The best review sites for car dealerships are Google Business Profile, DealerRater, Cars.com, Edmunds, CarGurus, Facebook, Yelp and Kelley Blue Book. These are the sites where shoppers read car dealership reviews before they visit a lot, book a test drive or bring a car in for service. Strong reviews on these sites mean more leads and more trust.
Last updated: October 2026
Key takeaways
- Google reviews drive the map pack and are the first thing most car buyers see.
- DealerRater, Cars.com, Edmunds and CarGurus show dealer reviews right next to vehicle listings.
- Your service department needs reviews too, and SureCritic and Google are strong places for them.
- Ask for a review at delivery and again after the first service visit.
- Never pay for reviews or only send happy buyers to review sites. The FTC rule on fake reviews applies to dealers.
- Reply to every review with a short, human message signed by a real manager.
Why Reviews Matter for Car Dealerships
Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases most people make. Many shoppers worry about pushy sales staff, hidden fees and poor service after the sale. Reviews help them decide which dealer feels safe.
- Local rankings. When someone searches “Toyota dealer near me” or “used car dealership”, Google looks at review count, rating and how recent the reviews are. Dealers with more good reviews often show higher in the map pack.
- Listing site visibility. On Cars.com, CarGurus, Edmunds and Autotrader, your dealer rating sits next to every car you list. A poor rating can make a shopper pick the same car from another dealer.
- AI answers. AI tools now answer questions like “most trusted Honda dealer in Phoenix”. They pull from Google, auto listing sites and review platforms. More reviews on trusted sites give them more reasons to mention you.
- Hiring. Sales and service staff also read reviews about your dealership before they apply.
Reviews work best when your dealership details are the same on every site. Our list of citation sites for car dealerships helps you build that base.
Where Shoppers Check Car Dealership Reviews
Car buyers usually check more than one site. Here is where they look and what each site is trusted for.
- Google. Shoppers see your star rating as soon as they search your name or brand plus city.
- DealerRater. Trusted because reviews often name the salesperson or service advisor, and the site focuses only on dealers.
- Cars.com, CarGurus, Edmunds, Autotrader and KBB. Shoppers see dealer reviews while they browse cars, so these reviews hit at the moment of choice.
- Yelp and BBB. Often used by shoppers who want to check for complaints about fees, finance or repairs.
- Reddit and Facebook groups. Many buyers ask for honest opinions in local groups and car forums.
How shoppers can spot fake dealer reviews
If you are shopping for a car, watch for many short five star reviews posted on the same day, often right after a big sales event. Look for reviews that describe the deal, the finance office and the delivery. Read the one and two star reviews and check how the dealer replied. Compare ratings across two or three sites. A dealer with a high score on one site and a low score everywhere else deserves a closer look.
The 29 Best Review Sites for Car Dealerships
We grouped the sites by type. Every site below is real and active. You can find sites for many other industries in our hub of top business review sites.
Major review platforms
| # | Site | Website | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google Business Profile | google.com/business | Search and maps reviews | Map pack rankings and first impressions |
| 2 | facebook.com | Social recommendations | Local word of mouth and community groups | |
| 3 | Yelp | yelp.com | Local review site | Sales and service reviews in US cities |
| 4 | Better Business Bureau | bbb.org | Accreditation and complaints | Showing how you resolve disputes |
| 5 | Bing Places | bingplaces.com | Search and maps listing | Bing search and Copilot answers |
| 6 | Apple Business Connect | businessconnect.apple.com | Maps listing and ratings | iPhone users searching in Apple Maps |
| 7 | Nextdoor | nextdoor.com | Neighbor recommendations | Local referrals for sales and service |
| 8 | Trustpilot | trustpilot.com | Open review platform | Online car retailers and dealer groups |
| 9 | ConsumerAffairs | consumeraffairs.com | Consumer review platform | Large dealer groups and online buying |
| 10 | Yellow Pages | yellowpages.com | US directory with reviews | Local search and extra citations |
Automotive review and listing sites (US)
| # | Site | Website | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | DealerRater | dealerrater.com | Dealer review site | Reviews that name staff members |
| 12 | Cars.com | cars.com | Car listing marketplace | Dealer reviews next to inventory |
| 13 | Edmunds | edmunds.com | Car research and listings | Shoppers researching price and dealers |
| 14 | CarGurus | cargurus.com | Car listing marketplace | Used car shoppers comparing deals |
| 15 | Autotrader | autotrader.com | Car listing marketplace | New and used car shoppers |
| 16 | Kelley Blue Book | kbb.com | Car values and listings | Shoppers checking value and dealer ratings |
| 17 | Carfax | carfax.com | Vehicle history and listings | Used car buyers who check history reports |
| 18 | TrueCar | truecar.com | Car pricing marketplace | Price focused new car buyers |
| 19 | SureCritic | surecritic.com | Verified service reviews | Service and parts department reviews |
Automotive and review sites outside the US
| # | Site | Website | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Auto Trader UK | autotrader.co.uk | UK car marketplace | UK dealer reviews next to listings |
| 21 | CarGurus UK | cargurus.co.uk | UK car marketplace | UK used car dealers |
| 22 | Feefo | feefo.com | Verified review platform | UK dealers collecting reviews from real buyers |
| 23 | AutoTrader.ca | autotrader.ca | Canadian car marketplace | Canadian dealer reviews |
| 24 | DealerRater Canada | dealerrater.ca | Dealer review site | Canadian dealer and staff reviews |
| 25 | carsales | carsales.com.au | Australian car marketplace | Australian dealer reviews |
| 26 | ProductReview.com.au | productreview.com.au | Australian review site | Dealer groups and car brands in Australia |
Employer and community sites
| # | Site | Website | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Glassdoor | glassdoor.com | Employer reviews | Hiring sales staff and technicians |
| 28 | Indeed | indeed.com | Jobs site with company reviews | Recruiting and employer reputation |
| 29 | reddit.com | Community discussions | Seeing honest buyer opinions and complaints |
Top 10 Car Dealership Review Sites at a Glance
If you only have time for ten sites, start here. They cover most of the places shoppers read car dealership reviews.
