What is Kelley Blue Book?
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) is an automotive pricing and vehicle valuation service founded in 1926. It provides trade-in values, private party values, retail values, and suggested retail prices for new and used vehicles based on real transaction data.
KBB gathers pricing data from wholesale auctions, dealerships, manufacturers, and other sources. They use this data along with complex algorithms and analysts to come up with vehicle values and pricing recommendations. Values are adjusted regularly based on current market conditions.
In addition to pricing, KBB offers vehicle reviews, buying advice, maintenance costs, specifications, photos, videos, and other information to help consumers make informed car buying and selling decisions. They also provide values for motorcycles, RVs, boats, personal watercraft, and powersports vehicles.
Kelley Blue Book is considered one of the top authorities on vehicle pricing and valuations in the U.S. automobile industry. Most car dealers and lenders reference KBB values during negotiations with customers. Consumers also use KBB frequently to gauge the fairness of a price when buying or selling a used car.