Serving Bowling Green, Findlay, Toledo & Northwest Ohio
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About Thayer Family Dealerships

90+ years of family values, community commitment, and automotive excellence in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Our Heritage

In 1935, Ralph Thayer opened a single-brand dealership on Main Street in Bowling Green, Ohio. His philosophy was simple: sell good cars at fair prices, treat people right, and give back to the community that supports you.

That founding philosophy has guided the Thayer family through nearly a century of growth. What started as one small dealership has grown into six dealerships representing eight of the world's most popular automotive brands -- Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram.

Through economic booms and busts, through the evolution from muscle cars to hybrids, the Thayer family has remained committed to Bowling Green. Today, with approximately 200 team members and over 3,600 vehicles in stock, Thayer Family Dealerships is one of the region's largest and most trusted auto groups.

The third and fourth generations of the Thayer family continue to uphold Ralph's original promise: #ThinkThayer isn't just a tagline -- it's a commitment to earning your trust, one customer at a time.

Our Journey

Key milestones in the Thayer Family Dealerships story

1935
Ralph Thayer Opens First Dealership
Ralph Thayer establishes a dealership on Main Street in Bowling Green, Ohio, beginning a family tradition of automotive excellence.
1960s
Second Generation Takes the Wheel
The next generation of Thayers joins the business, expanding operations and adding new brand partnerships to serve a growing customer base.
1980s
Import Brands Join the Family
Thayer adds Toyota, Honda, and Nissan franchises, giving customers access to the world's most popular import brands right in Bowling Green.
2000s
Six Dealerships, Eight Brands
With the addition of Ford and CDJR, Thayer Family Dealerships reaches its current roster of six stores representing eight brands, with over 3,600 vehicles in inventory.
Today
90+ Years and Still Growing
The Thayer family continues to invest in facilities, people, and technology to deliver a world-class buying and service experience for Northwest Ohio.
90+
Years in Business
~200
Team Members
3,000+
Vehicles Sold/Year
3,600+
Vehicles in Stock

Our Values

The principles that have guided the Thayer family for over 90 years

Family First

We treat every customer, employee, and partner like family. That's been the Thayer way since 1935.

Integrity Always

Transparent pricing, honest service, and no-pressure sales. We earn trust the old-fashioned way.

Community Roots

We're proud to call Bowling Green home and actively support BGSU, local schools, youth programs, and civic organizations.

Excellence

From our showrooms to our service bays, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in everything we do.

Innovation

We embrace new technology and processes to make your buying and service experience faster, easier, and better.

Longevity

90+ years in business means we'll be here for you today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.