The motto of the magazine is Loud, Fast, Real , which emphasizes its more budget-oriented approach to automobile building. When compared to similar magazines, Car Craft often will have vehicles built on a "real world" budget, with an emphasis on functionality over style. Sister publication Hot Rod overlaps to an extent on some of the same subject matter, however Hot Rod often will cover more professionally built vehicles. Car Craft often will include vehicles that often may be considered rusty, ugly, offbeat or in some cases illegal.

The current editor-in-chief is Douglas Glad. Previous editors include Jeff Smith, Matt King and David Freiburger. Freiburger's tenure is often considered a high point in the magazine's publication. Readers frequently cite the usage of a hose clamp used as a transmission mount during his run. This act helped to solidify the magazine's reputation as a "car guy's" car magazine.