| Site | Website | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Google Business Profile | google.com/business | Every dealer, sales and service |
| DealerRater | dealerrater.com | Staff level reviews |
| Cars.com | cars.com | Reviews beside inventory |
| Edmunds | edmunds.com | Research stage shoppers |
| CarGurus | cargurus.com | Used car buyers |
| facebook.com | Local referrals | |
| Yelp | yelp.com | Service and repair reviews |
| Kelley Blue Book | kbb.com | Value checking shoppers |
| Autotrader | autotrader.com | New and used shoppers |
| Better Business Bureau | bbb.org | Dispute and complaint checks |
How to Choose Which Review Sites to Focus On
A dealership can easily get lost trying to manage 29 profiles. Focus is better. Follow these steps.
- Google first. It is free and it affects rankings for every search in your area.
- Pick one or two listing sites. Choose the marketplaces where you spend the most on listings. Your rating there affects clicks on every car.
- Add DealerRater. It is the most common dealer only review site, and reviews often appear on Cars.com too, since both are owned by the same company.
- Split sales and service. Send service customers to Google and SureCritic, and sales customers to Google and DealerRater, so both sides get reviews.
- Check page one. Search your dealership name plus “reviews”. Any site on page one needs a claimed profile and replies.
Many dealers also run a service and parts business. The auto repair citation sites list covers directories that help your service department show up locally.
How to Get More Car Dealership Reviews
Most happy buyers will leave a review if you ask clearly and make it quick. The key is timing and a simple process the whole team follows.
Best times to ask
- At delivery. The customer is excited about the new car. A salesperson can mention that a review helps them, and send a link by text.
- Two or three days later. Send a follow up email once the buyer has driven the car for a few days.
- After a service visit. Send a text as soon as the car is picked up.
Make it easy
- Use a short direct Google review link and a QR code at the delivery desk and service counter.
- Add review links to service invoices and digital receipts.
- Give each salesperson a personal DealerRater link so reviews name the right person.
- Keep the request short. One clear link works better than five options.
Text message template
Hi [Name], thank you for choosing us for your new [model]. If you have a minute, would you share how your visit went? It really helps our team: [link]. [Salesperson name]
Email template
Subject: How was your visit with us?
Hi [Name], we hope you are enjoying your [model]. Your feedback helps other drivers pick the right dealer and helps us improve. Would you take two minutes to leave a review? [link]. If anything was not right, please reply to this email and I will fix it personally. [Manager name]
Note that the second line invites problems by email, but the review link is still sent to everyone. That keeps it fair and within the rules.
Reviews are only one part of local visibility. A good local SEO service ties together your Google profile, model pages, service pages and reviews so you show up for more searches.
Review Tips for Different Types of Dealerships
Not every dealer sells the same way, so the best review mix changes a little by type.
- Franchise new car dealers. Your brand name plus city is a key search. Focus on Google, DealerRater, Cars.com and Edmunds. Ask both sales and service customers, since service brings repeat visits all year.
- Independent used car dealers. Shoppers worry most about the car history and hidden problems. CarGurus, Carfax and Google matter most. Reviews that mention a fair inspection or honest pricing are very helpful.
- Online and delivery dealers. Buyers may never visit your lot. Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs and Google carry more weight, because shoppers want proof that delivery and paperwork go smoothly.
- Motorcycle, RV and powersports dealers. Google, Facebook and owner groups on Reddit and Facebook are where riders and campers share opinions. Service and parts reviews are key, since owners return often.
- Dealer groups with many stores. Each rooftop needs its own Google profile and review link. Never merge reviews from different stores into one listing.
How to Use Reviews Beyond Review Sites
Good reviews should not sit on one site. Use them to build trust across your marketing, while following each site’s terms.
- Show a live review feed or a few recent reviews on your homepage and model pages.
- Share a great review on social media, with the reviewer’s permission if you use their name.
- Use common praise, such as “no pressure” or “quick service”, as themes in your ads and sales training.
- Read the negative reviews in team meetings and fix the process behind them.
Never edit a review to make it sound better, and never present a staff comment as a customer review.
