Short version (FTC required): This site earns money from Google AdSense ads and affiliate marketing links. When you click an affiliate link and buy something, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our editorial opinions, content, or rankings. Our brand ratings, model recommendations, and reliability scores are compiled independently of affiliate relationships.
1. FTC Disclosure Requirement
Per the Federal Trade Commission's guidelines (16 CFR Part 255 — "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"), AmericanCarBrands.com discloses all material connections between this site and third-party advertisers or affiliate programs.
2. Google AdSense
This site displays advertisements served by Google AdSense, a contextual advertising service provided by Google LLC. Google may use cookies and browsing data to serve personalized ads. We earn revenue when visitors view or click on AdSense-served advertisements.
- Advertisers do not pay to influence our editorial content, rankings, or recommendations.
- Ad content is determined by Google's algorithms based on page content and user data — not by direct advertiser relationships with AmericanCarBrands.com.
- To opt out of personalized advertising, visit adssettings.google.com.
3. Affiliate Marketing Programs
AmericanCarBrands.com participates in affiliate marketing programs. When you click on certain affiliate links on this site and complete a qualifying action (quote request, sign-up, purchase, or inquiry), we may earn a commission from the affiliate program operator. This commission is paid by the operator at no extra cost to you.
Primary affiliate program categories active on this site:
- Auto Insurance Quote Platforms — Links to insurance quote tools (labeled Aff or Affiliate on-page) connect to third-party insurance comparison services. We earn a referral fee when users request quotes through these tools. Important: AmericanCarBrands.com is not a licensed insurance agent or broker. These are referral tools only. State insurance referral rules vary; we do not collect or transmit personal information to insurers directly.
- Vehicle History Report Services — Links to VIN-based vehicle history report providers. Commission earned per report purchased.
- Extended Warranty / Vehicle Service Contract Providers — Links to third-party warranty comparison services. Commission earned per inquiry or purchase.
- Automotive Parts & Accessories Retailers — Links to online parts retailers (e.g., Amazon Associates program, auto parts stores). Commission earned per qualifying purchase.
- General Amazon Associates — AmericanCarBrands.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
- Other Automotive Services — Where additional affiliate relationships exist on specific pages, they are disclosed in-context near the relevant link.
Affiliate program operators change over time. The categories above represent types of programs active on this site as of the last update date. If you have questions about a specific link or relationship, contact us through the site.
⚠️ State Insurance Referral Note: Some states regulate the referral of consumers to insurance providers. AmericanCarBrands.com does not act as an insurance agent, broker, or producer. Insurance quote links connect users to independent licensed third-party platforms. We do not receive compensation on a per-policy-sold basis. Users should obtain personalized quotes from licensed insurers before making any coverage decisions.
4. Labeling of Affiliate Links
Where affiliate links are present on this site, we use one or more of the following labels to identify them conspicuously near the linked content:
- [Aff] or Aff — displayed inline next to affiliate links throughout editorial content
- [Affiliate] — used in disclosure notices near grouped affiliate content
- ⓘ Affiliate Notice — banner notice at the top of sections containing affiliate links (e.g., insurance cost sections, buyer guide sections)
Links labeled "Rate Research →" in insurance sections may connect to affiliate comparison platforms and are labeled accordingly. Internal editorial navigation links (e.g., links between brand pages and model guides on this site) are never affiliate links and are explicitly noted as such where they appear near affiliate content.
5. Editorial Independence
Affiliate relationships do not influence editorial rankings, scores, or content. Specifically:
- No automaker, insurer, dealer, or affiliate partner has paid to appear in, be ranked in, or be included in any editorial guide or ranking on this site.
- Affiliate commissions are earned based on user behavior after clicking — not based on any content promise made to an advertiser in advance.
- No affiliate partner has reviewed, approved, or directed any editorial content on AmericanCarBrands.com.
- The inclusion or exclusion of brands, models, or services in our editorial content is determined solely by our editorial team based on reader interest and research value.
- Insurance cost estimates, reliability scores, and other editorial figures are compiled independently — they are not influenced by relationships with insurance companies or data providers.
No automotive manufacturer, dealer group, or affiliate program has reviewed, approved, or directed the editorial content on this site.
6. Google Analytics
This site uses Google Analytics to measure website traffic and user behavior. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect anonymized information including pages visited, time on site, and referral sources. This data is used to improve our content and is not sold or shared for third-party marketing purposes. IP addresses are anonymized. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
7. Questions
If you have questions about our affiliate relationships or advertising practices, contact us through the site. We are committed to full transparency about how this site generates revenue.