Car and Driver subscriptions come in print, digital, and combined formats
Car and Driver offers three main subscription routes: print only, digital only, or both together. Print arrives monthly at your home. Digital gives you immediate access to articles, reviews, and videos through their website and mobile app. The combined option costs more than either alone but less than buying both separately. You choose which format fits how you actually read — many people start with one and add the other later.
Pricing varies depending on how long you commit upfront. A one-year print subscription typically costs less per month than a three-month subscription, and publishers often run promotional rates during holidays or when you first visit their site. Digital subscriptions are usually cheaper than print because there's no shipping involved. You can pause or cancel most subscriptions without penalty after the initial term ends, though the exact rules depend on which offer you accept at signup.
Key Takeaways
- Car and Driver subscriptions are available in print, digital, or both, and you can start or stop at any time after your initial commitment period.
- Promotional pricing is common at signup, so the first-month or first-year rate is often lower than what you'll pay to renew.
- You can manage your subscription through your Car and Driver account online, where you can update payment method, address, or pause delivery.
- Digital access works on phones, tablets, and computers through the Car and Driver website and their mobile app.
- Print subscriptions take one to two weeks to begin after you complete signup, while digital access starts immediately.
How to start a print subscription
Go to the Car and Driver website and look for the subscription link, usually in the footer or top navigation. Select "Print Subscription" and choose your term length — typically three months, one year, or two years. Enter your delivery address and payment information. You'll receive a confirmation email with your account details and subscription start date. Print issues arrive monthly and usually take one to two weeks after the issue publishes to reach your mailbox.
If you're already a Car and Driver reader online, you can sign in with your existing account before purchasing. This links your print subscription to your digital access, so you don't need separate logins. If you don't have an account yet, the subscription process creates one automatically. Save your login information — you'll use it to manage your subscription, update your address if you move, or pause delivery temporarily.
How to start a digital subscription
Digital subscriptions start immediately after payment processes. Visit Car and Driver's website, select "Digital Subscription," and choose your term. Enter your email and payment details. Within minutes, you'll receive a confirmation email with login instructions. You can then download the Car and Driver app on your phone or tablet, sign in, and start reading right away. On a computer, you can read through the website without downloading anything.
The digital app works offline — you can download articles to read later without an internet connection. This is useful if you commute or travel. The app also sends notifications when new articles publish, so you can stay current without checking the site manually. You control notification frequency in the app settings.
What happens when your subscription ends
Car and Driver sends renewal notices by email before your subscription expires. You'll typically get a first notice two to three weeks before the end date, then another a few days before. These emails include a renewal link and often a promotional rate for continuing. You can renew at any time before or after expiration — there's no gap in access if you renew before the end date.
If you let your subscription expire without renewing, you lose access to digital content immediately. Print issues stop arriving. You can still read some free content on the Car and Driver website, but full articles and reviews require an active subscription. Restarting a subscription after it lapses works the same way as a new subscription — you'll see current promotional pricing.
How to pause, change, or cancel your subscription
Log into your Car and Driver account on their website to manage your subscription. You can update your delivery address, change your payment method, or pause delivery for a few months if you're traveling or want a break. Pausing is different from canceling — your subscription stays active and resumes on the date you choose, so you don't lose your account or have to sign up again.
To cancel, go to your account settings and select the cancellation option. You'll see your cancellation date and any refund details. Most subscriptions don't offer refunds for unused time, but some promotional offers do — check your original confirmation email or contact customer service to confirm. After cancellation, you lose access to digital content and print issues stop. You can resubscribe anytime.
Troubleshooting common subscription issues
If you're not receiving print issues, check your account to confirm your address is correct and your subscription is active. Print delivery can take up to two weeks after an issue publishes, so check the publication date before assuming a problem. If an issue is more than two weeks late, log into your account and use the "Report Missing Issue" feature, or contact customer service with your subscription number and the issue date.
If you can't log into your digital account, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Car and Driver will send a reset link to your email. If you don't receive it, check your spam folder or contact customer service. If the app won't load articles, try logging out and back in, or delete and reinstall the app. Make sure your device has enough storage space and a stable internet connection for the initial download.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel my subscription early?
Most Car and Driver subscriptions don't offer refunds for unused time. Check your original confirmation email or account page to see if your specific offer includes a refund policy. Some promotional subscriptions do allow refunds within a certain window — contact customer service with your subscription number to confirm.
Do I get digital access if I subscribe to print only?
Print-only subscriptions typically don't include digital access. You can add digital to your account separately, or upgrade to a combined subscription at renewal. Contact customer service to ask about upgrade pricing — it's often cheaper than buying digital separately.
How do I download the Car and Driver app?
Search for "Car and Driver" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your phone or tablet. Download the official app from Car and Driver, Inc. Open it, sign in with your subscription email and password, and you're ready to read. The app works on iOS and Android devices.
What if I move and need to change my delivery address?
Log into your account on the Car and Driver website and update your address in the subscription settings. Changes usually take effect with the next issue, though it can take up to two weeks for the postal service to reroute delivery. Update your address as soon as you know your new location to avoid missed issues.
Can I gift a Car and Driver subscription to someone?
Car and Driver offers gift subscriptions on their website. Select the gift option at checkout, choose the term length and format, and enter the recipient's name and address. You'll receive a gift notification to send, and the subscription will begin on the date you specify. The recipient can manage the subscription using the email address you provide.