Top dealerships in the US ranked by sales, customer satisfaction, and service performance

Where the Rubber Meets the Road: America’s Top Dealerships by Sales, Satisfaction, and Service

If you’ve ever rolled into a dealership, hoping for that cinematic, keys-in-hand driving-away moment—only to be greeted with pushy sales tactics or a waiting room stuck in the 90’s—you’re not alone. The dealership experience can make or break whether you roll off the lot grinning or grimacing.

But let’s hit the gas on what really matters: Which car dealerships in the U.S. are acing it on all fronts—sales volume, customer satisfaction, and after-sale service? Here’s the breakdown of the high-octane performers who are redefining what it means to be a modern dealership in the age of reviews, retention, and real-time feedback.

The Metrics: How Are Dealerships Ranked?

Before we put pedal to metal, let’s define our road map. Dealership success today is measured by a trifecta:

• Sales Performance: Volume of new and used vehicle sales annually, and retention rates thereafter.
• Customer Satisfaction: Think CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) scores, online reviews, and return visits.
• Service Performance: Speed, quality, cost transparency, and yes—free coffee does help.

We pulled data from J.D. Power, DealerRater, Automotive News’ Top 150 Dealership Groups, and some insider feedback from service bay veterans. The result? A list that showcases more than just who’s moving metal—it highlights who’s keeping drivers coming back for more.

Sonic Automotive: Tech Meets Trust

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sonic Automotive has built its empire on two things: efficiency and transparency. With over 100 stores across the U.S., Sonic doesn’t just sell cars—they sell convenience, notably through their “EchoPark” pre-owned brand, which is practically disrupting the used car space from the inside out.

Most impressively, they’ve leaned hard into digital retail—offering end-to-end online purchasing for customers who prefer swiping over schmoozing. Their tech-forward approach hasn’t compromised satisfaction either. In a recent J.D. Power survey, Sonic came out near the top for customer experience in both new and used car sales.

Brandon’s Take: Think of Sonic as the Tesla of traditional dealerships—not in what they sell, but how they sell it.

Penske Automotive Group: The Titan Continues

Roger Penske doesn’t just dominate IndyCar circuits—his dealership network is a juggernaut in its own right. The Penske Automotive Group, with over 300 dealerships worldwide (around 150 in the U.S.), ranks consistently near the top in overall sales and customer loyalty.

Penske knows that details matter. From luxury touches in their showrooms to precision after-sales care, they excel in high-end and mainstream service alike. Whether it’s a Mercedes-AMG GT or a used Honda Civic, they make every customer feel like a pole-sitter.

Customer satisfaction? Their CSI scores are consistently well above industry averages, thanks in part to highly-trained staff and meticulously maintained facilities that scream “we care.”

CarMax: The Used Car Conquistador

If we’re talking volume, CarMax deserves its own dedicated offramp. It remains the undisputed leader in the used car segment with over 230 locations and counting. In 2023 alone, CarMax moved over 900,000 vehicles—that’s nearly double the output of some entire OEM brands.

What makes them click with customers?

• Hassle-free, fixed pricing model: Say goodbye to the “let me talk to my manager” theater.
• Robust online presence that supports full digital purchases and home delivery.
• Impressively transparent reconditioning standards—every car goes through a 125+ point inspection.

Pro Tip: Their service offerings aren’t just an afterthought. Many CarMax locations now integrate oil change, brake service, and inspection packages built to hook long-term loyalty.

AutoNation: The Retail Giant That’s Still Personal

AutoNation is America’s largest automotive retailer by volume, and you’d think with their size, they might lose that personal spark. Think again. In 2023, they cracked over half a million vehicles sold, but still maintained high customer satisfaction ratings across urbanscapes and suburbs alike.

They’ve invested heavily in comprehensive brand experiences—with standalone stores like AutoNation USA for used vehicles and branded service centers that rival OEM dealerships. Their service satisfaction scores speak volumes, particularly in metro markets where competition is fierce and time is currency.

A key driver behind their success? A laser focus on post-sale engagement. Automated follow-ups, personalized service reminders, and loyalty perks create that Goldilocks mix—just enough contact to feel remembered, not stalked.

Tesla: The Maverick in the Mix

Okay, technically Tesla doesn’t operate “dealerships” in the traditional sense—Elon would probably combust at the idea. But love them or loathe them, Tesla’s direct-to-consumer model not only shattered norms but put other dealership groups on high alert.

Their physical locations function more like Apple Stores for car lovers—minimalist, digital-first, and manned by know-it-all (in a good way) sales teams. Despite controversies around service delays and parts availability, Tesla surprisingly scores high in customer satisfaction—especially among new EV adopters who value the seamlessness of purchase and delivery.

And talk about service innovation: Tesla’s mobile servicing is a glimpse into an industry future where the garage comes to you.

Fun Fact: In certain states, Tesla’s workaround with “galleries” instead of dealerships is like a legal ballet—but customers seem to enjoy the show.

Top Independent Dealerships Punching Above Their Weight

While big-name groups make the headlines, some independents have built cult-like followings based on sheer customer loyalty and impeccable service. Here are a few that deserve the spotlight:

• Fitzgerald Auto Malls (Maryland & Pennsylvania): Crystal-clear pricing and zero-deception policy have made them a regional favorite for decades.
• Planet Honda (Union, NJ): High-volume, yes—but also high engagement, including community events and award-winning bilingual service staff.
• Galpin Motors (Los Angeles, CA): Home of the world’s largest Ford dealership, Galpin adds serious sizzle with in-house customization, a retro diner, and auto museum vibes. It’s not just a dealership—it’s an automotive Disneyland.

The Common Denominator: Experience Engineered

Strip away the logos, the numbers, the awards—and what unites the best dealerships in America is one thing: experience. It’s not simply about getting you into the driver’s seat; it’s about making every mile before and after worth remembering.

In an era where a five-star review can carry more torque than a V8, today’s top dealerships know that the road to revenue is paved with relationships. So whether you’re buying your first car or your fifth, it pays to know who’s really driving the industry forward.

After all, when shopping for your next ride, the dealership should feel less like a battlefield and more like your pit crew. The good news? The garages mentioned here are already fueling up for the future.

So, where are you headed next? Because chances are, the perfect dealership is closer—and cooler—than you think.