Customer Testimonials
Buyer Beware – Disappointing Experience at Aaron Ford of Lake Elsinore
Aaron Ford of Lake Elsinore hasn’t been around long, and frankly, I’d advise you not to buy into the glowing reviews. While the front-line salespeople seem decent and are trying to do their jobs, the issues start once you move up the chain. Upper management is laser-focused on what they’re “losing” on a sale rather than building long-term customer relationships.
Be especially cautious with the finance department—it’s a cutthroat environment where the goal seems to be squeezing every last cent from the customer. The pride ... Read More DealerRater - Apr 29, 2025
Service department is complete scam Total shambles.Ripoffs.Wont own up for the techs mistakes
Dishonest, Predatory, and Shameless—Stay Away from Aaron’s Ford
Aaron’s Ford in Lake Elsinore is a complete scam. They knowingly sold me a lemon—a car with a bad transmission, faulty shocks, and major safety issues that now require thousands of dollars in repairs just months after purchase.
The worst part? They didn’t even bother to service the car before handing it over. It was clear from the start they had zero intention of selling me a reliable vehicle. On top of that, despite my excellent credit score, they stuck me with a ridiculously high-interest rate, showing ... Read More DealerRater - Feb 25, 2025
I had been looking for a new truck for awhile. I saw an ad for Lake Elsinore Ford advertising a 2021 Ford F350 Crew cab, lifted 4x4, platinum edition. The dealership salesman picked me up, took me to the bank, then back to the dealership. I ended up paying $97,000 for the truck, signed everything & left. There was a crack in the windshield, so I got a due bill to come back and have it replaced. I was staying at my place in Lake Havasu, so set out for Arizona. On the way, a semi cut me off, when I attempted ... Read More DealerRater - Feb 21, 2025
Extremely unprofessional folks in the sales management team. Sales rep was helpful but Marvin Rojas the "GSM' was serving up the classic bait and switch with advertised pricing. Have over 6k in dealer add ons even on a used car (etching, security system, ceramic coating and windshield warranty). Dealerships like these should not exist and give the good ones a a bad name. Stay far far away.
I called the parts department and this lady Nina helped me make sure I was purchasing the correct parts and informed me of the cost and time it would take me to complete what it was my car needed to be done. I really appreciated the informative and promptly response that I received from Nina. She helped me with a lot of time of saving, thanks Nina!
I called into the parts department confused and irritated and Nina helped along. She knew what part I needed reassured it was the correct part. She took the time to make sure I understood all cost and got me off the phone quickly.
Just experienced a bait and switch. Lake Elsinore ford advertised a car on CarGurus. I txt to confirm availability and features. They replied with a yes and asked me to come in to test drive. I showed up in 2 hours at my scheduled appointment time and they said they moved the car and it wasn’t there. I asked them where it was? They then they changed their story and said they sold it this morning. Buyer beware.
I have been trying for 2 days to schedule an appointment for my vehicle left 2 messages and no return calls. This has been a problem I’ve had every 6 months I try to get service appointments. On the internet it won’t let me schedule an appointment due to mileage not enough for oil change but 6 months are past. I’ll just go to Temecula for service from now on. Looking to buy a mustang soon but won’t be at Elsinore. See ya
My buying experience was great i worked with Ryan also had a great experience the finance department
Stay far away from this dealership. I have had nothing but bad experiences at this dealership, seeing as it is the closest ford dealer to my home and I have been a loyal ford customer I bring it here for service.
My F450 Platinum pickup truck has left me stranded in 110 degree weather in the AZ heat had to get towed back. I've had truck in for a number of transmission and electrical issues. The front tires have cupped to the point that the dealer had to replace them now at 18k miles the tires have cupped again and ... Read More DealerRater - Nov 14, 2023
My buying experience has been great. They brought my Ranger in from another dealership and it is perfect. They made me happy! Sales, finance, and delivery were efficient and quick.
