Common Sense Media Review
First film in popular Pixar series has peril, stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Cars
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 126 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a classic, with many praising its heartwarming lessons on friendship, humility, and the importance of community. However, concerns about inappropriate language and themes, such as name-calling and mild sexual innuendo, have been raised, leading some to advise caution for younger viewers despite its general family-friendly appeal.
- classic movie
- positivity and friendship
- inappropriate language
- suitable for older kids
- important life lessons
- parental supervision recommended
Summarized with AI
Based on 179 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie offers a mix of positive and negative elements; while many praise its entertaining characters and moral lessons about friendship and humility, some criticize it for having inappropriate language and adult jokes that might not be suitable for younger audiences. Overall, it seems to be a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up with it, even as some viewers caution parents about its content.
- great characters
- moral lessons
- inappropriate language
- nostalgic favorite
- mixed reviews
- family-friendly
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
As his name suggests, CARS' Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) is all about speed. A hotshot red stock car, Lightning is poised to be the next champion of the coveted Piston Cup. As the movie begins, he hits the track in a race against two legendary competitors. A dead-heat finale sends the three key contenders off to a showdown. Lightning boards his transport truck, Mack (John Ratzenberger), and aims west along Route 66, but he's sidetracked when he falls off the truck in a small town called Radiator Springs. There he meets the gruff, weary Doc Hudson (Paul Newman), Ramone the hyper-detailed lowrider (Cheech Marin), new best friend Mater the tow truck (Larry the Cable Guy), and intriguing, former big-city lawyer Sally Carrera (Bonnie Hunt). Lightning tries to escape at first, but after being thwarted at every turn, he might come to realize that there's something special about the simplicity of life this far away from a supercharged life of racing glitz and glamour.
Is It Any Good?
Colorful and often charming, this film showcases its nostalgia for a mythic past via stunning animation, which was state-of-the-art for the time. Like many Pixar films, Cars has something for adults and kids alike. Grown-ups might appreciate throwbacks to a simpler time, full of "tractor tipping" (a stand-in for cow tipping) and a museum of curios. The film's heart-pumping velocity and funny characters—often built on cultural clichés but portrayed warmly nonetheless—target all ages. It's another smoothly produced one-two hit by the heavyweight animation studio, which went on to create Cars sequels and spin-offs.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationship between the old cars and the newer ones in Cars. Do they have different values? What do younger cars like Lightning and Sally bring to the table? What about older cars, such as Doc and Mater?
How does Lightning learn to appreciate and also, conveniently, revitalize Radiator Springs? What's the message behind the town's history and various transformations?
How do the characters in Cars demonstrate humility and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Did you notice any stereotypes in the movie? How did they make you feel? Why are accurate depictions in the media important?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 9, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : November 7, 2006
- Cast : Owen Wilson , Bonnie Hunt , Paul Newman
- Directors : Joe Ranft , John Lasseter
- Studio : Pixar Animation Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Humility , Integrity
- Run time : 116 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award - Animated Feature Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : August 31, 2026
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