Review Rules Car Dealers Must Follow
Dealerships face close attention from regulators on advertising. Reviews are part of that. This is general information, not legal advice.
- FTC rule on fake reviews (US). Since October 2024, the FTC bans fake reviews, buying reviews that show a certain view, insider reviews without clear disclosure, and suppressing negative reviews. Civil penalties can apply per violation.
- No review gating. Do not screen customers with a survey first and then only send happy ones to Google. Google and the FTC treat this as unfair.
- No incentives on Google and Yelp. Do not offer free oil changes, gift cards or prize draws for reviews on these sites.
- Staff reviews. Employees should not review their own dealership. If they mention it online, they should disclose that they work there.
- Manufacturer surveys. Brand satisfaction surveys are separate from public reviews. Do not coach customers on survey scores in a way that breaks your manufacturer rules.
- UK, Canada and Australia. The CMA under the DMCC Act in the UK, the Competition Bureau in Canada and the ACCC in Australia all act against fake or hidden reviews.
How to Respond to Car Dealership Reviews
Many shoppers read your replies more closely than the reviews. A good reply is short, personal and signed by a real person. For finance or service problems, move the talk offline and never share private deal details in public.
Example reply to a positive review
Thank you, Kevin. We are glad Sarah made your first car purchase easy and that you love the new RAV4. See you at your first service. Mike, General Manager
Example reply to a negative review
Hi Linda, thank you for your feedback. I am sorry your service visit took longer than promised and that no one called you with an update. That is not how we want to treat our customers. Please call me directly at [number] so I can make this right. Tom, Service Manager
Reply within one or two business days. Thank the reviewer, own the problem, and give a direct contact. Never argue about who said what in the finance office in public.
How to Handle Fake Dealership Reviews
- Search your sales and service records for the reviewer name and date.
- Flag the review on the platform and choose the reason that fits, such as “not a real customer” or “conflict of interest”.
- On DealerRater and Cars.com, use the dealer tools to dispute reviews that break their rules.
- Reply calmly in public: “We cannot find a visit under this name. Please contact our customer care manager so we can look into this.”
- Keep a log of reports and outcomes in case you need to appeal.
How to Track Your Review Results
Track reviews by department and by staff member. Each month, review:
- Total reviews and average rating on Google, DealerRater and your main listing site.
- New reviews per salesperson and per service advisor.
- Reply rate and reply time.
- Common themes, such as “no pressure”, “fees” or “wait time”.
- Calls, direction requests and website clicks from your Google profile.
Dealer groups with many rooftops often need a deeper plan. Our professional SEO services cover multi location setups, review tracking and content.
Common Mistakes Dealers Make With Reviews
- Asking only sales customers and forgetting the service lane.
- Using a survey to filter out unhappy buyers before sending review links.
- Running prize draws for five star reviews.
- Replying with the same copy and paste message every time.
- Ignoring reviews on listing sites because the marketing team only watches Google.
- Arguing about prices or finance terms in public replies.
Your service department can also learn from our guide to review sites for mechanics. For a broader base of listings, start with our local citation sites guide. If you know automotive marketing well, you can share your tips with us on the marketing guest post page.
Car Dealership Reviews FAQs
What is the most trusted review site for car dealerships?
Google is the most widely used and has the biggest effect on local search. Among auto only sites, DealerRater is well known because it focuses only on dealers and often shows reviews of individual staff.
Where can I read honest car dealership reviews?
Check Google, DealerRater, Cars.com, Edmunds and Yelp. Read recent reviews, look at the low ratings, and see how the dealer replies. Comparing two or three sites gives a fairer picture.
Are DealerRater reviews real?
DealerRater checks reviews against its content rules and lets dealers flag reviews that break them. Like any site, it is not perfect, so compare it with Google and other sites.
How do I get more Google reviews for my dealership?
Ask every sales and service customer, send a short text with a direct link soon after the visit, and use a QR code at the delivery and service desks. Do not offer rewards.
Can a dealership offer a gift for a review?
Not on Google or Yelp, which ban incentives. In the US, the FTC also bans paying for reviews that express a particular view. The safe path is to never reward reviews.
Should my service department ask for reviews?
Yes. Service visits happen more often than car purchases, so they are a steady source of fresh reviews. SureCritic and Google work well for service reviews.
How should a dealer reply to a bad review?
Thank the customer, apologize for the experience, avoid sharing private deal details, and give a manager’s direct contact. Fix the issue offline when you can.
Do reviews on Cars.com and CarGurus help Google rankings?
They do not count as Google reviews, but they build trust, appear in search results for your dealer name, and affect clicks on your vehicle listings.
How often should a dealership get new reviews?
Aim for new reviews every week. A steady flow looks more natural and keeps your rating fresh compared with a burst after a sales event.
Final Thoughts
The best review sites for car dealerships are the ones your shoppers already use. Start with Google, add DealerRater and your main listing marketplace, and make sure your service lane collects reviews too. Ask every customer at delivery and after service, follow the FTC and platform rules, and reply to every review with care. Over time, strong car dealership reviews will bring more test drives, more service visits and more sales. For more practical SEO, social media, and digital marketing guides, visit DigitalSoules
