Bartow Ford

Welcome To Bartow Ford!

Bartow Ford has been proudly serving Central Florida for more than 74 years. We specialize in selling and servicing new Fords and all makes and models of pre-owned vehicles.

Whether you are looking for fuel-efficiency or towing capability, we offer something for everyone. Our friendly, knowledgeable employees are dedicated to finding the right fit for you, your family, or your business.

Our History

In 1948, Harry Truman was President, a loaf of bread would run you 14 cents, and Ernest Smith opened the doors to the Bartow Ford store at 495 and 510 W. Main St. WWII hadn’t been over long, and they sold used cars and appliances to remain afloat.

Smith’s tenacity and business philosophy kept the doors open during those tough years. He once explained, “Our first and most important obligation is to provide total satisfaction to each customer. We are to conduct our business in such a manner that there is never any doubt about our ethics or moral standards.”

Thus, “Honesty, Integrity, Trust” became more than just a tagline – it is the way we do business.

In the seven decades since, Bartow Ford has changed facilities three times. Each time, the location grew larger with greater facilities, to better accommodate Bartow Ford’s ever-growing customer base. The last move, in 2003, brought us to our current campus on 30 acres and ushered in a transition to new ownership. Benny Robles Sr., Bob Ambrose, and Denny Mullis had worked at the dealership long term and Ernest Smith gave them an opportunity at ownership. Under their leadership, the dealership flourished. During the tough times of 2008, Bartow Ford was able to maintain and recovered even stronger thanks to its leadership and the Bartow Ford employees.

In 2017, another transition to the current ownership began. Once again, the opportunity was granted to employees who had dedicated years of hard work and had progressed at the dealership. Benny Robles Jr., Rob Kendrick, Mike Bedenbaugh Jr, and Carlos Sandoval understand the fundamentals that continue to make Bartow Ford a success. These new owners, still working with the experience and knowledge of Benny Robles Sr., are set to take Bartow Ford to greater heights.

Our Awards

Bartow Ford receives consistent recognition for its commitment to customer service, including Ford Motor Company’s highest honor, the President’s Award.

This award, created in 1985, acknowledges Ford Dealerships that provide exceptional service and vehicle buying experiences for their customers. With over 3,000 Ford dealerships operating in the country, this accomplishment is attained by few; approximately ten percent of dealerships are honored each year.

Bartow Ford has won 23 times. Only 24 dealers in the nation – including Bartow Ford – have achieved that level of excellence. They are the only dealership in Florida to have done so.

The dealership has also been recognized as a Triple Crown Winner and a Top 100 Volume Dealer.