EXHIBIT 23.1



        Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants



The Board of Directors
Lithia Motors, Inc. and Affiliated Companies:

      We consent to the use of our reports incorporated herein by reference in
the Form S-8 of  Lithia  Motors,  Inc.  Our  report  refers to a change in the
method of accounting for inventories,  effective January 1, 1997, as discussed
in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.



                                   /s/  KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Portland, Oregon
May 21, 1999