The people at Lake Elsinore Ford were courteous and really try to work with you. I drove away a used car for an excellent deal. I walked out of another local dealership after 5 min because they were so rude to me.
I was received in your service center and had the best experience. I was greeted and given assistance immediately by Ryan, Ryan then proceeded to introduce me to Harold. I really felt I had a team of professionals assisting me at all times . I believe I received the best service thank you to all that helped. Especially to Dean and his staff
Everyone was friendly during the sale, but getting someone to help with finishing the install of my included accessories was like finding Jimmy Hoffa. Also I was told that the Kara alarm system was already installed in the vehicle, and they couldn’t take it out, so I went along and paid the extra $1295. When I had to go back to the dealership to have it activated, I learned that it was not for activation, but for installation. It was an outright lie that it was already in the vehicle.
It is and option, and you don’t have to ... Read More DealerRater - May 24, 2023
The dealership texted me about a maverick and we went down to the dealership to take a test drive. We loved it and we bought it. The salesmen and dealership were very gracious and worked with us all the way. Other than the time it takes in any dealership it was a good experience.
Ron went above and beyond making sure my new purchase was perfectly suited for me and my kids. The entire staff involved was kind, extremely thorough in explaining to me my benefits, warranty payments etc. I have never had such a great experience! I wish i could by every car from Lake Elsinore Ford!
I had the greatest experience with Lake Elsinore Ford. Everyone was very helpful. And we were able to make a great deal. Very happy to have stopped by.
AJ went above and beyond for our family. I texted him and told him exactly what we were looking for and he did not waste our time. We found a car within an hour being on the lot. Negotiations weren’t terrible either. The only reason I am taking away a star was finance. I had to have my husband there to sign which makes sense however we have to small children and finance told us 10 minutes. Thankfully I looked at AJ and he got finance moving. Once I was signing papers they tried pushing extra stuff on us as ... Read More DealerRater - Feb 23, 2023
3rd car I e purchased from Lake Elsinore Ford. They always take great care of me and get me the best deals!
Awesome customer service from Sales team. Finance department was very kind and speedy. Guve two thumbs up.
Extremely unhappy with the professionalism at this dealership. Pay attention to how they pigeon hole you into spending money at their dealership. ITs all lies and deception and Shon, the Service manager is the head of it all. I picked up my car from service and ended up being forced to pay for services i never agreed to after my vehicle sat at their shop for parts not available for 3 months.! DONT SERVICE YOUR CAR HERE. It was way better when Mr. Popoff was running the show.
Worst service dept ever! Terrible service and communication. I don know how they are still in business.
Not satisfied, my vehicle bumper was a different shade of color after I took home.
I'm always pleased with the people and service. It feels like a family that cares. The service and technicians are nice.
was visiting from Colorado over the Memorial Day weekend and stopped into Lake Elsinore Ford. I found a truck that I like and ask them since I lived in Colorado would I have to pay California sales tax or Colorado sales tax. They said I would have to pay Califonia sales tax. I then said thank you and I would just wait til I got home and find a truck there. They then instructed me that they had a solution that they would give me a one way pass to avoid Registering the truck in Colorado and when I got ... Read More DealerRater - Jul 19, 2022
Easy to work with. The staff is very helpful. They listen while you explain what you want and get the vehicle you want. Ron was always working hard to get the vehicle I was looking for.
The worst service center I have ever been too. They failed to fix a problem when I had my truck in for maintenance. No one even talked to be about the service that they did do. I called several times to ask if they tried to fix it but no one ever called me back. When I scheduled an appointment to have the problem fixed, they had my truck all day and can couldn't fix it since the part they had was broken. This is the second time I have tried their service center and been very disappointed.
