Family Dodge - Cleveland, GA

Visit Geno's Garage for Truck accessories.

The most recent reports are at the top of the list; the oldest are at the bottom.

Sales=Poor, Service=Poor, Parts=Fair, bought there=Yes, scv_there=Yes, Buy_DaimlerChrysler_again=No,
Avoid this dealership all together. I bought a used truck there and in two weeks the truck was shaking as I drove it I took it back. They said it had been wrecked and I must of damaged the frame. I had barely drove it!!!! They had to of sold it to me wrecked. I then paid a lot to have it fixed. Then the transmission quit. I have talked to 3 diff people and the same experience happened to them. Their service fees are way too high also so check around for prices.
Submitted by: J. Collins
Number of dealership visits=3, Last visit date=2003, Date report submitted: Jul 18 10:20:50 EDT 2006

Sales=Don't Know, Service=Poor, Parts=Excellent, bought there=No, scv_there=Yes, Buy_DaimlerChrysler_again=Maybe,
I wish the Avoid Like the Plague hadn't been removed. After today, I can honestly say that Family Dodge deserves that rating or even worse.
I own my own company and depend on good service to make my living. Today, Family Dodge showed me what some of the worst service ever is like.
I have had several good experiences with Family Dodge until today. About 2 1/2 weeks ago, I sent my 3500 Ram Dually with 135k miles on a diesel engine, in with fuel system problems. The service dept said, after examining the truck, that the camshaft, lifters and tappets were bad. I authorized replacement of the parts and 1 and 1/2 weeks later, they called back. This time, they said that the previously examined parts were not bad but that the engine block was bad. I personally examined the block today, 3/21, and could see no unusual engine wear. I have since then had another mechanic examine the engine and he verifies that there is no unusual wear and further explained that the problem is fuel system related, not mechanical related. The Family Dodge mechanic admitted that he had not run any test on the engine to determine the trouble, but had jumped in and torn it down. He also said that he had to call Dodge as he did not know what the trouble was. The part that upset me the most was that I found the interior of my truck stacked with greasy/oily parts, ruining my seats and carpet. The camshaft was left in the back of my truck, which was parked outside. The cam is now rusted due to rain. Further, the engine was left open and possibly is full of rain water.
I requested that Family reassemble the engine. They agreed and later called back and refused to reassemble the engine. I refused to pay for a new engine that they say I need. I was referred to Mr Echols, the owner of the dealership. I requested a face to face meeting with him.
My wife, myself and my 4 month old son went to the dealership tonight and met with the owner Mr Echols. I complimented him on his company and let him know that I had had nothing but good experiences previously with his service dept. I explained that I did not agreed with the stated need for a new engine and wanted my engine reassembled. I explained that I was upset about the greasy/oily parts inside my truck and about the rusted camshaft. He immediately interrupted me and accused me of being "stupid". After recovering from my shock, I requested that he walk the 50 ft to my truck and look for himself. He repeatedly refused and became verbally abusive, rude and began to scream and shout. I walk out to my truck, retrieved the camshaft, brought it into his office and dropped it onto his desk. He promptly jumped up, literally screaming and tried to call 911. (I don't know why). He was so agitated that he was unable to dial the phone and proceeded to further insult me and order me from his office. My wife and I stared at each other in disbelief and she asked him to calm down and simply listen to us. He became even more angry. I requested my truck key back from him and he walked to the back of the service dept to retrieve it. I assured him that I would not ever use his company again. I then had my wife call a tow service to remove my truck. Mr Echols saw that I had not left his dealer lot and proceeded to scream at me again and order me off the lot. I explained, very calmly, that I had personal property on his lot and would not be leaving until it was gone. He said I couldn't take the truck and I explained that I was sorry he felt that way, but that I would be taking the truck. He said he was going to get a bill for me and disappeared inside.
Approximately 5 minutes later, a Cleveland County Sheriff's Deputy pulled up on the lot. A sales person ran out of the office and led him into the dealership. I assume that Mr Echols talked to him. The Deputy came out front where I stood, watching my truck to insure that no one tried to damage it, while I tried to find a tow service. The Deputy good naturedly asked me what happened, so I explained. He laughed and turned to a second Deputy that had arrived while I was talking and said that this was unbelievable. He said "This is clearly a case of grossly poor customer service" He stated that he was sorry that we, my wife and I had to suffer through this. He asked if we had found a tow service and then helped us locate one. He talked to Mr Echols and explained that I would be allowed to remove my vehicle. The second Deputy remained to insure that I would be allowed to take my truck.
I removed the truck and now have it at my home. I can say that I have never been treated this way before or even heard of someone being treated this badly. I went to Mr Echols requesting help and he not only refused to listen to me and help, but he refused to reassemble my truck, insulted me, called the Sheriff's office on me and threatened me. I sincerely wish that I had a video of this as I would post it so everyone would see that I wasn't being a jerk or causing this reaction from him. I told my wife on the way home that I was sorry she had to see that, but that I was glad she did so she would believe me. She said that she was glad she was there because she would have figured that I had done something to start the verbal abuse and temper tantrum. She assures me that I said nothing that could have been even close to upsetting to Mr Echols.
Anyone that is even thinking about talking to Family Dodge should run. Go to any other dealership, just not Family Dodge. It's worth the $50 to $100 to have your car towed to another city. Just do not deal with Family Dodge of Cleveland GA.
My truck has a broken fuel system. Apparently a fuel injector is bad and simply needs replacing, a $300 job. Considerably less than the $18000 that I was quoted for a new engine.
This truck has been nothing but a perfect dream to run. I love it and would recommend it to anyone.
Submitted by: John Wilson
Number of dealership visits=8-10, Last visit date=3/21/06, Date report submitted: Mar 21 23:49:08 EST 2006

Sales=Excellent, Service=Good,
Have bought 2 vans, 1 Jeep and 1 Ram 1500 from Family Chrysler and Earl Reid. I drive all the way from Atlanta to get the best deals. Straight shooters every time. Bought 2 from inventory and ordered the other 2. No surprises.
Number of dealership visits=NA, Last visit date=NA, Date report submitted: 28 Jan 2002

Sales=Good, Service=Good,
Just as a follow up on my "poor" rating (below) on service at Family Dodge - They repaired the transmission out of warranty, and have given great service since then. I have traded in my 1500 and bought a 2500 from them.
Date report submitted: NA
Sales=Good, Service=Poor,
Sales department was good, no hidden $400 pinstripes or anything. I have bought two vehicles from them. Took my truck to have auto trans checked (whining in reverse) said it was normal, (go away, in other words). Now that the truck is out of warranty, the problem has gotten worse (does it every time) and they will not do anything about it. Will not listen to what you want to have done, either. I wanted my tires rotated and balanced, and they just rotate them. They did this three times!!
Date report submitted: NA

Dealership Rating:
	Good sales department, good service
	Fair sales, fair service
	Conflicting or not enough information
	Poor Service or Poor Sales Department
	Avoid like the plague!!
	No Experience / Don't Know

This page was edited on: February 23, 2007