Is AutoPacific Legit? 2026 Review, Safety Score & Payouts
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: February 5, 2026
AutoPacific Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: AutoPacific is a legitimate research company for car enthusiasts. However, it's not a reliable way to earn consistent cash, as participation often leads to sweepstakes entries or points instead of direct payment.
Why We Love It
- Legitimate company
- Focus on automotive industry
- Opportunity to influence car design
The Catch
- ✕No guaranteed cash payouts
- ✕Payouts are sweepstakes/points
- ✕Eligibility depends on car ownership
- ✕Study availability is inconsistent
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What is AutoPacific & How Does It Work?
AutoPacific is a market research firm that focuses on the automotive industry. They gather feedback from people like you on cars, features, and driving experiences to help car makers improve their products.
Unlike typical survey sites that cover many topics, AutoPacific specializes only in vehicles and related consumer habits. You might get to share your opinion on future car designs.
At A Glance
- TypeSurvey
- PlatformWeb
- CostFree
- Est. Year1986 (40 Years)
How It Works
Join the Panel
Sign up to become part of the AutoPacific panel. You will share details about yourself and the cars you own.
Take Automotive Studies
If you match what they are looking for, you will get invited to take studies. These can be online surveys, focus groups, or product evaluations.
Earn Rewards
After completing studies, you will earn entries into sweepstakes or points. These are your rewards for sharing your opinions.
Is AutoPacific Legit or a Scam? (Safety Check)
Before you spend your time, it's smart to check if a platform is trustworthy. Here’s what we found about AutoPacific’s background and safety.
- Established Company: AutoPacific has been around since 1986. They are based in Long Beach, California, and have been serving the automotive industry for decades.
- Industry Expertise: They are known experts in car market research. Many major car manufacturers trust them to gather important consumer insights.
- Clear Panel Rules: The website mentions 'PANEL SWEEPSTAKES RULES'. This shows they have clear guidelines for how participants can earn and what the rewards involve.
- Public Information: AutoPacific shares details about their services and team on their website. This transparency helps show they are a real company, not a hidden operation.
Verdict: Legit
AutoPacific is a legitimate company with a long history in automotive research. While they are real, how you get paid is different from typical survey sites.
How Much Money Can You Make? (Earning Potential)
If you're looking to earn extra cash, understanding how AutoPacific rewards its participants is key. This platform works differently than many others.
- Earning Structure: You typically earn entries into sweepstakes or points for completing studies. These are not direct cash payments for your time.
- No Hourly Rate: Since earnings are not direct cash, there is no set hourly rate for your participation. Your reward is the chance to win prizes through sweepstakes or accumulated points.
- Study Frequency: The number of studies you get invited to can vary greatly. It depends on your car ownership, location, and other demographic details that fit current research needs.
- Potential Value: While you might not get cash, winning a sweepstakes prize could be valuable. The points system might also offer various rewards, but details are not publicly clear.
Bottom Line: AutoPacific is not a consistent source of direct cash income. It's more about the chance to win prizes or earn points through sweepstakes for sharing your automotive opinions.
AutoPacific Payment Methods & Cashout Speed
Getting paid is a big deal for gig workers. With AutoPacific, the payment process is unique because it often involves sweepstakes.
- Payment Method: Rewards are typically sweepstakes entries or points. Direct cash payments like PayPal or bank transfers are not the standard method.
- Minimum Cashout: There is no minimum cashout amount because rewards are not direct cash. Instead, you earn entries into sweepstakes for prize drawings.
- Cashout Speed: Payment speed is unverified as it depends on sweepstakes drawing schedules or how points can be redeemed. It's not an instant cash transfer.
- Approval Process: Once you complete a study, your participation is recorded, and you receive your sweepstakes entry or points. There's no approval for a cash payment.
- Tax Considerations: If you win a prize from a sweepstakes, it may be considered taxable income. It's best to check with a tax advisor about any winnings.
Bottom Line: AutoPacific's payment system is based on sweepstakes entries or points, not direct cash. This means no instant payouts or traditional cashout options.
Pros and Cons of Using AutoPacific
The Good
- Unique Niche. You get to participate in studies specifically about cars and the automotive industry, which can be interesting for car enthusiasts.
- Legitimate Company. AutoPacific is a well-established and respected market research firm, so your participation is with a real entity.
- Influence Products. Your feedback can help shape future car models and features, giving you a voice in the automotive world.
- Free to Join. There is no cost to sign up and join their panel to take part in studies.
- Diverse Study Types. They offer various ways to participate, including online surveys, focus groups, and product evaluations.
The Bad
- No Guaranteed Cash. Your efforts are rewarded with sweepstakes entries or points, not direct money for your time.
- Sweepstakes Payouts. Winning a prize is not guaranteed, making it an unreliable way to earn income.
- Specific Eligibility. You need to own certain types of vehicles or fit specific demographic criteria to qualify for studies.
- Inconsistent Work. Study invitations are not regular, so you might not get frequent opportunities to participate.
AutoPacific Frequently Asked Questions
Is AutoPacific legit or a scam?
AutoPacific is a legitimate market research company founded in 1986. They work with major car manufacturers. However, it's not a scam, but it's also not a way to earn consistent cash.
How much money can I earn on AutoPacific?
You typically earn sweepstakes entries or points, not direct cash. There is no guaranteed monetary earning, as it depends on winning a prize through a sweepstakes.
How fast do they pay on AutoPacific?
AutoPacific doesn't offer direct cash payments. Rewards are sweepstakes entries, so there's no payment processing time in the usual sense. Winning depends on the sweepstakes drawing schedule.
What payment methods does AutoPacific offer?
AutoPacific primarily offers sweepstakes entries or points as rewards. They do not offer traditional payment methods like PayPal, bank transfers, or gift cards for participation.
Who qualifies to participate in AutoPacific studies?
Eligibility is very specific and usually depends on the type of car you own, your driving habits, and other demographic details. Only certain individuals will be invited to studies.
How can I get more studies or tasks on AutoPacific?
To increase your chances, make sure your profile is fully completed and updated with accurate information about your vehicles and demographics. Study invitations are based on matching specific research needs.
What kind of studies does AutoPacific offer?
AutoPacific offers studies related to the automotive industry. These can include surveys about car features, driving experiences, concept vehicles, and opinions on various aspects of car ownership.