Ron was our salesperson throughout the process. We had to custom order our family vehicle through the website. Once it was placed, he gave us a call and went over the entire process in detail with expected delays and ETAs. He promptly called when one of the ETAs given was about to expire and a delay was about to come about. It was a long 6 months due to the shortages, but Ron was able to keep our price the same and eventually get the car to us. Once it was on the lot, we were able to pick it up ... Read More DealerRater - Apr 30, 2022
Lake Elsinore Ford provided us with the best car buying experience I’ve had in my life. Our Salesman Ron was very professional and took care of me through many phone calls, and he got everything arranged perfectly for me. Our finance manager, Jesse, was very personable and delightful to deal with; he was very thorough and explained all the paperwork and financial information to my satisfaction. Jesse is the best at what he does! Eric also was a pleasure to meet and helpful in the process by providing his expertise. We would refer Lake Elsinore Ford to everyone with ... Read More DealerRater - Mar 19, 2022
Fiest class service from this dealer. I love my new car and the sales rep Rick went way beyond the call of duty to make sure I got everything I wanted delivered to me with a smile. I can't say enough good things about this dealer!
I just couldn’t help myself in leaving a review. I stopped in a little while back on accident. Walked in and a sales rep was leaning against the receptionist desk and I asked where the Ram dealer was in the area. He pointed south and said it was across town. When I walked out and looked to my right “north”, it was right next door. I felt embarrassed but come on bro. That’s not how you treat people. I feel it’s a direct reflection of the leadership there. Try and be more classy LE Ford.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Everyone was so helpful. Questions were answered quickly. They are definitely courteous and patient.
Thanks for the smooth transaction on my purchase. Very helpful in a every way. My car was even personally delivered at no costs to them. Especial thanks to Bryan and Georgina.
Detailed description of vehicle. Great attitude from customer service reps and Management. Fair financing options. I would do buisness with them again. I would recommend them.
Our salesman, Andrew, and the Finance Manager were both friendly, knowledgeable and efficient, and helped us get in and out in under three hours with the financing complete, Andrew showed us many of the features of the F150 Lariat on a previous visit and test drive.
Kim Hawkins: was my service adviser, she gave me a quote for my oil pan, vacuum pump booster, breaks, for the sum of $2,700.00, i said it was to high so we eliminated a few items and she came back with the same price ($2700.00), Something is wrong i said to myself, So i called Temecula Ford for the gasket price, they told me it was $29.00, her quote for parts was $450.00, big difference, so i went to Auto nation in Tustin Ford, and seen Bob in service, his mechanic said the problem is my vacuum booster, water pump, serpentine belts and air ... Read More DealerRater - Mar 20, 2021
Kim Hawkins is a true asset and professional Service Advisor at Elsinore Ford! Mrs. Hawkins listened to my concerns with my daughter’s car and keep me informed and updated with phone calls regarding the repairs each step of the way. This was the polar opposite of the experience I encountered with another Ford dealership in the Temecula Valley. In addition, Kim was empathetic and showed true compassion when I explained the mishaps I encountered with the other local Ford dealership’s service department. The service I received from Mrs. Hawkins is more than a positive reflection on Elsinore Ford’... Read More DealerRater - Mar 10, 2021
The sales representative and his manager were super nice. At no time I felt stressed. I would definitely go back and purchase my future vehicles with them
I went into this Ford Facility for my usual Service on Saturday. I usually get my oil changes done for $59.99. I was surprised when my bill came up to $75 so i asked one of the Reps by the name of Robert Hernandez why it was higher and he told me it was because prices always go up every year. I found it a bit odd, and when looking at my receipt, it said that they also included tire rotation. I decided to look at my old receipt and noticed that it was i did pay 59.99 regularly and they charged me ... Read More DealerRater - Jul 8, 2020
Purchased a 2020 Ranger on June 20th. Salesmen Ron Watts and Leo Wiltz were patient and friendly throughout the process. Parts and service departments followed up with detailing my truck as well as prompt ordering of accessories I wanted. A great bunch that I look forward to dealing with in the future!
