CarsDirect is an American online automotive research portal and car buying service based in El Segundo, California, that allows consumers to research, price, purchase, insure and finance a vehicle online.

CarsDirect was founded in 1998 by Scott Painter, launched from the business incubator Idealab.

[2] CarsDirect first registered for an initial public offering in a May 2000 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; however, it withdrew its registration in December of that year citing "unfavorable conditions in the public equity market.

"[3] In 2004, the firm began to expand into other markets, and subsequently changed its name to Internet Brands in 2005.

[4] In June 2014, the company announced that it had been acquired by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) for $1.1 Billion.