Who composed the orchestral score for Pixar's Cars?

Randy Newman composed the orchestral score for Pixar's Cars.

Newman had already become a major Pixar collaborator through films such as Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. For Cars, he wrote an Americana-influenced score that supports the film's setting on U.S. Route 66 and its themes of friendship, memory, and changing communities.

He also co-wrote the film's original song “Our Town” with James Taylor, who performs it over the closing credits. “Our Town” was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, adding an award-season distinction to the film's music.

The soundtrack also includes licensed songs by artists such as Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, and Rascal Flatts. This combination of original orchestral music and popular songs helps connect the film's animated vehicle world with American road-film traditions.