²⁄₁) until 2/​10, tamper your expectations. This car show is not all that.