Cars.com: A Leader in Online Vehicle Marketplace Innovation

Established in June 1998, Cars.com quickly became one of the largest auto advertising platforms globally. Based in Chicago, Illinois, it provides comprehensive automotive marketing services and ranks as the second-largest automotive advertising site worldwide. Owned by Cars.com Inc., founded by William Swislow, Mitch Golub, and CEO Alex Vetter, the platform has evolved significantly. Previously part of Classified Ventures, LLC—jointly owned by major media companies—the company was acquired entirely by Gannett in 2014 for $2.5 billion, further strengthening its market presence.

In 2003, Library Journal recognized Cars.com as a dedicated automotive marketing website, emphasizing its focus on vehicle advertising services.

The platform partnered with Kelley Blue Book in 2004 to provide nationwide advertising, and by 2007, it launched its largest marketing campaign to date in early 2008. That same year, Yahoo integrated Cars.com listings into its auto services. Following the Gannett spin-off, Cars.com became part of Tegna, Inc.

In 2017, Tegna shareholders approved spinning off Cars.com into a publicly traded company, which began trading on the NYSE on June 1 that year. Today, its brands include Auto.com, DealerRater, DealerInspire, PickupTrucks.com, and NewCars.com. Cars.com stands out as a digital leader in automotive classified advertising, fostering strong connections between buyers and sellers. It offers extensive resources, including detailed vehicle listings, research tools, pricing information, and consumer reviews, enhancing the vehicle buying experience.

Since its inception, Cars.com has linked millions of vehicle shoppers with dealerships across all 50 states. Its trusted content, vast listings of new and used vehicles, and innovative features have revolutionized car shopping, making it more informed and efficient.