Reference: Lake Elsinore Ford 31500 Auto Center Dr, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 Service Department
Purchase: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT on December 21, 2019
To whom it may concern,
My name is Jerry Kron – I want you to know that I will be speaking with other individuals about this dealership on the lack of communication coming from the service department. My wife had an appointment Tuesday January 14, 2020 at 9:30am to drop her 2020 Explorer off at the service department and have it looked at for 3 issues; This is what she stated when she dropped it off at 9:30am - 1) The reddish oil dripping from the car (most ... Read More DealerRater - Jan 17, 2020
Read the fine print. They add hidden charges when purchasing vehicles. Their service department is unrealiable and disorganized. They never return calls. I have been waiting for a "Ford recall part" to arrive and be installed for two years. I finally traded in the car. I could'nt get any information on having roof racks installed on my Flex. I have tried twice. This dealership is not even listed on the Ford website as a location of a Ford dealership in this valley. There are five other dealership listed when I enter my zip code, but not Lake ... Read More DealerRater - Oct 8, 2019
Another great experience for service here. If I had to find a fault it would be that I was not given the basis conditions of the car when they called to tell me the car was done. I am used to being given that information, not having to ask.
We picked up our Explorer last week after having it serviced and it had a scratch on it that wasn't there when we dropped it off, but that's not the issue we're having with them. I have sent numerous emails to the service manager and director and to the general manager and i haven't heard back from anyone yet which is very, very concerning. Don't think we will be going back.
We had to take our 2014 Escape into the dealership for a transmission repair. Our service advisor was Nicol Hudnall. She went above and beyond what was required of her. She not only does a great job she is caring and thoughtful. My husband and I are both disabled and she took such good care of us. Our transmission service was great. Because we had a used car our warrenty only paid for a used transmission. Nicole was awesome during the whole experience. I was stressed out and she calmed me down. Everyone at the dealership was friendly and wonderful. We ... Read More DealerRater - Nov 4, 2018
First time with this service department and Nicole was very helpful and knowledgeable, went over my future needs and pricing and had my vehicle done before the time requested. Very good experience
Excellent dealer ship the really like to make a deal happen The work with there. Customer to get them what the want I really love it
Out of the 7 Ford Dealerships I went to from San Diego to the Inland Empire Lake Elsinore Ford was hands down the best and easiest to deal with! Ask for David Alarcon he's not pushy and is a straight shooter.
I had a very pleasant experience buying from Lake Elsinore Ford. I applied for the lemon law buyback with my 2013 Ford Edge and they were so helpful in helping me get the vehicle I wanted. I ended up getting a 2017 Ford Explorer Limited and I love it. They checked back with me to make sure I was satisfied and I have to say YES!
Beautiful Ford Edge, and the sales manager knew it! General manager pulled all the right strings and made the deal work. I'm not being overly critical, and I admit I can be a royal pain when it comes to buying cars. Over all, fair deal. My salesman Chris was great, helpful, and HONEST!
Don't take your car to this Ford dealership. They dented my car and didn't tell me about it. I trusted my husband's beautiful black FX2 to them for a complete car detail. When I picked up the truck, I really didn't check it carefully, but then the next day my husband noticed the dent on the rear driver's side closed to the tire. The dealership concealed the dent by polishing it so well. The bad thing is that I can't take it back to file a complaint because the car has been out of ... Read More DealerRater - Jun 22, 2018
Leo and Dino ensured all of our needs were taken care of. Responsive to all of our requests and needs and requests. Excellent customer service. Georgina the Finance Manager explained all the paperwork required and wasn't overly pushy in trying to upsell other products.
The rating excellent. Salesman, sales manager very helpful and friendly. General manager friendly as always. I have bought 5 cars before. I like the service department also. I would come back.
Ron Watts is the best ! I came down the afternoon and within 30 minutes we agreed on the price then 2 hours later I drove a nice 2018 Raptor home. Thanks Ron, you made my truck buying experience so easy.
