Cars.com Review 2025

Key Takeaways

• Sherpa rates Cars.com 8.8/10, making our list of the five best used car sites.
• We found the Cars.com interface to be user-friendly and comprehensive, offering tools for both used car buyers and sellers.
• The sheer volume of listings on Cars.com can be overwhelming for some users .

In This Review:

• Cars.com Reviews
• What is Cars.com?
• How Does Cars.com Work?
• Pros of Cars.com
• Cons of Cars.com
• Review of Cars.com Buying Process
• Review of Cars.com Selling Process
• How to Finance Through Cars.com
• Cars.com FAQs
• Sherpa’s Best Used Car Site Methodology

Cars.com Reviews

We evaluated Cars.com and other leading used car sites based on reputation, platform, pricing, inventory, and customer satisfaction. We give Cars.com an overall rating of 8.8 out of 10.

Based on our research, Cars.com scores high across various categories. Here’s a breakdown of our ratings and the insights that led to these scores:

Overall Rating: 8.8/10

Cars.com is a highly regarded platform that offers extensive listings, detailed reviews, and robust tools for buyers and sellers. Its strong reputation and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for online car transactions. The site is designed to cater to both first-time buyers and seasoned car enthusiasts, ensuring a smooth experience for all users.

From expert reviews to tools like price calculators and side-by-side comparisons, Cars.com provides valuable insights that simplify the decision-making process. Its comprehensive inventory and strong dealer connections further strengthen its position as a leader in the online automotive marketplace.

Reputation: 9/10

Established in 1998, Cars.com has built a strong reputation for providing reliable car listings and reviews. Over the years, it has become a trusted resource for buyers and sellers alike, thanks to its consistent delivery of accurate information and user-focused tools.

Its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau further underscores its trustworthiness.This recognition, along with decades of positive feedback, has solidified Cars.com as a dependable choice for those navigating the online car market.

Platform: 9/10

The platform is user-friendly and packed with useful features like car reviews and price comparison tools. It is open to everyone and free to browse and list vehicles. It is packed with helpful features such as in-depth car reviews, advanced search filters, and price comparison tools.

It ensures users can easily find the right vehicle to match their needs and budget. Cars.com is open to everyone, allowing free browsing of its extensive inventory and offering private sellers the option to list vehicles at no cost. These accessible features make it a go-to destination for convenient and hassle-free car buying and selling.

Pricing: 8/10

Cars.com offers free basic listings with optional premium features. The platform is transparent about its costs, making it affordable for users. For those looking to boost visibility and attract more potential buyers, the platform also offers optional premium features. It includes highlighted listings and promotional tools, for an additional fee.

One of the standout aspects of Cars.com is its transparency about pricing—there are no hidden fees or unexpected charges, which helps users make informed decisions. This cost-effective approach makes Cars.com an accessible and appealing choice for both private sellers and dealerships.

Inventory: 9/10

Cars.com boasts an extensive inventory that is sourced from a variety of dealers, private sellers, and certified pre-owned programs. This makes sure buyers have access to a diverse selection of vehicles. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly used car, a luxury model, or a brand-new vehicle, the platform offers options to suit every preference and price range.

The site’s robust filtering tools make it easy to narrow down choices based on criteria such as make, model, price, mileage, location, and features. This wide range of options ensures that buyers can find the perfect vehicle to meet their needs, all in one convenient place.

Customer Satisfaction: 9/10

Users appreciate the comprehensive support and user-friendly tools available for both buyers and sellers. Customer reviews are generally positive. Buyers value features like detailed car reviews, price comparison tools, and financing calculators, which help them make informed decisions with ease.

Sellers, on the other hand, appreciate the straightforward listing process and tools that help their vehicles reach a wide audience. The platform’s customer service team is known for being responsive and helpful, addressing inquiries and resolving issues quickly.

Overall, customer reviews are generally positive, with many users highlighting the platform’s efficiency, reliability, and smooth experience.

What is Cars.com?

Cars.com was established in 1998 and has grown into one of the most well-known platforms for car listings and reviews. It boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting its strong reputation. The platform connects buyers with dealers and offers a range of tools to aid in the car buying and selling process.

How Does Cars.com Work?

Cars.com serves as a comprehensive platform for car buyers and sellers. For buyers, the site provides extensive listings, detailed car reviews, and price comparison tools.

Sellers can list their vehicles for free, with options to purchase premium features for enhanced visibility. The platform is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through various listings and tools .

Pros of Cars.com

Cars.com offers numerous benefits for both buyers and sellers:

• Extensive inventory from various dealers
• Comprehensive car reviews and dealer ratings
• User-friendly interface and easy navigation
• Price comparison tools to help buyers make informed decisions

Cons of Cars.com

Despite its many advantages, there are some drawbacks to using Cars.com:

• Some listings may lack detailed information
• The large volume of listings can be overwhelming for users

Review of Cars.com Buying Process

Here’s what impressed our team:

• Connects buyers directly with dealers
• Informative car reviews and dealer ratings
• Easy-to-use price comparison tools

Review of Cars.com Selling Process

Selling on Cars.com is made easy with its user-friendly listing process. Sellers can list their vehicles for free and opt for premium features to increase visibility. Cars.com features free basic listings with the option to purchase premium features. We were also impressed by the user-friendly listing process.

Here’s what impressed our team:

• Sellers can list their vehicles at no cost, making it accessible for anyone looking to sell their car quickly and easily.
• Cars.com offers paid upgrades like featured listings, enhanced ads, and promotional tools to increase visibility and reach.
• Cars.com connects sellers with a large network of buyers, including private individuals and dealerships, increasing the chances of a quick and successful sale.

How to Finance Through Cars.com

Financing a car through Cars.com is made simple with their integrated tools and partnerships with financial institutions.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Search for Your Vehicle:

Use Cars.com to search for the vehicle you are interested in. Filter the results based on your preferences and budget.

2. Check Financing Options:

Once you have selected a vehicle, check the financing options available. Cars.com provides tools to estimate monthly payments based on different loan terms and interest rates.

3. Apply for Financing:

Cars.com partners with various financial institutions to offer financing options. You can apply directly through the platform by providing necessary information such as income, employment status, and credit score.

4. Compare Offers:

After applying, you will receive offers from multiple lenders. Compare these offers based on interest rates, loan terms, and monthly payments.

5. Finalize Your Financing:

Choose the financing offer that best suits your needs and finalize the paperwork with the lender. Once approved, you can proceed with purchasing your vehicle.

By offering a straightforward process and partnering with reputable financial institutions, Cars.com makes it easy for buyers to finance their vehicle purchases.

Cars.com FAQs

Sherpa’s Best Used Car Site Methodology

We used five criteria to evaluate the Best Used Car Sites:

Industry Reputation – Sites that have a strong overall standing in the industry are rated more favorably. We considered years in the industry, BBB rating, and overall reputation.

Platform – We evaluated the platform’s features and ease of use. We also considered if the platform was open to all users.

Pricing – We evaluated the site’s pricing, favoring transparent pricing structures. We also considered listing fees or premium services.

Inventory – We evaluated both the quantity and variety of vehicles on the platform.

Customer Experience—We reviewed the support available for both buyers and sellers and read online customer reviews to evaluate their sentiment towards the platform.