Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Ford Dealership in Norwalk, OH
Don Tester Ford has been a trusted automotive partner in Norwalk, Ohio since 1972. Founded by Don Tester and now in its third generation of family ownership, our dealership combines decades of industry experience with a commitment to personalized service. We specialize in new Ford vehicle sales, certified pre-owned inventory, and comprehensive service solutions for drivers across Norwalk, Sandusky, Willard, Huron, and Bellevue. Our Ford-certified technicians maintain the latest diagnostic equipment to ensure proper care for modern vehicles including aluminum-body F-150 models.We offer transparent financing options through experienced credit specialists and maintain a robust parts center for both routine maintenance and custom modifications. Community involvement remains central to our operations through partnerships with local organizations like the Salvation Army and DAV. With dedicated service lanes for new vehicle customers and 50 years of local expertise, we aim to deliver an automotive experience focused on long-term customer relationships rather than transactional interactions.
Services
New Ford Vehicles
Used Cars
Vehicle Financing
Auto Repair
Ford Parts
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We've served the Norwalk community for over 50 years with three generations of family ownership
- Our technicians are certified for specialized Ford repairs including aluminum-body F-150 models
- We maintain partnerships with local organizations like the Salvation Army and DAV
- Our service center offers Ford's latest diagnostic technology and genuine replacement parts
- We provide transparent financing options through experienced credit specialists
Services
New Ford Vehicles
Explore our inventory of new Ford models including F-150 trucks, Mustangs, and Explorer SUVs. Our sales team helps customers find vehicles matching their lifestyle needs with transparent pricing and financing options. We maintain current model-year inventory for immediate delivery while assisting with special orders when needed.
Used Cars
Shop certified pre-owned Ford vehicles and used cars from various manufacturers. Our inventory includes well-maintained trade-ins with CarFax reports showing single-owner history. We offer competitive pricing on late-model vehicles with financing options available for qualified buyers.
Vehicle Financing
Our finance department provides multiple lending options including Ford Credit partnerships. We offer credit applications, payment calculators, and trade-in appraisals to simplify the purchasing process. Our specialists work with customers to create customized payment plans that fit individual budgets.
Auto Repair
Our Ford-certified technicians perform maintenance and repairs using genuine parts and specialized tools. Services include oil changes, brake repairs, and complex diagnostics for both Ford and non-Ford vehicles. We offer extended service plans and pickup/drop-off assistance for customer convenience.
Ford Parts
Order genuine Ford parts through our parts center for both new and older vehicle models. Our inventory includes replacement components, performance upgrades, and appearance accessories. Technicians can install ordered parts immediately while customers wait during business hours.
People
Don Tester
Founder
Established the dealership in 1972 after gaining automotive experience through prior industry roles. Laid the foundation for family ownership and community-focused business practices that continue today.
Scott Tester
Owner
Took over dealership operations in 1992 after working alongside his father since 1976. Maintains family commitment to customer satisfaction while expanding service capabilities and community partnerships.
Questions
What new Ford models are currently available?
We stock current model-year F-150 trucks, Mustangs, Explorer SUVs, and other popular Ford vehicles. Check our online inventory for real-time availability updates.
Do you offer financing for customers with bad credit?
Our finance team works with multiple lenders to find solutions for various credit situations. We offer credit estimation tools to help customers understand their options.
Are service appointments required for maintenance?
While walk-ins are welcome, scheduling appointments ensures dedicated service time slots. Use our online scheduler for convenience.
Can you order special Ford parts not in stock?
Yes, our parts department can order specialized components directly from Ford. Lead times vary depending on part availability and shipping requirements.
What areas do you serve from Norwalk?
We primarily serve Norwalk, Sandusky, Willard, Huron, and Bellevue communities with both sales and service operations.
Do you accept trade-in vehicles?
Yes, we offer trade-in appraisals for both Ford and non-Ford vehicles. Our finance team helps apply trade values toward new or used vehicle purchases.
Reviews (7)
Cindy Hodgson
Mar 18, 2022
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Great small town dealership with big town service.! We expressed a few concerns with the used f150 we were purchasing and they provided the answers personally with the management from each department in question. We were treated like old time friends, couldn't ask for better service. They went above and beyond to make our purchase a real pleasure. We would go back for service maintenance except we live 165 miles away! Great people
J. Smith
Mar 08, 2022
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My sister and brother law were in the market for a new vehicle and asked me for my assistance in the process. We met with Sal Herrera at Don Tester Ford. Sal did an exceptional job of explaining the features and options on the models they were interested in. He thoroughly demonstrated how all of the systems operated so they could choose what best fit their needs. We were treated with respect and every question and concern was knowledgeably answered.
We received an outstanding price on their new vehicle and a more than fair value on their two trade ins. The staff and ownership of this Dealership are next level. I would highly recommend Don Tester Ford to anyone in need of a vehicle.
We received an outstanding price on their new vehicle and a more than fair value on their two trade ins. The staff and ownership of this Dealership are next level. I would highly recommend Don Tester Ford to anyone in need of a vehicle.
Erica Moulder
Mar 05, 2022
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From the very beginning talking with Brittney to the process of finding the best car with Mike and Randy it was an excellent experience. They were all very kind, and patient. My schedule between work and kids is very crazy and they managed to get me in and out on days there in less then an hour. Usually you are spending hours and hours at a dealership, but the wonderful team at Don Tester knew my time constraints and did as much as they could without me there. They have a customer for life!
Corbin Dallas
Feb 25, 2022
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I've been looking for a new car for a while now, I have talked and emailed most dealerships in a 50 mile radius and the best I've experienced is Don Tester Ford, courtesy of Brittany Simmons, Customer Service Manager Internet Sales Consultant. She was THE MOST helpful and considerate person I've spoken with. Very courteous, very professional, wonderful to speak to, very knowledgeable. She also got me a better rate that I already had going.
I would definitely recommend! She helped me out tremendously when no other dealerships were willing to. I wouldn't go anywhere else for a vehicle after my experience with Brittany Simmons. There was no pressure, treated me like a human being. Thank you again Brittany Simmons! I will recommend everyone to you! SUPERB!
I would definitely recommend! She helped me out tremendously when no other dealerships were willing to. I wouldn't go anywhere else for a vehicle after my experience with Brittany Simmons. There was no pressure, treated me like a human being. Thank you again Brittany Simmons! I will recommend everyone to you! SUPERB!
Cheyenne Harp
Jan 29, 2022
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I am never disappointed when I take my 2015 Ford Fiesta to Don Tester to get serviced. They answer any questions I have and they explain everything to me that I don't understand. I've never had a bad experience and I don't think I'd go anywhere else to get my car serviced!
James Adair
Jan 15, 2022
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Courteous and pleasant to deal with but unusual business practices. This review pertains to used sales only. I was told I could not bring a vehicle with 93,000 miles on it to the nearest brand dealer (it's a Mazda) for a third party inspection prior to purchase. I went as far as offering to pay for the miles at a rate commensurate with a new German luxury car. Also offered to return the vehicle full of gas. Was simply told that their inspection should be good enough for me and that I should trust them. This car is for my 16 year old daughter as I explained to them. Buyer beware.
Todd Brew
Jan 06, 2022
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Today the sales department came though for me helping me order my first new vehicle. the ford maverick. No pressure yet worked with me. I can't wait to get my truck! Thank you so much! UPDATE: even though I switched from Theresa to Sal, my experience has been awesome. Thanks to all that's been patient with me and making my first new car purchase go so well!