Think “Extreme Makeover: Car Edition,” only without the tear-jerking music and obligatory half-hour of back patting and infighting among workers-turned-prima donnas. “Pimp My Ride” is a lean, mean show, and the premise – take a duct-taped-together car and turn it into envy on wheels – is derivative but really well done.

The folks at West Coast Customs do some amazing, ingenious work, and they have fun doing it. It doesn’t hurt that host Xzibit is one funny guy.

Unfortunately, as with most MTV DVDs, Ride comes frontloaded with a truckload of previews and promos that can’t be skipped. Press play, THEN go make your snack instead of the other way around. Includes 15 episodes, plus deleted scenes, bloopers, WCC feature, Xzibit music video and a car tour with Travis Barker of Blink 182.

Grade: A-

Pimp My Ride: The Complete First Season is currently available.

© 2005, Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.