Number One Car Dealership in the US: Who Reigns Supreme?

Trying to guess the number one car dealership in the US? There’s a lot more to it than just big ads and shiny showrooms. Most folks just want a dealer that’s reliable, easy to work with, and won’t try to sneak in hidden fees. Ratings aren't just about how many cars they move—it's also about trust, transparency, and the feeling you get when you walk through the door.

Dealership rankings usually mix sales data (who actually sells the most cars), feedback from real buyers, and even after-sales care. Ever wonder why some places always get the repeat business and others don’t? Word-of-mouth, online reviews, and local buzz all play a role. Before you settle on a dealership, it helps to know which ones have a track record for keeping people happy—long after they drive off the lot.

• How is the Top Dealership Chosen?
• The Dealership That Tops the Charts
• What Makes a Dealership the Best?
• Tips for Visiting a Top-Rated Dealership
• How to Dodge Car Buying Headaches

How is the Top Dealership Chosen?

Finding the best car dealership US isn’t just about who puts the most cars on the road. There’s a handful of things the experts and even regular buyers look at before crowning a dealership king. So, what’s on the checklist?

• Total Sales: That’s the first thing that grabs attention. Rankings like Automotive News’ "Top 150 Dealership Groups" list flag groups that move thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands, of new and used cars every year.
• Customer Reviews: Google, DealerRater, and even Yelp have become gold mines for honest shopper feedback. Dealerships with a sea of five-star reviews usually earn that rating the hard way—by making people happy.
• After-Sales Service: Service doesn’t stop when the sale is done. The best places make repairs, maintenance, and warranty work a breeze, and folks notice when you handle recalls well.
• Transparent Pricing: Sticky fees and sneaky markups are instant turn offs. Awards like Edmunds’ Best Dealer Awards and J.D. Power’s Dealer Satisfaction ranking factor in pricing clarity.
• Employee Satisfaction: Weird, but true—happy staff usually means happy customers. Car dealers that treat their folks well end up with lower turnover and a more pleasant vibe on the lot.

Want the proof? Check out this slice from 2024’s sales leaderboard of dealership groups:

Don’t just chase the numbers, though. A local name might take better care of you than a nationwide chain, depending on how they run things and treat their customers. It’s about real experiences—sales records matter, but so does having your back after that first drive home.

The Dealership That Tops the Charts

If you’re asking which business gets the gold star for being the best car dealership US, it’s hard to ignore the numbers. In 2024, Longo Toyota in El Monte, California took the top spot for new car sales—again. This place isn’t just coasting on reputation; they’ve been ranked the largest new car dealership in the country for years. According to Automotive News, Longo Toyota sold over 22,000 new cars in 2023 alone. That’s more than most dealerships will see in a decade.

But Longo Toyota isn’t just about pumping out vehicles fast. What really puts them ahead is their focus on customer care, straight talk, and after-sale support. Step into their giant dealership, and you’ll find everything from an on-site Starbucks to a full-service repair center. This isn’t about fancy extras though—folks say the deals are straightforward and the process isn’t full of games.

This is how AutoTrader sums it up: ““Longo’s approach is simple—sell cars honestly and treat people with respect. That keeps buyers coming back, and telling their friends to shop there.”

A cool fact? Longo Toyota covers over 50 acres. That means more selection, so you’re way less likely to have to ‘wait for the next shipment’ or settle for the wrong color. They consistently rank at the top of customer satisfaction surveys, including the J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence list.

So if you’re after a hassle-free deal and lots of choices, Longo Toyota is often the name that pops up first in any top US car dealerships list. That’s not just hype—it’s the reality their numbers back up.

What Makes a Dealership the Best?

Ever wondered why some dealerships stand out so much that folks keep bringing them up in every car-buying conversation? It isn’t always about flashy billboards or even the volume of cars sold. Let’s break down what actually makes a best car dealership US in real life.

First up: transparency. The best dealerships don’t bury costs in the fine print or tack on surprise fees at the last minute. They’ll show you the out-the-door price upfront and actually walk you through where every penny goes.

