API Products

The Auto.dev API Gateway at https://api.auto.dev provides a unified entry point to all automotive data services. Every endpoint returns a consistent response structure that includes navigation, service discovery, and user context.

Standard Response Structure

Every API endpoint returns four standard objects along with endpoint-specific data:

api - Metadata about the current service
links - Navigation and self-reference links
discover - Available services and endpoints by category
user - Your authentication status and user context

Example Request

curl -X GET "https://api.auto.dev" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

This returns the complete API structure with available endpoints organized by category (data, services, commerce, AI) and your user context.

Available APIs

Core Vehicle Data

VIN Decode

Decode any VIN to access comprehensive vehicle data and specifications

Vehicle Listings

Access millions of active vehicle listings with real-time pricing and availability

Vehicle Photos

High-quality vehicle images and photo galleries for listings and inventory

Specifications

Detailed technical specifications, features, and options for any vehicle model

OEM Build Data

Original equipment manufacturer build data and production information

Vehicle Recalls

Safety recalls, service bulletins, and manufacturer notifications

Open Recalls

Access only active, unresolved vehicle recalls requiring immediate attention or repair

Financial & Ownership

Total Cost of Ownership

Comprehensive ownership costs including depreciation, maintenance, and operating expenses

Vehicle Payments

Calculate monthly payments, financing options, and payment estimates

Interest Rates

Real-time automotive financing rates and lending information

Taxes & Fees

Registration fees, taxes, and location-specific vehicle costs

Advanced Features

Plate-to-VIN

Decode US license plates to get VIN, year, make, model, and more

API Reference

Interactive API Playground

Test all endpoints with live requests and explore real responses

Error Codes

Complete guide to API error responses and troubleshooting

Authentication

Auto.dev API supports three authentication methods:

Method 1: View in Browser

For web applications with user sessions, you can use a clickable link to view the API call in your browser:

https://api.auto.dev/vin/WP0AF2A99KS165242

Method 2: Query Parameter

curl "https://api.auto.dev/vin/WP0AF2A99KS165242?apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY"

Method 3: Authorization Header (Recommended)

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  https://api.auto.dev/vin/WP0AF2A99KS165242

Security Best Practices: - Use Authorization header for server-to-server communication - Use query parameters only for testing or simple integrations - View in browser for web applications with user sessions - Never expose API keys in client-side code

Next Steps

Get your API key if you haven't already
Choose an API above to explore specific endpoints
View examples to see real implementations