About Our New & Used Ford Dealership in Atlanta, GA

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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.