Bartow Ford — Local services in Bartow

They're different, and I proved it. Too bad it didn't make a difference. Primarily due to 3 particular entities within an Owner, and Service. Special thanks 😂 to CARLOS SANDOVAL, Aaron, and a Service Manager who didn't want his name remembered. Your combined efforts ruffled the feathers of the right former customer (Carlos ordered our 2017 Cmaxx Hybrid out of service). As a 4.5 rating at that time was "never going to meet my expectations". Based only on Monsieur Sandoval's "feelings" after a phone meeting. I made my concerns clear after Aaron informed a former Service Advisor (me), parts specialist who also "carried" that certification. That you have to remove the enitre dashboard to pull the A/C vents out of our vehicle. His Service manager confirmed this was not accurate, and stated only the top section did to remove A/C vents to try and clear glass from a pathetic Safelite glass installation (local facility got their 1* review already). That cuts time out of the process, and is explained that way in the "Ford" shop manual per customers request. That Service manager stammers immediately and defends his buddy stating "what I think Aaron meant to say was" we may have to go in your entire A/C system to get glass out of it as you can guarantee after it breaking (only a rock web) it's down in the evaporator which may not be serviceable (glass was from remanants around the seal during removal). We just want your family safe. My response was "now it makes some, sense. Let's move forward and get the Estimates" as Aaron and I found other potential accident damage not listed. My warranty company is also willing to fix this as new service since you're already inspecting/repairing the vehicle presently. 2 of 4 problems confirmed, but only1 fixed. I'm posting a video of the third, and that video is unacceptable for the record as "it has to have the problem at the dealership"👌. I understand this as "some" emphasis added could be fabricated. However this day and age technology on phones is beyond what courts consider "contemporaneous evidence" (remember this parents who will do anything for their kids). My older Galaxy S7 edge has full 1080p High definition, and built in stereo microphone for recordings. Well over 4mp which is all the courts need for it to be entered with admissibility. That video shows my latch fully closed, me shaking the liftgate, vigorously, and the liftgate ajar lit indicating it's broken, clearly! Technology presents opportunity, but dealerships can't get past traditions, and will continue to lose business. Just like sticking with Advice that wasn't accurate on A/C vents as they can be removed with panel pulling tools. Let's focus on this again for a minute. I requested this, but the Service manager again, had to stammer (aforementioned) to say "what I think Aaron meant to say was". I had no qualms with proper explanation. It wasn't until Aaron had to jump on the phone immediately after his manager and I "resolved things" to reiterate "he didn't say what I thought he did, and this is what he meant". Now I'm upset, and he hears the phone click. I will not be called a liar indirectly by anybody especially when you're now badgering a customer. Our Cmaxx is a Hybrid and I would prefer Ford only service for this. I Thank our God and Lord Jesus for other Ford dealerships. Sandoval now calls, kicks our car out of Service and throws free tires (2nd star) to try and make us "feel better". Meanwhile, we still have glass in our A/C (again wanted them to do whatever was needed once definitive explanation was given), a plastic molding piece flapping in the wind, a liftgate ajar light (albeit intermittent) with HD video that doesn't lie, and body damage that should've been fixed by their Body Department. Few thousand my warranty company would have spent easily, whom we also caught them with their pants down during a 150 point inspection. They however respect customer service, got our business, and we'll just visit another Ford dealership who'll accept an "earned" 4.5 out of 5 stars...

From start to finish, Bartow Ford has completely redefined what a car-buying experience should be. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. After working with Marcelo, our exceptional salesman, for over six months, we not only found one perfect vehicle—but two! Marcelo's patience, professionalism, and deep knowledge helped guide us through every possible option on the market, never once rushing or pressuring us. He worked tirelessly to help us find vehicles that were not only comfortable and reliable but also fit our family’s budget. He’s the reason we came back—and the reason we’ll never buy from another dealership again.

What sets Bartow Ford apart is the genuinely different and refreshingly honest way they do business. There was no pressure, no upselling, and everything from accessories to service options was laid out clearly with absolutely no gimmicks. We felt empowered and informed throughout the process.

Kierstin, our delivery consultant, was another shining star. She walked us through every available accessory option and helped us customize our vehicles before we even drove them off the lot. She was thorough, kind, and made sure we had everything we needed before leaving the dealership.

And then there was Shannon, our finance manager—an absolute gem. Financing can often feel overwhelming, but Shannon explained every option with crystal clarity. She wasn’t just doing her job—she genuinely cared about what was best for our family and made the entire process stress-free and smooth. Her honest, no-pressure approach sealed the deal for us (literally and figuratively!).

The dealership itself is clean, well-organized, and professional in every way. Every staff member we interacted with was welcoming and accommodating. Bartow Ford didn’t just sell us vehicles—they earned our trust, loyalty, and future business for years to come. We look forward to servicing all of our vehicles here and continuing this wonderful relationship.

If you’re tired of the typical dealership experience, Bartow Ford is a breath of fresh air. We couldn’t...

I reached out to numerous friends of mine who owned trucks, all of them told me the same thing; go to Bartow Ford, and they will treat you right. One of my very close friends told me to contact a specific salesman at Bartow Ford, his name was John Nakashige, that he would take very good care of us. We had visited numerous dealerships in my county, we were very disappointed that they really didn’t seem interested in working with me with a competitive offer on my trade-in or a new truck; almost a take it or leave it attitude. We contacted John at Bartow Ford, and he did not disappoint, making us feel very comfortable and relaxed from the moment we met him. After we went over with him, what we were looking for in a truck, and what we were looking for our trade-in; he went to work. My trade-in was in pristine condition, and John gave me an offer for my vehicle that was better than any of the dealerships we had worked with before. Since I had asked for a very specific truck, color and accessories; It took a couple of weeks to find a truck that met my specific requirements. We were so excited when he called to say that he found the truck, he immediately sent me the vehicle information sheet to ensure that it met my needs; it did. We immediately made an appointment to go to the dealership to finalize the sale, he gave me a great price; and kept his word on giving me the trade-in offer for my vehicle that we had discussed previously. While John was our main point of contact as our salesman, I have to say that everyone on the Bartow new vehicle sales team was accommodating and provided outstanding customer service. At no time did we feel rushed, or pressured to do anything; which is very important with a large purchase. We will be recommending Bartow Ford, and John to our friends and family, who are interested in buying a new...