I think where most of the bashers are going wrong is by comparing it to the UK top gear. NOTHING will ever be as good as the original (no offense Rut)
But if you take the original out of the picture, the American Top Gear as a good show. And, only being 3 episodes in and only one season under their belt, im sure they didnt quite go all out with their budget. I feel that the just kinda made this one happen to get the show out there and see how people react to it.