The 20 Best American Car Dealerships

a car dealership

When it comes to buying a new car, you shouldn’t purchase the first vehicle you see. Not every dealership has the same deals or brands, so pick one of these top 20 dealerships in the United States and drive away happy.

1. Lexus

Lexus has made one of the top dealerships in the United States in previous years, according to Consumer Reports. Why it makes the list is obvious: excellent road test performance and solid reliability. Recalls are uncommon with this brand and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) consistently gives Lexus vehicles high crash test ratings.

2. Mazda

Mazda had a major overhaul of its vehicles in the last three years by increasing safety, improving reliability, and making the ride more comfortable than ever. It’s no doubt that this brand understands what customers want and continuously produces cars you can depend on. From sporty to family-friendly, Mazda is an excellent choice.

3. Toyota

It’s no secret that Toyota is a consumer favorite. Their vehicles are consistently ranked by Consumer Reports as some of the most reliable cars on the market. The cars are robust and have excellent crash test ratings according to the IIHS, so you know you’re safe no matter what. Additionally, the vehicles are getting more enjoyable to drive as well as mixing sporty with environmentally friendly with the new Prius lines that are being produced.

4. Audi

Audi is another high-end brand that provides plush comfort with the best technology available on the market. Not only that, but these vehicles offer fantastic performance, reliability, and crash test ratings. There’s something for everyone at Audi. Whether you love regular fuel or a hybrid, you can find something sporty and fun for your garage.

5. Subaru

Subaru isn’t a brand you see frequently on the road, but it’s still a consumer favorite. Over the years, it has provided reliability in every vehicle it builds. Consumer Reports states that it can “finally count itself as one of the automakers known for competent technology.” Subaru has also consistently ranked as one of the top safety picks for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

6. Ford

Everyone knows the slogan “built Ford tough,” but you don’t need a tagline when your truck is one of the best-selling vehicles in America. Whether you’re driving around town or at a worksite, you can be sure that your Ford will perform. Plus, Ford’s Mustang models are timeless pieces of history that are both affordable and fun.

7. Buick

Buick is a cheaper brand, but it can still give you the comfort of any luxury car on the market. Past models for this brand were large and were referred to as “land yachts,” but despite their size the cars were dependable and smooth to ride. Moving into the present, Buick has produced more sporty models, but still retains the reliability and safety everyone enjoys.

8. Honda

Hondas offer fantastic fuel economy at up to 47 mpg and high safety ratings as an IIHS top safety pick of 2016. These three features make this brand one of the top brands on the market. Plus, Hondas are incredibly consistent. You can trust it to run for decades as long as you treat it right with regular maintenance. It’s rare for a Honda customer to walk away unhappy.

9. Kia

Kia produces some of the most unique vehicles on the market, as evidenced by the plethora of Kia Souls you see on the road. Even though Kia’s competitors charge more for their cars, Kia proves you don’t have to charge more to have a great brand. It’s also one of the top brands according to Kelly Blue Book for the year of 2014.

10. FCA US LLC

You may not have heard of FCA US LLC, but this automaker produces big brands such as Chrysler and Dodge. This company knows how to make cars that customers want from the new and simplified Dart design which offers all the tech with no price increase, to Chrysler’s new hybrid Pacifica.

11. Acura

The predictability of Acura has been hit and miss in the past, but newer models have turned out to be very dependable according to AutoTrader. Acura has also often been one of the top luxury vehicles on the market, including the 2016 Acura TLX, which ranks as one of the top ten according to U.S. News. This brand is also a joy to ride, so you’re sure to love any Acura you purchase.

12. Volvo

Volvo is a very respectable brand that has proved time and time again that you can depend on them to get you from point A to point B. It isn’t too rare to see Volvos that are a few decades old driving around. Dependable? Check. Deluxe interior? Check. Volvo seems to have it all, which ranks it as one of the top brands in the United States.

13. Hyundai

Another incredibly affordable brand, Hyundai is great for the wallet and beautiful for any driveway. The stylish exterior is something that everyone loves, but these vehicles are also incredibly reliable according to a recent survey by CarMD. Hyundais also come with great warranties such as their 10-year/10,000 mile warranty. They also offer a wide variety of hybrids for those who are environmentally conscious.

14. GMC

GMC is definitely an American favorite, especially when it comes to trucks. While the exterior of GMCs are stylish, they are also minimalistic without the need for sporty bends. Additionally, the trucks get better gas mileage than many of its competitors according to the U..S. Department of Energy. This brand is also marked by the IIHS as being incredibly safe for each passenger in the vehicle.

15. Volkswagen

It’s no doubt that Volkswagens are some of the greatest vehicles on the road, so it had to make the list. Many Volkswagen vehicles feel more stylish and luxurious when compared to competitors, and even have a higher safety rating with the IIHS. Volkswagens are also responsive and are usually quite roomy. Nothing is more fun than cruising down the road in a Volkswagen.

16. Lincoln

Lincoln is, unfortunately, a brand that is commonly looked over, but it’s also fantastically dependable. In fact, the Chicago Tribune has ranked it as one of the longest lasting vehicles on the road today. Lincolns have options for everyone that provide power, fuel economy, and a quiet ride. Additionally, the interior is super roomy.

17. Infiniti

Auto Guide has ranked Infiniti’s G Models as one of the best luxury cars you can purchase. Not to mention, US News gave the Infiniti G37 second place in upscale midsized cars due to reliability and safety. If Infiniti doesn’t have you sold there, it’s also often been a top safety pick for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

18. Nissan

The Nissan Altima is one of the most purchased vehicles on the road as it has a reputation for being high quality and incredibly durable. Nissan also has a commitment to value while improving features like technology with its signature Connect system. What’s most important about this brand is that it is extremely dependable.

19. Chevrolet

Chevrolet has high-class dependability, so it had to make the list of the top 20 dealerships in the United States. While some vehicles may be a mixed bag, the tried and true Camaro, Impala, and Malibu are some of the best cars you can buy today.

20. Cadillac

Cadillac is no stranger to being a one of the top cars as well as a consumer favorite. The brand has won Motor Trend’s 2014 car of the year with the Cadillac CTS. What really makes this dealership worth it is the Cadillac Shield benefits, which gives you warranty protection for six years or 70,000 miles. If you own a Cadillac, your car will last for decades.