Ron is great! Very attentive, personable, professional, respectable of potential buyers and very knowledge about Ford products. The purchasing experience was extraordinary since it was not the rake the buyer over experience! For that I recommend Ron highly and all that were involved in my purchase ie.. Eric and the finance personnel. It was over all my best car buying experience!
The past 4 years I’ve had excellent service from Lake Elsinore Ford’s service department, so I had no reservations when it was time to get a new car. My salesman Leo Wiltz, found the perfect Focus for me and worked with me getting the right monthly payment. After my exceptional car buying experience there’s no doubt Lake Elsinore Ford will continue to earn my business. Their great customer service will make you smile.
I love this place, I've bought at least 20 new car over my lifetime and this dealership is there to make your car buying experance a pleasurable experience. My salesman very knowledgeable, general sales manager great guy and extremely motivated in helping you put the perfect deal together. Finance the last step, Cindy did an exceptional job. We needed a plan B and she had it set up even before I new we needed it. So thanks to all of you. Rich my salesman, Steve sales manager and Cindy in finance . Great job. Oh I forgot the most important thing ... Read More DealerRater - Nov 18, 2017
Purchased a 2017 Explorer with Limited trim and the staff was amazing. This is my second purchase from Ford and still drive the 03 Conversion E-150. But my review is directly to the agent and support staff at Lake Elsinore Ford. My initial contact was by internet and after a simple credit application my connection was made and after a few signatures the new car was delivered to my home. The whole process took 3 hours. If your slammed with time like me I strongly recommend this dealership. Straight talk, to the point and no upsell or drama. I have 3 new car purchases ... Read More DealerRater - Nov 14, 2017
Our experience was great. No pressure, very polite and friendly. We got a great deal on a pre owned certified Ford Focus. Thank you Micha Ryan.
Leo was great. He did not try to pressure me and he asked questions to get to know me. He was able to meet my needs at a price and payment that was very acceptable to me. The rest of the staff was also very friendly and helpful.
Miserable sales experience! High pressure/"old school" confusing tactics by Lake Elsinore Ford sales dealer, Chris Jewel. Cheated out of military rebate at Memorial Day sales promotion. Added rebate to base price before "applying" it to numbers on contract. HORRIFIC experience that taints my feelings about this car purchase. As far as the Escape is as a car - it's not perfect but we're very happy with it.
Thomas Swanson was a great sale person did everything through texting. Answer all my question fast. Great experience. Was not pressured in any way. Best
Nicol Hudnall spearheaded a warranty repair from start to finish, supported by Service Manager Chad Evarts and an extraordinary team; the result was a car that now runs better than it ever has since it was purchased…great work, guys!
Last November 2016, I purchased a 2015 Town and Country Mini-van. I purchased with a personal check and $3,000 in cash. I did not finance with the dealership, though they attempted to have me cancel with the company had borrowed the money with. I told them no, it didn't make sense. Besides I received a 1.74% rate and that they could not better this rate. The next day when I went to finalize the purchase, I was then told by the sales person and sales manager my social security number was required to verify my identity per the Patriot Act requirements. This was ... Read More DealerRater - Apr 20, 2017
Ron Watts is awesome. Never pushy, always patient, listens to our specifications of what we want. Waiting room always clean and inviting, everyone makes sure you're comfortable and always have fresh coffee waiting. We've just bought our fourth car from them!
