What you get with a Car and Driver subscription
A Car and Driver subscription gives you access to automotive journalism, reviews, and news through print magazines, a website, or both. The subscription model you choose determines whether you receive physical copies in the mail, digital access through their website and app, or a combination of the two. Most subscriptions renew automatically each year unless you cancel.
The magazine publishes monthly in print, with new articles and reviews posted to their website throughout each week. A digital-only subscription typically costs less than a print subscription, and you can read articles on any device with internet access. Print subscriptions arrive at your mailing address on a schedule that varies depending on your subscription tier and location.
Car and Driver also offers access to their archives, video content, and exclusive features depending on your subscription level. Some tiers include access to their mobile app, which lets you read offline and receive notifications about new articles.
Key Takeaways
- Car and Driver offers print-only, digital-only, and combined subscriptions at different price points, with print subscriptions costing more than digital access.
- Print magazines arrive monthly at your mailing address, while digital subscriptions provide when ready access to articles and video content through their website and app.
- Subscriptions renew automatically each year, and you can cancel or modify your subscription through your account settings or by contacting their customer service team.
- The cost of a subscription varies based on whether you choose a promotional rate or standard rate, and your location may affect shipping costs for print editions.
Subscription options and pricing
Car and Driver offers three main subscription routes: print only, digital only, and print plus digital. Print subscriptions typically cost more because they include physical magazine delivery. Digital subscriptions are the least expensive option and provide the fastest access to new content. Combined subscriptions fall between the two in price and give you both formats.
Pricing varies depending on whether you purchase at a promotional rate or the standard rate. Promotional rates are often available through their website or through third-party subscription services, and these rates typically explore only to your first year. After the first year, your subscription renews at the standard rate unless you cancel or find another promotional offer before renewal.
Your location affects the final cost of a print subscription because shipping varies by region. International subscriptions cost more than domestic ones. You can see the exact price for your location during the checkout process on their website.
How to start and manage your subscription
To start a subscription, visit Car and Driver's website and select your preferred subscription type. You will enter your mailing address (for print) or email address (for digital), choose your subscription length, and provide payment information. Most subscriptions begin when ready for digital access and within one to two weeks for print delivery, depending on your location and the current mail processing time.
You can manage your subscription through your online account. Log in with your email address and password to view your subscription status, update your mailing address, pause your subscription temporarily, or cancel. If you cancel before your renewal date, your subscription remains active until that date expires.
If you need to contact customer service, Car and Driver provides phone and email support. Response times vary, but email inquiries typically receive replies within one to two business days. Phone support hours are listed on their website.
Renewing and canceling your subscription
Your subscription renews automatically on the date shown in your account settings. The renewal charge appears on the payment method you provided during signup. Before your renewal date, you can log into your account and cancel to prevent the charge from going through.
If you cancel after your renewal has already processed, you may be able to request a refund depending on how recently the charge occurred. Contact customer service with your order number and the date of the charge to discuss your options.
You can also pause your subscription for a set period rather than canceling permanently. This option is useful if you want to take a break but plan to resume later. Paused subscriptions do not renew during the pause period, and you can reactivate them through your account settings.
Digital access and app features
Digital subscriptions include access to Car and Driver's website and mobile app. The app works on iOS and Android devices and allows you to read articles to read offline. You log in with the same email and password you use for your online account.
The app provides notifications for breaking automotive news and new reviews, which you can customize in your settings. You can also save articles to read later and adjust text size and font for readability. The app syncs across your devices, so articles you save on your phone appear on your tablet or computer.
Digital access includes their full archive of past articles and reviews, which you can search by topic, vehicle model, or publication date. Video content is also available through the digital subscription, though some videos may require additional buffering time depending on your internet speed.
Print delivery and address changes
Print magazines arrive monthly at the address you provide during signup. Delivery typically takes one to three weeks after the issue publishes, depending on your location and postal service processing times. You can track the status of your subscription through your online account, which shows the publication date of your next issue.
If you move or need to change your mailing address, update it in your account settings at least two weeks before your next issue ships. Changes made after that may not take effect until the following month's issue. You can also contact customer service to request an address change, and they can process it when ready over the phone.
If an issue fails to arrive, contact customer service with your subscription number and the publication date of the missing issue. They can investigate the delivery problem and may send a replacement copy or credit your account.
Gift subscriptions and special offers
Car and Driver offers gift subscriptions that you can purchase for someone else. You provide the recipient's name and mailing address (or email for digital gifts), and the subscription begins on a date you choose. Gift subscriptions typically come with a message card or email notification explaining the gift.
Gift subscriptions are available at promotional rates, which makes them less expensive than standard subscriptions. The recipient receives a welcome email or letter with instructions on how to manage their subscription after the gift period ends. Most gift subscriptions are for one year, though some retailers offer shorter terms.
Car and Driver periodically runs special offers for new subscribers, such as discounted first-year rates or bundled deals with other publications. These offers are advertised on their website and through email marketing. Existing subscribers may also receive renewal offers at reduced rates before their subscription expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change from print to digital or vice versa?
Yes. Log into your account and modify your subscription type. The change typically takes effect at your next renewal date, though you can contact customer service to request an when ready change. If you switch from print to digital, you may receive a credit for unused print issues.
What happens if I don't cancel before my renewal date?
Your subscription renews automatically and the renewal charge appears on your payment method. If you cancel after the charge processes, contact customer service within a few days to request a refund. Refund policies vary, so ask about your specific situation.
Can I give my login to someone else to share the digital subscription?
Car and Driver's terms of service restrict sharing login credentials with people outside your household. Sharing may result in account suspension or cancellation. If you want multiple people to have access, purchase separate subscriptions or contact customer service about household options.
Do I have to provide a credit card to start a subscription?
Yes. Car and Driver requires a valid payment method to process your subscription, even if you purchase at a promotional rate. You can update your payment method in your account settings at any time.
How long does it take to receive my first print issue?
Print subscriptions typically begin within one to two weeks, depending on your location and when you subscribe relative to the current issue's publication date. Digital access begins when ready upon purchase. You can check your account to see the expected arrival date of your first issue.