Cars is a racing game, based on the movie of the same name, that allows the player to explore the world of Radiator Springs and surrounding areas in an open world mission-based structure. The story revolved around racing rookie Lightning McQueen, who wants to become a famous racer and compete in the Piston Cup, the equivalent of NASCAR races. You can roam freely, talk to other characters and accept race challenges to advance the story.

In this video game adaptation of Pixars Cars, you begin as Lightning McQueen, a rookie racecar looking to win fame and fortune at the Piston Cup Championship. A racing adventure game with ten playable characters from the film, Cars offers 50 races through open environments. The game includes voice talent from the movie, so listen for moral lessons from Larry the Cable Guy and comic relief from Cheech Marin.

There are over 20 Road Races to choose from in the Story Mode as well as 5 Piston Cup Races and additional mini-games. The player is awarded bonus points in the Story Mode that can be used to unlock bonus content material such as boost abilities, new racers (10 in total), new environments, and mini-games, such as an obstacle course or a military training event. The game also features an Arcade Menu that allows quick access to races unlocked from Story Mode as well as a VS. Mode where the player can compete head-to-head.