Main Characters:
* Lightning McQueen: A cocky, red race car who learns humility and friendship throughout the series.
* Mater: A rusty, good-natured tow truck who is Lightning's best friend. He is known for his hilarious misadventures and his southern drawl.
* Sally Carrera: A sleek, blue Porsche who owns a cafe in Radiator Springs and is Lightning's love interest.
* Doc Hudson: A wise and respected old Hudson Hornet who is a former champion racer. He mentors Lightning and becomes a father figure to him.
Other Important Characters:
* Ramone: A cool, purple customizer who gives Lightning a new paint job.
* Luigi: A nervous, Italian-accented tire salesman who is friends with Guido.
* Guido: A hardworking, Italian-accented forklift who helps Luigi at the tire shop.
* Sheriff: A stern, blue pickup truck who keeps the peace in Radiator Springs.
* Flo: A sassy, pink tow truck who runs the gas station.
* Fillmore: A hippie-like Volkswagen bus who runs a natural fuel station.
* Sarge: A WWII-era jeep who owns a military surplus store.
* Mack: A big, blue semi-trailer truck who is Lightning's transporter.
Antagonists:
* Chick Hicks: A cynical, yellow racer who is Lightning's rival.
* The King: A legendary racer who is initially antagonistic towards Lightning but eventually becomes a friend.
* Professor Z: A villainous, zombified car who wants to take over the world in *Cars 2*.
New Characters in "Cars 3":
* Jackson Storm: A sleek, next-generation race car who is Lightning's new rival.
* Cruz Ramirez: A talented, young race car who becomes Lightning's trainer.
This list is not exhaustive, as there are many other supporting and recurring characters in the Cars universe.