As the saying goes, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.” From the ground-breaking scale of the Astrodome to our Capitol building (14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol) to the San Jacinto Monument (12 feet taller than the Washington Monument) and DFW Airport (larger than Manhattan), it’s safe to say that we give everyone a run for their money. And yes, the same goes for car buying options. According to the Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA), there are 1,309 dealerships in our state located across 284 cities and towns, and accounting for over 100,000 employees. That’s a big number. So, how does one go about narrowing that list down? Well, I guess even the challenges are bigger in Texas, so here’s our pass at a list of Texas Top 10 Dealers.
Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford (North Richland Hills)
Acknowledging the many limitations placed upon dealerships by OEM, ‘standing out’ among competitors can prove an immense challenge. Even those dealerships who are interested in creating a uniquely branded appearance might find themselves hindered. It’s a large part of why so many dealerships feel like cookie-cutter entities, top to bottom. That said, Five Star Ford North Richland, with its pillared archways and manicured greenery, creates an impactful first impression. But the appeal isn’t solely superficial. An eighteen consecutive year recipient of the Ford Triple Crown and nineteen-year recipient of the President’s Award for customer satisfaction speaks volumes. The same could be said for their level of employee retention, which—along with customer satisfaction awards—speaks to the culture and the dealership’s priorities. Check it out here.
Bluebonnet Chrysler Dodge (New Braunfels)
At first glance, an outsider’s eye might find it difficult to find something notably special about Bluebonnet Chrysler Dodge. But, as the #1 Volume RAM Dealer in the entire state of Texas, we’re compelled to take a closer look. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any reviews on their site, or anywhere else. Color us intrigued. Are the hordes of RAM customers so happy with their Bluebonnet experience that they’ve taken a vow of silence, so the dealership remains the best-kept secret in New Braunfels? Or maybe (and just hear us out, here) despite their commendable success, Bluebonnet Chrysler Dodge could do a better job of telling their own story.
Mercedes-Benz of the Woodlands (The Woodlands)
There’s are certain expectations that come with an aspirational vehicle purchase. So when one sets out to buy themselves a Mercedes-Benz, there’s an immediate burden placed upon the shoulders of dealerships like Mercedes-Benz of the Woodlands. Fortunately for their customers, they are a three-time consecutive winner of Mercedes-Benz Dealer Recognition Award and have charged themselves with the creation of a welcoming environment build upon kindness, comfort, and professionalism (as one would certainly expect). But there’s also a wealth of information, guidance, and support to be enjoyed – ensuring the best possible return on any buyer’s investment. To look for yourself, check them out here.
Texas Harley-Davidson (Bedford)
Selected by the Harley-Davidson community as one of the premier Harley-Davidson dealerships in the Lone Star State. Texas Harley-Davidson in Bedford does more than just offer a superior shopping/buying experience for their costumers. In addition to a strong sense of loyalty to both the local and rider community, Texas Harley is a proud member of the Calculate Risk Motorcycle Group, committed to both rider safety and education. Together, they ensure a lasting connection to Texas Harley customers of all skill levels through their lifetime of riding. For more information, read more here.
Frank Kent Chevrolet (Ennis)
While it’s not unusual for dealerships to exist as family-owned and operated dynasties handed down across generations, nor is it unusual for dealerships to play an active role in their communities, some just do it all a little bit better. The Frank Kent name extends back just over a hundred years, and has served as the foundation for a diverse motor group built around a code of “morals, values, and ethics over profit.” Frank Kent offers more than just Chevrolet and GMC, with a number of dealerships specializing in Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, as well as an even more expansive selection of new and used models. Their interests extend even further, leading to the creation of Fort Brewery and an array of other products and services. But at the heart of every sale, rests a genuine desire to serve the communities that the Frank Kent Motor Group calls home. Discover where everyone leaves with a smile, here.
Audi Dallas (Dallas)
A recipient of Audi’s Magna Society Award, Audi Dallas has been the #1 Audi volume leader in the area for years. And while that’s certainly evident of certain strengths in terms of service, selection and pricing – Audi Dallas shows no interest of resting on their laurels. Enter ‘Audi Dallas 2.0.’ More than just a re-branding concept, Audi Dallas has launched this initiative to further upgrade the experience that they offer their valued customers. They doubled their selection of models, service department, and the savings ensuring that they’re more likely to please an even wider number of Audi buyers in the immediate future. Find your new Audi here.
Honda of Fort Worth (Fort Worth)
Visit their website, and it smacks you right in the face. Honda President’s Award 2017 and 2018. Honda Council of Parts and Service Professionals Award 2017 and 2018. Car Guru’s Top Ranked Dealer Award 2019. While some might consider it easy to write off industry awards, we always find that our interest in a dealership piques when those awards come from OEM and consumer resources alike. With an array of organic and complimentary reviews stretching from their website to online review sites, it seems that Honda of Fort Worth offers an extremely satisfying customer experience deserving of further exploration. See for yourself here.
Helfman DCJR (Houston)
Admittedly, one of the more frustrating dealer websites that I’ve ever visited (hint, hint) but Helfman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is a great example of how even the best dealerships out there should always strive for improvement. But setting that aside, what initially drew us to Helfman DCJR was that they were among the 407 dealerships nationwide to earn the 2019 Customer First Award for Excellence, as certified by J.D. Power and Associates. Indicating the highest level of sales and service experience, the award seems to be validated by customer reviews and the buzz it has helped to create for Helfman. Check it out here.
Toyota of Midland (Midland)
If everything’s bigger in Texas, it might be worth pointing out that Toyota of Midland prides itself on the being the largest Toyota dealer in Midland/Odessa, but they’re also four-time Presidents Award Winners, which seems to indicate that they know how to go about their business. And while they’d certainly join Helfman DCJR on our list of dealerships who need to overhaul their (overly busy) website, it does provide visibility to a compelling series of reviews that seem to be echoed on alternate review site. If you’re interested link here.
Porsche Austin (Austin)
Of course, any Porsche dealership is bound to fall under that same burden of expectations we touched on with Mercedes-Benz. The promise of luxury will do that. That said, Porsche Austin prides itself on being a member of the largest luxury automotive group in the area. As a part of Hi Tech Motorcars, Porsche Austin brings a wealth of resources that all but guarantee that your on-brand expectations of service, luxury, and performance will be met here.
Closing Thoughts
With over 1300 dealerships to choose from, choosing ten of them was no easy task – as such, we’re confident in stating that one could never actually build an accurate list of Top 10 Dealers in Texas, except for one based solely on sales. Then again, we’d never want to do business with a dealership based solely on their sales – we look for more in a trusted partner than the simple ability to ‘close a deal.’
And lists are subjective. We recognize that – if you were to compile a list of your own – your choices might not align with ours. For customers of the dealerships listed above, our choices might not even align with your individual experiences. So, whether you have thoughts on our choices, or feel that a dealership, in particular, deserves to be in a Top Ten list, be sure to let us know in the comments below!
