Pixar's first Cars film, directed by John Lasseter, was released in 2006.
Cars premiered in the United States on June 9, 2006. It was Pixar's seventh feature film and followed The Incredibles, which had been released in 2004. The film was produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.
John Lasseter directed the film with Joe Ranft and Jorgen Klubien credited as co-directors. The story combined a sports-racing plot with a road-movie structure, using anthropomorphic vehicles instead of human characters. Its Route 66 setting also reflected the filmmakers' interest in American roadside history.
Cars introduced Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally Carrera, Doc Hudson, and the wider Radiator Springs community. Its success led to the feature sequels Cars 2 in 2011 and Cars 3 in 2017, as well as short films, television projects, toys, and theme-park attractions.