Which Pixar co-founder directed the first Cars film?

John Lasseter directed the first Cars film.

Lasseter was one of the founding figures of Pixar and served as the primary director of Cars. He had previously directed Toy Story, A Bug's Life, and Toy Story 2, helping establish Pixar's feature-animation identity. Cars was his fourth feature as a director.

The film grew from Lasseter's interest in automobiles, road travel, and the disappearing roadside culture associated with Route 66. He and members of the production team traveled the highway to study its landscapes, businesses, and communities. Those observations shaped Radiator Springs and the movie's emphasis on slowing down and noticing overlooked places.

Lasseter shared the Cars directing credit with Joe Ranft and Dan Fogelman. Ranft also co-wrote the film and voiced several Pixar characters. Cars was dedicated to Ranft, who died in a car accident during production in 2005.