About Us

For over 90 years, American consumers and the U.S auto industry have trusted Kelley Blue Book for legendary valuations and accurate information. Today, the history of innovation continues internationally. And we couldn’t be prouder.

1918	• Les Kelley starts Kelley Kar Company in Los Angeles with three Model Ts. His "Selected Blue Seal Automobiles" reflect the earliest version of the Kelley Blue Book seal.
1920s	• The Blue Book, a list of car values, was first published in 1926.
1930s	• As Blue Book subscriptions soar, Kelley Kar Company becomes the largest used car dealership in the world.
1940s- 1950s	• During WWII, the government uses Blue Book values to set used car price ceilings.
1960s- 1970s	• Now the largest Ford and used-car dealership in the world, Kelley Kar Company is sold to devote the business full time to Kelley Blue Book. It becomes the first publication to use mileage to determine a car's value. • Kelley Blue Book develops guides for everything from travel trailers to campers to ATVs to snowmobiles to motorcycles and manufactured housing.
1980s- 1990s	• Kelley Blue Book goes digital, with vehicle values software for dealers, financial institutions, and insurance companies. • The first Consumer Edition of the Blue Book is published and becomes the best-selling automotive book in the U.S. • KBB.com launches in 1995 and within two years becomes the most visited automotive site on the Internet.
2000s	• KBB.com introduces new car previews, side-by-side comparisons, Blue Book Classified vehicle listings and editors' commentary on the market. • KBB.com adds consumer ratings, resale values, video reviews, 360° views and more, with 160 million annual visitors.
2010- Present	• The introduction of the Price Advisor and the Fair Purchase Price helps consumers make smart car-buying decisions by providing the average transaction price based on region • KBB.com named U.S. Online Shopping Brand of the Year by Harris Interactive for 5 consecutive years (2011-2016).
2017	• Kelley Blue Book expands its international presence, with launch in Brazil (KBB.com.br).
2020	• Kelley Blue Book launches its consumer site offering in Canada for Canadian car shoppers (KBB.ca).

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