Not a bad place to start, but don't stay too long. - Operations Manager CarMax Employee Review

3.0
17 Apr 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

For an auto dealer, Carmax is not a terrible place to work. Decent compensation, stable work environment and high level of integrity towards it's customers. A new to the workforce manager will receive a comprehensive development plan and continuous training that can be applied to any future employment.

Cons

KMX, like many other companies used the economic downturn to shift it's business philosophy to an extreme profit-centric focus. The company has consistently added workload, reduced staffing, cut benefits (stocks), and reduced annual compensation increases to a small flat rate for all associates/manager regardless of performance. Furthermore, it changed it's health care provider to aetna in 2012 and coverage went down, while rates went up. You also have to agree to yearly health screenings to get a "discount" on your rates. These screenings were occurring long before CVS garnered attention for the same practices. KMX has also become very good at convincing employees how lucky they are to work there. This is achieved with an almost cult-like culture, where any objection or dissent is squashed. Most are scared to speak out due to running the risk of being perceived as not "bought in", which is a death sentence. In conclusion, carmax has become a company of initiatives run by analysts. As a result the micro-management is at a level only seen in the most bloated of bureaucratic governments. I'm giving it three stars due to the years I worked at the max when things were good.

Explore other reviews about CarMax

5.0
3 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You are your own boss

Cons

Slow days can be demotivating.

4.0
13 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The perks of working at CarMax are quite extensive. Associates are offered an aggressive 401k program, Stock Purchasing Plan, in store discounts on sales and service, access to the CarMax Wholesale system, excellent healthcare, plenty of PTO, and at my location we are given as much OT as we want. My coworkers are generally good people, that I enjoy being able to work along side day in and day out. Management is very understanding in regards to calling out sick family emergencies, and schedule requests.

Cons

Despite doing the work of 5 people, and very politely asking for a raise management will not give me more than my 3% annual raise which is the single biggest let down. The bonus change of 2025 being labeled as "exciting" was straight corporate gaslighting unlike anything I've ever seen. Since the start of 2026, as of this review being written we have lost 7 associates largely due to pay, and I am soon to join those associates. Management from the store level up to corporate needs to understand that to retain their top performers they need to be compensated like a top performer. Some members of management are cliquey and moody which is very frustrating to deal with. Quality of Management varies wildly from store to store as well

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