About Our New & Used Ford Dealership in Atlanta, GA
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 21 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:770-677-0730
- Service:770-874-0325
- Parts:770-677-0790
- 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
David Attal, my service rep, was great.
Great Experience! Mike worked with me and helped me purchase my first car. I got a great deal! I recommend coming here if anyone is looking to purchase a car. Thank you Mike!
I have never been able to navigate purchasing a vehicle as fast as I was able to this past Tuesday. The salesman Louis was knowledgeable, patient, and honest. I’m really happy with my new car.
Dropped my 2023 MACH-E off for service. I did have to wait about a week due to limited EV technicians but they did a great job and fixed my issue!
I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I am with this dealership. I have purchased several vehicles in my lifetime and this was the easiest, friendliest, and honest dealership I have ever come across. I saw a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 on Autotrader and put in an inquiry and then followed up with a call. I spoke to Louis Thompson and within an hour had secured agreed pricing. I was cautious as I was in Fort Lauderdale and would be flying. He told me to send him my itinerary and they would pull it off the sales floor. I booked my flight with him on the phone and texted the itinerary. Not only did he assure me that they would not sell the vehicle to anyone else, but Shaun Barr also got on the phone to reiterate it would be there. Within an hour of that, I had a video from Louis doing a walk-around of my new truck. Unreal the level they exuded to go above and beyond what is expected. When I arrived to complete the deal, the truck was already detailed and waiting for me. I finalized the deal with Irvin, the finance manager and I was on my way. Overall, they exhibited what lacks in most dealerships, and it was a breath of fresh air to work with friendly and honest individuals. Thank you again. I would use them again without a doubt.
Keyvonte Nash is awesome .He is the best and explained very well about car .
We had a fabulous experience while working with this business. Special mention for Michael Buck and Irving Reyes, who were great professionals to work with, when it came to our car buying experience. Jim Ellis should always be the first choice when it comes to buying any car
Had a seamless experience working with Jay Wiggins on purchasing vehicles for our company. Jay efficiently found the vehicles we needed and simplified the process. Looking forward to choosing this dealership for our future vehicle needs.
Jay Wiggins my sales rep gave me all the time and respect I have ever had in buying cars for 53 years. That is what I am writing this. People like this are hard to find. He got me a great deal and follow up. If you want a Ford save time and go see him !
Had a great experience purchasing a new F150 at Jim Ellis Ford. The Sales Consultant, Denis Esapa, explained all the features and capabilities of the truck. Very easy to work with and I feel he helped me get a great price. Also, a big thanks to Irving Reyes in the Finance department who stayed late and got me a very good rate. The entire staff at Jim Ellis Ford were a pleasure to do business with.
He was very kind and attentive. He was very patient and helped us find the perfect vehicle!
It seemed a bit expensive this time, but then again I never needed a new brake solenoid before...
Louis Thompson lll make us fill very welcome and did a great job with us on this Ford Ranger thanks Louis.
Had the best experience at this dealership. Walked in, was immediately greeted by both front desk and an available salesman. Turned out to be the easiest, most stress free car purchase I’ve ever made. Ask for Jay Wiggins and you won’t regret it. Professional, considerate and understanding is how I would describe Jay. It was truly a pleasure doing business with him. I will recommend both Jay and Jim Ellis Ford to anyone that ever needs to buy a car- new or used.
If easy going, low pressure and professionalism is your ideal way to purchase a new or used car, ask for Jay Wiggins at Jim Ellis Ford. Customer service and ease in purchasing seems to be what Jay aims for with his customers and it is definitely a winning combination at this dealership. I’ve never had such a great experience in trading in a car before. Would highly recommend Jay to help anyone with their car purchase and Jim Ellis Ford in general. Thanks for making my experience so painless and valuing my time while going thru this process!
Michael Buck was able to work an incredible deal to help me get out of a tough spot with my previous car and get me in a brand new car with no problems. Definitely will refer and come back down the line!
Louis was great! Would buy from him again! All the staff is so kind and helpful.
I had an excellent experience purchasing my vehicle at this establishment. I highly recommend requesting assistance from Jeremy, who was exceptionally helpful throughout the whole process.
Courtesy, efficiency, and a place I would recommend! Go see Denis and the team to get a great experience!
Denis was great! Very professional would recommend anyone to work with him .
Michael was outstanding to work with, and has great attention to detail
Had a great experience buying a used car for my wife. Jay Wiggins was friendly and efficient. Shaun the Manager was attentive and professional.
Mr. Thompson has been a pleasure to work with. Jim Ellis Ford made the buying process so easy. Go see them for your next Ford purchase!!
Great, fast, no hassle, easy. Gave me the keys and let me go take it for a drive. No pressure at all.
We loved working with Keven! He was so great. Definitely recommend going to see him