10:18 am, July 17, 2026
More than 1,700 car dealers have been recognised by Autotrader after earning ‘Highly Rated’ status for 2026.
The scheme looks to recognise the automotive retailers that boast consistently strong customer reviews, while also actively engaging with feedback.
Winners will now receive a range of promotional assets, including window stickers and digital logos. The ‘Highly Rated’ badge will also appear on firms’ Autotrader profile pages to help boost visibility with car buyers.
To qualify for Highly Rated status, retailers were required to achieve an average review score of at least 4.5 stars, collect a strong volume of reviews relative to their sales, receive a minimum of 10 customer reviews and respond to at least 95% of one- and two-star reviews over the last year.
Rebecca Clark, group sales director at Autotrader, said: ‘For retailers, trust has never been more important. Buyers want reassurance that they’re choosing a business that will deliver a great experience, and customer reviews are one of the clearest ways of providing that confidence.
‘That’s why Highly Rated is such a valuable recognition. It gives retailers a visible and trusted way to showcase the service they’re already delivering, not just on their own channels, but at the point where millions of car buyers are searching for their next vehicle on Autotrader.
‘This year’s winners should be incredibly proud. Achieving Highly Rated status means they’ve consistently delivered for their customers, collected strong reviews and engaged with feedback in the right way.
‘It’s a brilliant achievement and a clear signal to buyers that they’re dealing with a retailer committed to excellent customer service.’
Among the dealers to secure ‘Highly Rated’ status was The Clever Car Collection, founded by Car Dealer editor-in-chief, James Baggott.
Reflecting on what the accolade means, Baggott said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised as an Autotrader Highly Rated retailer for 2026.
‘We work incredibly hard to make buying a car as straightforward and enjoyable as possible, so it’s especially rewarding that this award is based on genuine feedback from our customers.
‘Trust is everything in the used car industry, and having consistently positive reviews gives buyers the confidence that they’re dealing with a business which genuinely puts customer service first.
‘This recognition is a real credit to the whole team, and we’d like to thank every customer who has taken the time to leave us a review.’