Core Insights - Cars.com has announced the winners of its 2026 Dealer of the Year Awards, recognizing top automotive dealers in the U.S. and Canada, which serves as a significant indicator for car shoppers regarding dealership quality [1][2]. Summary by Categories Awards and Recognition - The Dealer of the Year Awards are based on consumer reviews, with nearly 1.3 million reviews submitted in 2025 to determine the winners [2][12]. - Award winners are selected based on factors such as average star rating, total number of reviews, and dealer responsiveness to those reviews [9][11]. Consumer Insights - Over 90% of early-stage car shoppers are undecided about which dealership to choose, highlighting the importance of reviews in their decision-making process [3]. - Fast and quality communication is highly valued by consumers when selecting a dealership [3]. Dealer Performance - Nearly 90% of the 2026 Dealer of the Year winners actively respond to customer reviews, compared to only 52% of non-winning dealerships, indicating a strong commitment to customer service [4][13]. - The awards recognize dealerships that excel in listening to consumer feedback and continuously improving their services [4]. Tools and Technology - Cars.com offers tools like Smart Response, an AI-assisted tool that enhances dealer responsiveness and improves communication with customers [8][14]. - Dealers can access personalized Experience Reports to stay competitive and better serve consumers [8][14]. Methodology - To qualify for the Dealer of the Year Awards, dealerships must have at least 25 verified consumer reviews in the previous year [11]. - The evaluation criteria include average star rating, total review volume, and management response rate to reviews [11].