Car and Driver subscriptions come in print, digital, and bundled forms at different price points
Car and Driver offers three main subscription routes: print only, digital only, or both together. Print subscriptions arrive monthly at your home. Digital subscriptions give you access to the website and mobile app with no print copy. The bundled option—called All Access—includes both the monthly magazine and full digital access. Pricing varies by promotion; the magazine frequently runs discounted introductory rates, especially around holidays and during renewal periods.
You can start a subscription directly through the Car and Driver website, through third-party subscription services like Amazon Prime Reading or Apple News+, or by calling their customer service line. Each route has different cancellation policies and billing cycles, so the entry point matters if you think you might stop within the first few months.
The magazine publishes 12 issues per year. Digital access begins when ready after payment clears, while print copies typically arrive within 4 to 6 weeks of your order. If you're subscribing as a gift, most providers let you set a start date in the future and include a gift message.
Key Takeaways
- Car and Driver offers print-only, digital-only, and combined subscriptions, with pricing that changes based on current promotions.
- Print subscriptions arrive monthly and take 4 to 6 weeks to begin; digital access starts when ready after payment processes.
- You can subscribe through the Car and Driver website, third-party platforms like Amazon Prime Reading, or by phone.
- Cancellation policies differ depending on where you subscribed, so check the terms before you commit.
- The magazine publishes 12 issues yearly and includes road tests, buying guides, and automotive news alongside digital-exclusive content.
What's included in a Car and Driver subscription
A print subscription delivers the monthly magazine to your mailbox. Each issue typically runs 80 to 120 pages and covers new vehicle reviews, long-term test results, buying guides for specific vehicle classes, and automotive news. The magazine also includes columns on driving technique, maintenance, and industry trends. Special issues—like the annual "10Best" awards and the buyer's guide—are included in your subscription at no extra cost.
Digital subscriptions and the All Access bundle include everything on the website: road tests, news articles, videos, and buying tools updated daily. You also get access to the mobile app, which lets you read articles offline and receive notifications about new content. The digital archive typically goes back several years, so you can search past reviews and comparisons.
All Access subscribers receive both the print magazine and the full digital experience. This means you get the tactile monthly issue plus the ability to read breaking news and new reviews online the day they publish, rather than waiting for the next print edition.
How to start a subscription and payment options
The fastest way to subscribe is through the Car and Driver website. You choose your subscription type, enter your mailing address (for print) and email, select your payment method, and complete the purchase. The site accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. After payment clears, you'll receive a confirmation email with your account details and instructions for accessing digital content.
If you subscribe through a third-party platform—Amazon Prime Reading, Apple News+, or similar services—the setup happens within that platform's app or website. You won't create a separate Car and Driver account; instead, your subscription is tied to your existing account with Amazon, Apple, or the other provider. Billing happens through that platform, and cancellation also happens there.
Phone subscriptions are available by calling Car and Driver's customer service line, which you can find on their website. A representative can answer questions about current offers, help you choose between subscription types, and process payment over the phone. This route is useful if you have questions before committing or if you prefer not to enter payment information online.
Renewal, cancellation, and what happens to your account
Subscriptions renew automatically on the date your current term ends. Car and Driver sends a reminder email before renewal, usually 30 days in advance, so you have time to cancel if you want to. The renewal price may differ from your introductory rate; the company often charges the standard rate unless a new promotion applies.
To cancel, log into your account on the Car and Driver website and navigate to your subscription settings, or call customer service. If you subscribed through a third-party platform, you cancel through that platform instead—Amazon Prime Reading cancellations happen in your Amazon account settings, for example. Cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period; you won't lose access mid-month.
If you cancel a print subscription, your final issue will arrive as scheduled. Digital access ends on your renewal date. If you want to pause rather than cancel—for example, if you're traveling or temporarily unable to receive mail—customer service can sometimes accommodate a temporary hold, though this varies by your subscription type and how long you've been a subscriber.
Print delivery, address changes, and missing issues
Print magazines ship via USPS and typically arrive within 7 to 14 days of the official on-sale date. Delivery times vary by region; rural areas may take longer. If an issue doesn't arrive within three weeks of the on-sale date, contact customer service with your subscription number and the issue date. They can investigate whether the issue was lost in transit or resend it.
To change your mailing address, log into your account online or call customer service. Address changes take effect with the next scheduled issue, which usually means your current issue will still go to your old address. If you're moving, update your address at least two weeks before your next issue ships to avoid delays.
If you receive a duplicate issue or a damaged copy, customer service will send a replacement. Keep the damaged magazine or the extra copy until the replacement arrives, in case customer service needs details about what went wrong. Replacements typically ship within 5 to 7 business days.
Comparing subscription routes and finding the best price
Direct subscriptions through the Car and Driver website often have the lowest introductory rates, especially during promotional periods. These rates typically last for the first year or first few issues, then renew at the standard rate. The website clearly shows both the introductory price and the renewal price before you complete your order.
Third-party platforms like Amazon Prime Reading bundle Car and Driver with other magazines and content. If you already pay for Amazon Prime or Apple News+, adding Car and Driver costs nothing extra—it's included in your existing subscription. However, you get digital access only; print is not available through these platforms. The trade-off is convenience and bundling versus the ability to choose print, digital, or both.
Gift subscriptions sometimes have different pricing than personal subscriptions. If you're buying for someone else, check the gift subscription page separately; it may offer a better rate or a longer introductory period. Gift subscriptions can be set to start when ready or on a future date, and you can include a personalized message.
Digital access, apps, and reading offline
Digital subscribers and All Access members can read Car and Driver on the website using any browser, or through the official mobile app available on iOS and Android. The app syncs your reading history across devices, so you can start an article on your phone and continue on a tablet. You can save articles to read later, even if you don't have an internet connection at that moment.
The app includes a search function that lets you find past reviews by vehicle make and model, which is useful if you're researching a specific car. You can also set notifications to alert you when new content in certain categories—like truck reviews or electric vehicle news—publishes. These features are available to digital and All Access subscribers only.
If you lose access to your account—for example, if you forget your password—you can reset it through the website or contact customer service. Digital access is tied to the email address you used when you subscribed, so make sure you have access to that email account or update it in your account settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a print subscription without digital access?
Yes. Car and Driver offers print-only subscriptions at a lower price than the All Access bundle. You'll receive the monthly magazine but won't have access to the website or app. If you later want to add digital access, you can upgrade your subscription through your account settings.
What if I move or travel during my subscription?
Update your mailing address in your account at least two weeks before your next issue ships. If you're traveling temporarily, you can hold your subscription for up to three months in most cases; contact customer service to arrange this. When you're ready to resume, they'll restart delivery to your current address.
Do I get access to past issues or just current ones?
Digital subscribers can search and read articles from the past several years through the website and app. Print subscribers receive only the current and future issues mailed to them; past print copies are not included. You can purchase back issues separately if you want a specific older magazine.
Can I share my digital subscription with family members?
Car and Driver's terms allow one person per account to access digital content. Sharing login credentials with others violates the subscription agreement. If multiple people in your household want access, each person should have their own subscription or account.
How do I know if my subscription renewed or if it's about to expire?
Log into your account on the Car and Driver website and check your subscription status. You'll see your renewal date and current plan type. Car and Driver also sends email reminders before renewal, typically 30 days in advance, so check your email inbox and spam folder for these notices.