Champion Ford Gulf Freeway

Ford's Champion store on the Gulf Freeway in Houston is a big dealer. It moved 2,060 new cars/trucks and 2,057 used vehicles in 2006, ranking it #249 on the 2006 Ward's Dealer 500.

For 2007, the dealership ranked #276 on the Ward's 500, new sales were 1,814 units, used vehicles totaled 2,134.

This dealership sells many used cars, in many years used has outsold new.

Champion has frequently ranked in the Chron.com top 25 Houston Dealers, but this has become difficult with Toyota stores posting 30% annual sales growth.

Formerly known as Charlie Thomas Ford, the dealership was renamed in 2003 when AutoNation took over.

Found on I-45 South

Find champion on I-45 south, at exit 33, across from Almeda Mall.

Corporate Store

Wayne Huizenga's AutoNation mega-dealer chain owns Champion.

AutoNation, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is the largest US corporate dealer group.

Publicly owned and traded (NYSE: AN), AutoNation is a member of the S&P 500.

AutoNation dominates the Wards Dealer 500 listings with over 100 stores and has sold over six million cars and trucks.

Chairman and Chief Executive Mike J. Jackson is an automotive retail standout, often a spokesman for dealers. Mr. Jackson has supported initiatives such as the plug-in hybrid "Plug-In Partners Campaign."

The corporate chain operates in Houston as Champion Automotive Group.

Reputation

I rate a dealership's 36-month complaint history with Houston's Better Business Bureau on the following scale;

0-3 Excellent
4-7 Good
8-13 Passable
13-20 Weak
20-29 Poor
30 and above Avoid!

Here is why I always say shop the dealer harder than the deal: one Houston dealer consistently scores above 150 on this scale, distinguishing itself from the pack. You won't find that dealer listed here.

Keep in mind that sales numbers will affect the BBB complaint level.

The BBB processed a total of 20 complaints about this Ford store in the last 36 months. It appears as if the BBB has lumped complaints relating to the Katy location with the I-45 south location. Dividing this result among two high volume dealers gives acceptable complaint levels.

Hours/Contacts

Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sun Closed

713-371-4000
Fax: 713-371-4933
AutoNation inventory available through regional search.

Maintenance

Mon to Fri 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sun Closed

713-371-4000

Website has service appointment form.

Internet Ford Sales

AutoNation's is a top internet vendor as a result of no haggle web pricing and diverse inventory.

Champion Ford Website