One moment you’re on your way to work or running errands, the next you’re stuck outside your car, jiggling an exterior door handle that no longer works. It’s frustrating, it’s inconvenient, and frankly, it’s not something you can put off fixing.
Replacing the handle quickly is more than just about convenience. It keeps your car secure and spares you the hassle of climbing through the passenger side or fumbling with a stuck latch. Aftermarket door handles are a quick solution—priced better than OE parts and built to fit just like them—so you don’t have to wait long or pay dealership premiums to get back on the road.
Aftermarket replacement exterior door handles are as durable as their OE counterparts, but they cost less, which means you can get the same quality while saving money at the same time. Check out high-quality replacement exterior door handles at CarParts.com today.
The 5 Best Exterior Door Handle Brands
Five names consistently pop up when drivers shop for exterior door handles that don’t break the bank but still feel solid in your hand:
- JC Whitney®
- Replacement
- Dorman®
- ReplaceXL
- AC Delco®
Each brand has a slightly different focus, so let’s look at how they compare.
JC Whitney®
JC Whitney® has been around for more than a century, and in that time it has built a reputation for offering everyday drivers exactly what they need at prices that don’t sting. If you’ve ever flipped through one of their old mail-order catalogs, you’ll know their name has always been tied to variety and value. Today, that reputation carries into their aftermarket parts lineup, which covers an impressive spread of vehicles.
Features
Price range: $11 to $40, depending on finish and style
Options include primed, chrome, or smooth black, with or without key holes
Fits front and rear, driver or passenger sides
Sold individually or in sets
Comes with a one-year unlimited mileage warranty
Straightforward return policy within 30 days
Our Score: 9/10
Replacement
Replacement focuses on no-frills parts that do exactly what you expect: fit right and work right. They’re perfect if you just need to get your car door opening again without spending much. Their catalog leans heavily on budget options, which makes them a go-to brand if you’re working with an older vehicle or a second car that just needs to stay functional.
Features
Price range: $4 to $6 for basic handles
Mostly plastic, primed black handles that match OE dimensions
Easy to install since they’re made to OE measurements
Sold individually for quick replacements
Our Score: 8/10
Dorman®
Dorman® has been in the aftermarket game since 1918, and it shows. The company is well-known for identifying parts that frequently wear out and offering upgraded versions. With door handles, that can mean sturdier construction, extra sealing to keep out moisture, or tweaks that extend the life of the part. For drivers who’d rather not replace the same handle twice, Dorman® tends to be the safer long-term bet.
Features
Price range: $10 to $55
Available in plastic or metal-reinforced designs
Often includes extras like gaskets for better sealing
Strong reputation, backed by more than 100 years in the industry
Our Score: 9/10
ReplaceXL
ReplaceXL is the budget option’s budget option. Their handles are as bare-bones as it gets, but that’s also the point. If you’ve got a high-mileage car that just needs a working handle without much thought to finishes or extras, ReplaceXL can get it done for the cost of a fast-food meal.
Features
Price range: $2 to $11
Mostly plastic, primed handles that match OE specs
Sold individually, which keeps costs down further
Focuses on direct-fit simplicity with no frills
Our Score: 8.5/10
AC Delco®
AC Delco® sits in a slightly different category. Because of its long-standing connection with GM, many of its parts line up closely with OE fit and finish. If you drive a Chevy, GMC, Buick, or Cadillac, AC Delco® is often the aftermarket brand that feels the most like it came straight from the dealership parts counter.
Features
Priced in the moderate range, usually $22 to $50
Covers both driver and passenger sides, front or rear
Finishes include textured black, chrome, and paint-to-match
Tends to fit GM vehicles especially well, reflecting OE heritage
Trusted name for decades in both OE and aftermarket parts
Our Score: 9/10
Our Recommendation
We recommend JC Whitney® as the go-to choice for exterior door handles. The brand offers an appealing balance of cost, selection, and warranty, which makes it hard to overlook. Their one-year unlimited mileage warranty and easy returns only add to the confidence that you’re getting a dependable replacement.
Tips for Shopping for an Exterior Door Handle
1. Fitment Matters Most
Every car has specific door handle shapes, and mixing them up is an easy mistake. Always start by checking it matches the year, make, and model of your vehicle.
2. Material
Plastic is common and works fine for most cars. But if your vehicle has a history of broken plastic handles, a metal-reinforced option might be worth the extra few dollars.
3. Weather Protection
Exterior door handles are constantly exposed to rain, snow, and heat. Some aftermarket handles include extra gaskets or better sealing to keep moisture out. That small detail can save you from replacing the handle again too soon.
4. Finish
Match the handle’s color or finish to your vehicle. Whether you prefer primed for painting, chrome for style, or simple black, pick a finish that blends in.
5. Warranty and Returns
If a handle doesn’t fit right or fails sooner than it should, a warranty makes the difference. A one-year unlimited mileage coverage gives peace of mind, while most budget handles still come with basic return policies.
6. Price vs. Longevity
A $5 handle from Replacement or ReplaceXL will work, but it might not last as long as a sturdier Dorman® or AC Delco® part. Decide whether spending a little more upfront makes sense.
7. Difficulty of Installation
Most aftermarket handles are direct-fit, meaning no modifications are required. Adding lubrication or adjusting linkage may smooth final fit.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