Customer service matters big time. According to a 2024 J.D. Power study, dealers with high customer satisfaction scores close deals 26% faster than the rest. Happy customers aren’t shy about sharing their experience—good and bad—so online reviews offer a pretty honest window into what you’ll really get.

Here are a few standout things top US car dealerships always seem to nail:

• Friendly, knowledgeable staff who don’t play pressure games.
• Fair pricing, no random add-ons.
• Plenty of choice in both new and used cars—think variety, not just rows of the same model.
• Solid after-sales support for repairs, maintenance, and warranties.
• Fast, hassle-free financing. The smoother the paperwork, the better your day will go!

It’s not just about the moment you sign. Great dealership customer service means follow-up calls, honest updates if there’s a wait, and even checking in after you’ve had the car for a bit. Anyone can sell you a car—only the best dealerships make you actually want to come back for the next one.

Tips for Visiting a Top-Rated Dealership

If you’re headed to the best car dealership US has to offer, you want to get the most out of your visit. Here’s the thing: even the top US car dealerships are packed on weekends and the hottest new models disappear fast. Heading in prepared can seriously boost your chance of landing your dream ride without the frustration.

First off, do a little homework. Check the dealership’s site the night before and jot down the car models and prices you’re interested in—most top lots update inventory daily. It helps you spot any “too good to be true” deals. Customer review sites like Cars.com and Edmunds can give you a taste of how people feel about their experience at that location.

• Bring your driver’s license and proof of insurance. Otherwise, no test drive for you.
• Ask about out-the-door pricing: this means you get every fee included, no last-minute surprises.
• Don’t be shy about requesting a vehicle history report if you’re looking at a used car.
• Have a firm budget. Stick to it, even when that sweet add-on package catches your eye.
• If you’re trading in your car, get an online appraisal before stepping foot on the lot.

According to Cox Automotive’s 2024 research, about 72% of buyers admitted they felt more comfortable at dealerships that posted clear pricing and had hassle-free test drive setups. That’s a trend the top US car dealerships follow closely—they know shoppers want things fast and friendly, not salesy and stressful.

If you’re ever feeling unsure, remember what Michelle Krebs, an analyst at Cox Automotive, says:

“Transparency, good communication, and respect are what make dealerships winners. The best ones stay on your side—before, during, and after the sale.”

Finally, trust your gut! If something feels off, or if you’re rushed, feel free to walk away. There are lots of choices, and dealership customer service counts for a lot. The great ones want you to come back—not just for the sale, but for next time, too.

How to Dodge Car Buying Headaches

Nobody wants to leave a dealership feeling ripped off or confused, but it happens all the time. Making smart choices up front saves a ton of hassle. Here’s how to skip the headaches and actually enjoy the process—yes, it’s possible!

• Read Reviews, Not Just Ads: Before you visit any best car dealership US spot, check what folks are saying online. Sites like Edmunds, DealerRater, and even Reddit threads let you see past the sales pitch. Focus on repeated complaints or, better, consistent praise.
• Get Pre-Approved for a Loan: Dealers will always offer you financing, but it’s smart to talk to your bank or credit union first. This arms you with a true budget and helps spot if the dealer’s numbers are way off.
• Ask for the Out-the-Door Price: The sticker isn’t the real price—there are always taxes, fees, and maybe some "extras" you don’t want. Tell the dealership you want the out-the-door total in writing before you sign anything.
• Don’t Get Rushed: High-pressure sales tactics cause regrets. If you ever feel rushed, walk away. There are plenty of top US car dealerships out there eager for your business.
• Double-Check the Paperwork: Yes, it’s boring, but tiny changes or sneaky add-ons can slip through. Take five minutes to read each page—catching a mistake now saves major headaches later.

People often underestimate how much trade-in value and add-on products can affect their deal. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average trade-in value on a three-year-old car in 2024 was $19,000—much higher than many expect. Always check your used car’s value before you walk in and never accept the first offer without a comparison.

Stick to these moves, and that new car smell won’t come bundled with regrets. Remember, the right car dealership should make things clear, not complicated.