What is Sonic Automotive?
Choose a Sonic franchised dealership for a new car, or consider EchoPark for used inventory. Ask the selling location to confirm the return rules, finance offer and where the car will receive service.
Sonic Automotive, Inc. is a publicly traded dealer group. Its 2025 10-K says it operated 111 stores in its Franchised Dealerships segment, 18 EchoPark stores and 14 Powersports stores as of December 31, 2025. The franchised segment has 134 new vehicle franchises across 24 brands and 16 collision repair centers in 18 states. EchoPark sells used cars and light trucks in 10 states and has no customer-facing repair services. Texas and California carry the largest revenue shares. We compared the terms the company publishes. We did not buy a car from it.
What you get with Sonic and EchoPark
Sonic splits its business into franchised stores for new cars and EchoPark for used cars. These features come from the 10-K and the EchoPark site.
Happiness Guarantee
Outside California, EchoPark cars have a 7-day or 250-mile return guarantee.
Whichever comes first. Restocking fees and additional charges may apply.
Offer on your car
EchoPark's offer lasts 7 days or 500 miles.
Sell within 48 hours of receiving the offer and get an extra $500.
Inspection
A 190-point quality inspection and road test.
EchoPark says every car meets its standards before sale.
Franchised dealerships
134 new vehicle franchises across 24 brands.
The franchised stores sell new and used cars and handle service and collision work.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Operates 111 franchised stores in 18 states and 18 EchoPark stores in 10 states.
- Gives a 7-day, 250-mile return guarantee at EchoPark outside California.
- Gives a 7-day, 500-mile offer on your car, with a $500 bonus for acting in 48 hours.
- Runs a 190-point inspection on EchoPark cars.
Cons
- Third-party financing only, with no captive lender.
- EchoPark has no customer-facing repair services.
- Restocking fees and other charges may apply to returns.
- Confirm the service arrangement for a car bought from EchoPark.
Sonic at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Franchised stores | 111 in 18 states, as of Dec. 31, 2025 |
| New vehicle franchises | 134 across 24 brands |
| EchoPark stores | 18 in 10 states |
| Collision repair centers | 16, franchised segment |
| Largest revenue states | Texas 26.2% and California 24.6% of 2025 revenue |
| EchoPark return guarantee | 7 days or 250 miles outside California |
| EchoPark offer | 7 days or 500 miles |
| Inspection | 190-point inspection and road test |
How it works
Choose a brand
Shop new cars at a Sonic franchised store, or used cars at EchoPark.
Get an instant offer
Use EchoPark's instant offer for your car. The offer lasts 7 days or 500 miles.
Arrange financing
The 10-K says both segments arrange third-party financing. Compare with your own lender.
Pick up the car
The EchoPark site shows pickup at a nearby location.
Use the guarantee if needed
Ask the selling location to confirm the return deadline, mileage limit and any charges in writing.
From browsing to keys
Vehicle prices depend on the car and selling store. Use this sequence to compare the complete offer before you sign.
Shop and price
EchoPark prices each car separately and publishes no fee schedule. Ask for the full price with taxes and fees.
Ask about any documentation or delivery charge.Get an offer for your car
EchoPark's offer lasts 7 days or 500 miles. Sell within 48 hours for an extra $500.
Keep the car in the condition you described.Finance
Financing is arranged through third parties.
Compare the APR with your bank or credit union.Take the car
The Happiness Guarantee runs 7 days or 250 miles outside California.
Record the odometer reading.Return window ends
Restocking fees and additional charges may apply if you return the car.
Ask what charges apply before you buy.Is Sonic a good fit?
Sonic vs. the alternatives
Sonic Automotive
- 111 franchised stores plus 18 EchoPark stores
- 7 days or 250 miles at EchoPark outside California
- Third-party financing
- 16 collision repair centers
AutoNation
- 245 franchised stores plus 26 used-car stores
- 5 days or 250 miles on pre-owned
- Captive lender, AutoNation Finance
- 52 collision centers
Asbury Automotive
- 171 dealerships in 15 states
- 7-day return on Clicklane purchases
- Third-party lenders
- 39 collision centers
Counts are as of December 31, 2025. Return terms come from company websites, checked November 2, 2026.
Before you sign
Where our information comes from
We compare published company information and offer terms. We did not buy a car or test these services. Ratings are editorial estimates. Confirm the terms with the selling store.
- Sonic Automotive, Inc. Form 10-K for fiscal 2025: store counts, states, segments, third-party financing, revenue shares. Checked November 2, 2026.
- EchoPark Automotive: Happiness Guarantee, offer terms, inspection, protection plans, locations. Checked November 2, 2026.
Alternatives
AutoNation
Hendrick Automotive
Lithia Motors
Asbury AutomotiveFrequently asked questions
Can I return an EchoPark car?
Outside California, within 7 days or 250 miles, whichever comes first, in the same condition. Restocking fees and additional charges may apply.
Does Sonic have its own lender?
The 10-K says Sonic arranges third-party financing and lists no captive lender. See our auto loan comparison for options.
Does EchoPark repair cars?
No. The 10-K says the EchoPark segment does not offer customer-facing repair services.