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CarMax Named One of TIME's America's Most Iconic Companies
The used car retailer is recognized as an enduring symbol of American business, culture, and identity.
Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:31am
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CarMax, the nation's largest retailer of used cars, has been named one of America's Most Iconic Companies by TIME Magazine. The recognition, created in partnership with Statista Inc., marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and honors 250 companies that have become enduring symbols of American business, culture, and identity. CarMax's commitment to innovation and customer-centric experiences has helped make the company a disruptor in the automotive industry.
Why it matters
This recognition reaffirms CarMax's decades-long dedication to providing a transparent and customer-centric car buying experience. As the original disruptor of the automotive industry, CarMax's 'no-haggle' pricing model transformed the traditionally stressful car buying process into an honest and straightforward experience.
The details
CarMax was evaluated based on criteria including brand recognition, cultural influence, emotional connection, resilience, and 'Americanness.' The company was selected from over 10,000 survey respondents as one of the 250 most iconic American businesses. CarMax has grown to become the nation's largest retailer of used cars with 255 stores nationwide and more than 28,000 associates.
- CarMax was founded more than 30 years ago.
- The TIME and Statista study was completed in the summer of 2025.
The players
CarMax, Inc.
The nation's largest retailer of used cars, founded more than 30 years ago and recognized as an enduring symbol of American business, culture, and identity.
TIME Magazine
A media company that partnered with Statista Inc. to create the 'America's Most Iconic Companies' project, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Statista Inc.
A market and consumer data company that partnered with TIME Magazine on the 'America's Most Iconic Companies' project.
Sarah Lane
SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at CarMax.
What they’re saying
“We're incredibly proud to be included on this list among some of the most enduring and beloved brands in America. This recognition is a testament to the trust CarMax has built with customers over more than three decades. CarMax continues to set the standard for car buying by empowering customers at every step.”
— Sarah Lane, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, CarMax
The takeaway
CarMax's inclusion on TIME's list of America's Most Iconic Companies underscores the company's lasting impact on the automotive industry and its ability to adapt and innovate over the past three decades. As a disruptor that transformed the car buying experience, CarMax has become an enduring symbol of American business and culture.
