About Us
Welcome to the Family, Welcome to Jim Ellis Ford
Henry Ford took several leaps of faith in his life, launching three unsuccessful automotive companies before striking gold with the Ford Motor Company and the Model T. His determination to put the world on wheels wasn’t stifled by failure. Instead, his determination and passion ultimately expanded our horizons and transformed every aspect of our lives. That’s an incredible legacy that we’re honored to continue here at Jim Ellis Ford, but we also have a legacy of our own and, like Ford, are dedicated to changing your experience behind the wheel.
Our Legacy: How It All Began
Decades after Henry Ford debuted the Model T, a young boy named Jim Ellis spent his childhood on the grounds of the Atlanta Prison Farm, where his grandfather was superintendent and his father was a foreman. Growing up on the farm, Jim developed an unparalleled work ethic. He spent his free time running a milk, paper, and laundry route, helping with a local construction company, and running a concession stand at Grant Park. Although his jobs evolved, Jim’s passion never faltered as he enrolled at West Georgia College and later transferred to Georgia State University. He worked his way through by doing odd jobs as a salesman, prison guard, and prison foreman. Idle time was something Jim never wasted.
After graduating with his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1957, Jim worked in Atlanta for the next few years before enlisting in the United States Army. He served two years, returned home, and picked up where he left off––looking for his niche. Jim found it in 1960 when he was hired by General Motors and launched his career in the automotive industry.
Jim spent a decade with General Motors, and as he learned the ropes, he discovered a newfound passion for offering something unique in the industry. He dreamt of opening a dealership with his name on the sign and delivering a unique, family-centric experience to customers. In 1971, Jim and his wife, Billie, brought that dream to life when they spent their life savings to open Jim Ellis Volkswagen. Little did they realize, but that first dealership marked the beginning of an incredible legacy.
Our Legacy Today: What We Offer
Jim’s vision and passion for serving customers remained at the forefront of his endeavors as he expanded his dealerships and established Jim Ellis Automotive. Before long, his family of dealerships earned nationwide recognition, including receiving the Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence for 20 consecutive years. For Jim, the accolades reflected his work ethic and commitment to treating everyone, from his customers to his team, like family. He built a handcrafted legacy we’re dedicated to continuing today.
Although Jim and his son and former CEO, Jimmy, passed away in 2022, their legacy lives on at Jim Ellis Ford. Our dealership and many others under the Jim Ellis Automotive banner are staffed by third and fourth-generation Ellis family members that share Jim’s passion and commitment. It’s a family-oriented dealership experience to the core.
We’re excited to welcome you into that family, building a lasting and meaningful relationship with you. It’s exactly how Jim envisioned it, and it’s how buying a vehicle should be––rewarding, worthwhile, and exciting. We can’t wait to share that experience and partner with you every mile and adventure ahead, from sales and service to every automotive need in between.
- Sales:770-874-0406
- Service:770-874-0325
- Parts:770-874-0455
- Mon - Sat7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- SunClosed
- Mon - Sat7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- SunClosed
- Mon - Sat7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- SunClosed
What our recent customers say
Muhammad and Celvin were great I could not ask for a better experience.
We had a phenomenal experience with the Jim Ellis team at Sandy Springs! The were professional and straight forward with us. From the moment we stepped through the door we were impressed by they honesty and treatment of their customers. We will definitely be return customers and be telling all of our friends and family to shop at Jim Ellis.
Worked with Robert to order a 2023 Maverick and later the purchase. Worked with Andre for financing and Andre presented multiple options allowing my choose the best option for me.
Louis, was very friendly and straightforward throughout the whole process. Very friendly and did not feel like some of the other salesman I have come across. He made it a nice and easy process and wasn't afraid to go the extra mile for the customer.
Great group to work with and helpful. Would come back again and do bushes with.
We loved
The service was efficient. All the staff were very friendly and polite. I will definitely recommend it!
My Ford Escape needed repairs. I was afraid of the bill. This is when one of the managers, Jake Moore, approached me and offered to consider trading in my older Escape for a new model. This is when I was introduced to my new sakes advisor, Robert Yengibaryan. He is a polite, patient and is a good professional. I loved the new model with the large screen and decided to explore all the financing option. Andre Thomas, their business manager, helped me to navigate through all the financing options and did a truly great job getting me approved and match my goals for monthly payments. Overall, I am happy with this dealership.
I am from Korea originally and always wanted a powerful Mustang GT. I came to Jim Ellis Ford in April and Robert Yengibaryan helped me to build and order one for me and another for my friend I love stick-shift Robert is a great man. He was I touch with me every month and when my car arrived, Robert and I were on the phone many times a day. He told me how to prepare my financing, how to add my new car to my insurance I am very grateful and will send all my friend to Robert in the future
Had a great experience here purchasing a quality used car for our 16 year old. Denis was a pleasure to work with. Sales process was fast, friendly, and efficient.
Luis was excellent, communicated well, and shot straight. Loving my sq5 so far!
Denis was a great help! We got the vehicle we wanted and we're in and out quickly. Thank you!
Service was awesome, My advisor Kim helped out with everything I needed and was very kind and has really good costumer service! I’ll be coming back.
Just bought a car here from Denis. Process was smooth and would def buy again here.
I had a great experience at Jim Ellis Ford Sandy Springs. Dennis and Armand were both very professional, and not pushy at all, just informative. Highly recommend this dealership!
Louis was so easy to work with. He made my purchase a breeze. As soon as I arrived he was ready to go, and I was out the door, keys in hand in 2 hours! If you’re looking for a kind, genuine sales representative to assist you with your next vehicle purchase, hit up Louis.
Thom Hostetter in sales and Andre Thomas in finance are top notch and made everything very easy. Great experience!
Louis is super laid back, honest, friendly, and easy to talk to; makes you feel like you’re just talking to a friend you’ve known for years. Would 1000% recommend selling your car to him or buying your new car from him!
I would highly recommend working with Louis! Amazing experience, professional, friendly and relational. He made us feel welcome and right at home. Not pushy and very upfront. Thanks for all your help Louis!! Reed and Jessica
Denis was great! Quick and got me a good payment
Louis Thompson was good, friendly, efficient and effective. He didn’t make me feel like this was just a business deal.
Rachael Nalley. Friendly, helpful, informative. She didn’t stress me to buy a car. And she was easy to talk to.
Good service. Friendly people. Courteous. Helpful and not just profit driven. They always been nice to me when I come.
Brandon Smith was an excellent help in my car buying experience.
I had been looking for the perfect car for my 16yo daughter. I had shopped around many places. I was straightforward with everything, told them everything I wanted. Louis Thompson was the first salesman out of everywhere that did not try to “sale me more”. He told me he had the perfect car and he was right! Therefore I drove 4 hours one way! He made the whole sale smooth, quick and easy! I highly recommend Louis and Jim Ellis Ford!