Les Kelley began the Kelley Kar Company back in 1918. He had 3 Model T Fords for sale. By using data that he collected from his dealership, Kelley published the company’s first Blue Book in 1926, which became a standard guide in the automotive trade for determining car value.
Kelley Blue Book, Inc., was formed in 1926 and Kelley’s automotive dealership continued for several decades. By the 1960s, however, the company sold the dealership and focused full-time on the KBB.
KBB became the first car selling guide to use mileage as a part of determining a car’s value.
In 1995, Kelley Blue Book created its company website, which contained tips and pricing information from its hardcopy guide.
In 2012-2014, Harris Poll recognized Kelley Blue Book as the Online Auto Shopping Brand of the Year.
Due to the pandemic of 2020, “average” new car prices have now topped $45K and used cars $25K, according to KBB.
Kelley Blue Book maintains a corporate office in Irvine, California,
