agent Entrepreneur logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Dealers Awarded for Consumer Reviews

Roughly 1,000 dealerships across the U.S. and Canada were named 2026 Dealer of the Year award winners by Cars.com, which based its list on customer reviews and dealer responsiveness.

April 1, 2026
man holding a phone in one hand with a five-star review graphic above his other hand. Driven by Reviews. F&I and Showroom logo

Dealerships with high response rates to customer feedback signal strong customer service and a commitment to continuous improvement, Cars.com said.

Credit:

Canva

2 min to read


  • Approximately 1,000 dealerships in the U.S. and Canada received the 2026 Dealer of the Year award from Cars.com.
  • Cars.com selected the winners based on customer reviews and dealer responsiveness.

*Summarized by AI

Cars.com announced its 2026 Dealer of the Year award winners, which span the U.S. and Canada.

It determined this year’s honorees using the nearly 1.3 million consumer-submitted reviews on its website in 2025.

Ad Loading...

To qualify, dealers must have received at least 25 verified consumer reviews in a calendar year. They are then evaluated based on their average star rating, total review volume and management response rate to reviews.

Buying a car is a big decision, and reviews offer the social proof consumers rely on to ensure they will have a great experience with a dealership,” said Cars.com Vice President of Customer Experience Jamie Oldershaw.

“More than 90% of early-stage car shoppers are undecided on which dealership to choose. Our review data clearly shows consumers value fast, quality communication when making that decision.”

The car comparison website explained that dealerships which demonstrate high responsiveness to customer reviews “signal strong customer service, transparency, accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement.”

Of this year’s winners, nearly 90% consistently responded to customer feedback, compared to just 52% of those that didn't place.

Ad Loading...

This year’s regional winners are:

  • Mid-Atlantic: Mercedes-Benz of Edison – A Ray Catena Dealership, Edison, N.J.
  • Midwest: Phillips Chevrolet, Frankfort, Ill.
  • New England: White River Toyota, White River Junction, Vt.
  • Plains: Reliable Lexus, Springfield, Mo.
  • Rocky Mountain: Courtesy Acura, Littleton, Colo.
  • Southeast: Honda of Concord, Concord, N.C.
  • Southwest: D&M Leasing – Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas
  • West: Lexus of Pleasanton, Pleasanton, Calif.

Click here to see the full list of U.S. and Canadian winners.

Originally posted on F&I and Showroom

More Awards

2026 Dealers' Choice Awards emblems
Awardsby Kate SpataforaMay 18, 2026

Voting Now Open for 2026 Dealers' Choice Awards

Voting is now open for the 22nd annual Dealers’ Choice Awards, a program designed to recognize auto dealers’ favorite vendors, suppliers, and finance partners.

Read More →
Photo of two men representing winning company, along with the award presenter
Awardsby StaffApril 29, 2026

Epic Wins Startup Symposium Competition at Agent Summit

The company earned the highest scores from Startup Symposium judges and audience member, who rated eight companies on their investment potential based on rapid-fire pitches and Q&A sessions.

Read More →
2027 Kia Telluride hybrid
Awardsby Lauren LawrenceApril 27, 2026

Hyundai, Kia Lead Electrified Awards

With more hybrids and EVs on the market, U.S. News & World Report expanded its 2026 Best Hybrid and Electric Cars awards and introduced the first 'best hybrid minivan' class.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of this year's F&I Hall of Fame inductees and the awards presenters
Awardsby StaffApril 21, 2026

F&I Hall of Fame 2026 Class Inducted at Agent Summit

The selection committee is set to accept nominations for future F&I Hall of Fame members following the induction of the Class of 2026 at last week’s Agent Summit.

Read More →
blue Nissan Leaf driving down the road with a badge for winning Women's Worldwide Car of the Year
Awardsby Lauren LawrenceMarch 12, 2026

Nissan Leaf Women's Car of the Year

The electric SUV, first launched as a car in 2010, was praised for its realistic approach to electric mobility and balance of advanced electric performance by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year judges.

Read More →
Awardsby Lauren LawrenceFebruary 19, 2026

Affordability Leads Top-Rated List

Edmunds’ editorial team tested 300-plus vehicles to help determine the Top Rated Awards for 2026, and one brand stood out with multiple rankings, including Best of the Best.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Summit Updatesby StaffFebruary 12, 2026

Nominate Industry Trailblazers for 2026 F&I Hall of Fame

Honorees will be recognized at Agent Summit, taking place April 13–15, 2026 at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas.

Read More →
Industryby Hannah MitchellFebruary 6, 2026

Time Dealer of the Year Named

David Wright of Iowa rises to the top of nearly 50 nominees across the country on his record of business growth and contributions to his dealership’s community.

Read More →
Awardsby Lauren LawrenceFebruary 6, 2026

Study Finds Most Reliable Used Cars for Price

ISeeCars ranked the Nissan Leaf as the most reliable for the money among 10-year-old cars on the market, making it the first electric vehicle to lead the overall list.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Top 10 stamp over a car outline
Awardsby Lauren LawrenceFebruary 2, 2026

Toyota and Lexus Top KBB Brand Watch

Cox Automotive subsidiary has relaunched its Brand Watch study as a twice-annual recap instead of yearly to 'offer a clearer view of brand and model consideration.'

Read More →