Detroit Auto Show draws thousands to see cars on first day of public opening
Thousands of people viewed the latest models of cars, trucks and other vehicles during the 2025 Detroit Auto Show’s first day of public viewing.
Eight-year-old Aaron Wonowski Jr. came to the 2026 Detroit Auto Show to drive a car.
He has loved cars since he was 3 years old and was on a top 10 list before he even went to the Huntington Place showroom for the first time. Test driving the car was top of the list, he told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, on Saturday, Jan. 17. Although he can’t drive a car at age 8, he was excited to ride a Ford Bronco while waiting in line at the test track.
“I’ve never seen so many cars in my life,” Wolnowski said.
His father, Aaron Wonowski Sr., 35, of Lincoln Park, who works at a factory that makes Broncos, said he was looking forward to bringing his son, who became interested in cars after watching the movie “Cars,” to attend the event. Wolnowski Jr. can name many cars he sees on the street, his father said.
The Wonowskis were among the thousands of people who lined up for the show on its first day open to the public.
Car enthusiasts, friends and generations of family members came to check out, sit back and get a feel for the latest model cars, including the GMC Sierra EV Elevation and Chrysler Voyager LX. More than 40 brands exhibited hundreds of cars.
Nick Hernandez, 31, of Sterling Heights, came with friends who are members of Autopians, readers of the auto culture website theautopian.com.
“I came here just to have fun and look at the cars,” he said.
He has been attending regularly since 2015. He said Saturday that the show is not as big as it used to be and would like to see more brands and “signs that the show is not declining.”
Jim Johnson, 73, of Madison Heights, and Steve Brune, 65, of West Bloomfield, come every year with their brother-in-law and one nephew.
“We’re here early to see the new cars and we love it. It’s definitely worth going,” Johnson said. “What else can you do when it’s 30 degrees and knee-deep in snow?”
“It’s a little disappointing because it seems to be getting smaller every year, but it’s still worth coming to see what’s new,” Brun said.
Fabi Enriquez, 30, came from Grand Rapids with her family to see the Detroit Auto Show for the first time. She and her father, Jorge Enriquez, 57, said their favorite thing about the show was General Motors cars.
“It’s very exciting to see the latest model with all the details,” said Fabi Enriquez.
The 2026 Detroit Auto Show is open to the public through January 25th. Click here for information on how to purchase tickets.
Contact Natalie Davis: ndavies@freepress.com.
