The Essentials by The Cars is a greatest hits compilation released by WEA International in 2005.

Track listing

1. "My Best Friend's Girl"
2. "You Might Think"
3. "Since You're Gone"
4. "Shake it Up"
5. "Just What I Needed"
6. "Magic"
7. "Touch and Go"
8. "Drive"
9. "You Are the Girl"
10. "Candy-O"
11. "Tonight She Comes"
12. "Let's Go"

Personnel

• Elliot Easton – lead guitar, backing vocals
• Greg Hawkes – keyboards, backing vocals
• Ric Ocasek – rhythm guitar, lead vocals on 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11
• Benjamin Orr – bass guitar, lead vocals on 5, 8, 10, 12
• David Robinson – drums, percussion