kbb com

January 21, 2025

Thinking About Buying or Selling a Car? Start With KBB.com.
Whether you're hunting for your next ride or wondering what your current car's worth, Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) is where smart shoppers go first.


TL;DR
KBB.com gives accurate car values, helps you compare models, find cars for sale, and offers expert reviews. It’s been the go-to source for honest vehicle pricing for almost 100 years—and it’s still getting better.


What KBB.com Actually Does (and Why It Matters)

Let’s get this straight: KBB.com isn't just some random pricing tool. It's the standard. Dealerships, private sellers, and buyers all check it. Why? Because it gives people a solid idea of what cars are really worth based on real-time market data—not guesswork.

Plug in the basics—make, model, mileage, condition—and it spits out what your car is worth right now. Want to trade it in? There’s a value for that. Selling it yourself? It gives you a different number. Planning to buy from a dealer? Yep, you get that price too.

It's all built on massive amounts of data, updated constantly. Not just what similar cars sold for, but things like demand in your area, seasonal trends, even gas prices.

It's More Than Just a Price Tag

KBB.com isn’t just about getting a number and moving on. You can actually shop for cars directly on the site. It’s like having AutoTrader and Carfax baked into one place.

You want a used SUV under 20K with under 60K miles? Search filters dial that in fast. And the listings show you whether that car's price is in the “Fair Market Range” so you’re not getting fleeced.

Comparing cars? KBB makes that simple too. Line up a Toyota RAV4 against a Honda CR-V and see real differences—fuel economy, safety features, resale value. It’s laid out cleanly. Zero fluff.

The Reviews Aren’t Just Fluff Either

KBB’s reviews don’t read like dealership brochures. Their editors actually test-drive the cars. You’ll get useful takes on handling, interior space, tech features, and comfort—things that matter when you’re stuck in traffic every day.

And if you're a visual type, their YouTube channel has you covered. Full video reviews, car comparisons, even coverage from auto shows. It’s bite-sized but info-packed. Great if you want to size up a car in five minutes instead of reading a novella.

Total Cost of Ownership: Stuff Most People Forget

This is where KBB goes beyond the usual. It’s not just “here’s what the car costs now.” They show what it’s going to cost later—gas, insurance, maintenance, depreciation.

Example: you might find a used BMW 3 Series in your budget, but KBB will warn you that oil changes alone could cost more than your cable bill. On the flip side, a Toyota Camry might seem boring, but the long-term savings are real.

Not Just for Cars

Got a motorcycle? KBB covers those too. Same with RVs and boats. The same principles apply—accurate pricing, up-to-date market data, and no-nonsense explanations. It’s useful if you're offloading an old Harley or figuring out if that pontoon boat is priced right.

Why People Actually Trust KBB

This isn’t some fly-by-night website that popped up during the pandemic. Kelley Blue Book has been around since 1926. Back then, it was a literal blue book used by dealers to set prices. That history matters—dealers still check it, private sellers still reference it, and banks often use it for loan estimates.

The site’s owned by Cox Automotive now—the same folks behind Autotrader and Dealer.com—so it’s part of a much bigger ecosystem. That means integrations are smooth. Look up your car’s value, then get a real offer on it instantly. You can even start a trade-in or sale process without leaving the page.

Global Reach, Local Relevance

There’s even an Australian version (KBB.com.au) now. Same concept, different market. The point is, this isn’t just useful in the U.S.—it’s a tool that’s grown with car buyers and sellers around the world. Still, most of the heavy lifting happens stateside, where it’s deeply embedded in the way cars are bought and sold.

Final Thoughts: Use It, Even If You Think You Don’t Need It

Even if you’re not planning to buy or sell this week, checking your car’s value once in a while is smart. Market trends shift. A used car today might be worth more than you think—especially in a market where supply is tight.

KBB.com strips out the noise. No clickbait. No shady price inflation. Just clean, reliable info from a name people still trust after nearly a century. Whether you’re hunting for a reliable daily driver, selling your weekend convertible, or just window shopping with purpose, KBB is where you start.

And honestly? If you're not checking KBB before making a car decision, you're just guessing.