This study explores access-based consumption, particularly in the context of car sharing, through an interpretive analysis of Zipcar users. Access-based consumption, defined as transactions without the transfer of ownership, is becoming increasingly popular but lacks theoretical foundation. The study identifies six dimensions to distinguish different types of access-based consumption: temporality, anonymity, market mediation, consumer involvement, the type of accessed object, and political consumerism. In the context of car sharing, these dimensions are examined through 40 semi-structured interviews with Zipcar users in Boston. The findings reveal that car sharing is characterized by longitudinal, limited-duration access, close to home and anonymous, market-mediated, self-service, and based on functional objects. The study contributes to the understanding of access-based consumption by mapping its construct and implications, particularly in the context of car sharing.This study explores access-based consumption, particularly in the context of car sharing, through an interpretive analysis of Zipcar users. Access-based consumption, defined as transactions without the transfer of ownership, is becoming increasingly popular but lacks theoretical foundation. The study identifies six dimensions to distinguish different types of access-based consumption: temporality, anonymity, market mediation, consumer involvement, the type of accessed object, and political consumerism. In the context of car sharing, these dimensions are examined through 40 semi-structured interviews with Zipcar users in Boston. The findings reveal that car sharing is characterized by longitudinal, limited-duration access, close to home and anonymous, market-mediated, self-service, and based on functional objects. The study contributes to the understanding of access-based consumption by mapping its construct and implications, particularly in the context of car sharing.