Cars (2006):
* Lightning McQueen: The main protagonist, a hotshot rookie race car.
* Mater: A rusty but loyal tow truck and Lightning's best friend.
* Sally Carrera: A sophisticated Porsche and the owner of the Cozy Cone Motel.
* Doc Hudson: A retired Hudson Hornet and Lightning's mentor.
* Chick Hicks: A cynical and competitive race car, Lightning's main rival.
* Sheriff: A friendly police car.
* Luigi and Guido: A pair of Italian-themed tire shop owners.
* Flo: The sassy owner of a gas station.
* Fillmore: A hippie VW bus who sells organic fuel.
* Red: A grumpy, elderly firetruck.
* Ramone: A lowrider who runs a body shop.
Cars 2 (2011):
* Lightning McQueen: Returns as a main character.
* Mater: Takes on a larger role as a secret agent.
* Finn McMissile: A sophisticated British spy car.
* Holley Shiftwell: A skilled British spy car and Finn's partner.
* Professor Z: The main antagonist, a mastermind behind a plan to sabotage the World Grand Prix.
* Francesco Bernoulli: A fast and arrogant Italian race car and Lightning's rival.
* Lewis Hamilton: A cameo appearance by the Formula One driver.
* Jeff Gorvette: A fast and cocky American race car.
* Acer: A sinister oil executive.
This isn't an exhaustive list, as many supporting characters appear in both films. There are also numerous background characters and residents of Radiator Springs. The sequels, *Cars 3* and beyond, add more characters as well.