According to the service writer, the owner doesn't want to spend 20 thousand dollars on a wheel alignment machine that fits wheels bigger than 18", but we sell many vehicles that have wheels bigger than 18". My Escape is the Platinum model which has 19" wheels. So you sell vehicles that you can not service? I called Gosch Ford Temecula, Hemborg Ford Norco and Gosch Auto Group in Hemet and they all have wheel alignment machines that do up to 24" wheels. I tried to save some time by going closer to LE Ford, but not any more. It just ... Read More DealerRater - Feb 3, 2017
The Service Team at Lake Elsinore Ford, especially Fabian, were outstanding! Fabian returned every phonecall immediately, answered every question professionally and efficiently, and fixed things we didn't even realize were broken. Fabian went above and beyond the call of duty for us. Our experience was by far the best of any and all dealership interactions that we have ever had with countless dealerships in the past. We will continue to drive from Huntington Beach, CA to Lake Elsinore, CA for all our Ford Service needs in the future. Sincere thanks to Fabian and Lake Elsinore Ford for providing impeccable ... Read More DealerRater - Jan 5, 2017
Brought my 2016 Ford Explorer in for problems with the hatchback door and transmission. Both had been in before for repair and parts replacement. They didn't charge me but were unable to reproduce the problem so nothing was done. On previous occasion for same problems they had vehicle for 16 days but presumably had them fixed. This is the third major problem I've had with this vehicle but is the first time I've had any problems with Lake Elsinore. The vehicle was purchased new from Fritz Ford in Riverside Ca.
I cannot believe finding wheel covers for my 2004 Ford Explorer would be this difficult. Took it to ford dealership here in Lake Elsinore. Guy tells me "not ford rims" gives me an address for discount tire center in wildomar. I drive down there & that guy tells me "it says ford right on the rim" go back to ford & he says "I can't figure out where you got the ones you have, but for four center lug nut covers only it will cost $280.00" without the whole wheel cover part even. xxx. Really? ... Read More DealerRater - Oct 16, 2016
The dealer called me with a price. I did not haggle and was approved for a specific truck. At end of deal they could no longer get the truck. Oldest trick in the book. Buyer beware. They are a real piece of work. And should be ashamed, but I guess you need self respect to have this emotion.
I had a great experience at Gosch Ford this week! I traded in my 2013 Flex for a 2015 Flex, because I LOVE this car so much! Angela Salvatore was very nice and patient with me. Everyone that I worked with was commited to making sure that I had the best experience. Thank you all so much!
Coming home to my family in my truck that is 18 months old W/ 40K miles and I experienced COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. The Master cylinder went out along with the Booster cylinder. This is a proven on-going issue with the F-150 (i know now). When I called the dealership all they can tell me is that the truck is out of warranty and that I can call Ford to see what they will do. Management told me that "these things happen"... Let me tell you, Brake Failure going down the freeway because of faulty parts should NEVER happen. I ... Read More DealerRater - Aug 29, 2015
Ed- our sales guy was awesome. Very personable and didn't waste my time. Everything was going well until the long wait for the F&I office and then the even longer wait to get my car. It was also the first time in my life a dealer sent us home in a car we purchased from them and didn't even bother to fill the gas tank up. Gave us less than a 1/4 of a tank. That is pretty sad in my mind. Definitely doesn't make me want to come back, despite Ed being so awesome
I went to Lake Elsinore Ford to check out the Ford Edge. I told the salesman Eric Locricchio I had recently lost my husband & was still very emotional. I did not need the bigger vehicle I owned & was looking for something smaller. I told him not to run my credit as I was approved for a loan by my credit union. He assured me my credit would not be run & told his manager Eric Lambert 2 times not to do so. Within minutes Eric Lambert showed up & began negotiating the deal offering me a low-ball trade value ... Read More DealerRater - Jan 5, 2015
I came into the dealership in the afternoon to have my new car checked because the check engine light was on. I was disappointed to hear that they had to keep the car that I spent $42k on for an unspecified amount of time. The dealership gave me a rental car. My new car had less than 200 miles on it.
While I was there, I saw a used car on the lot that I thought would be perfect for my daughter. So I talked to Bob, the salesperson who sold me my car, expressed my interest, and told him I'... Read More DealerRater - Apr 29, 2014
NEW FORD EDGE HAD A DOOR THAT DID NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. TOOK IT IN TO HAVE IT FIXED AND NOW THERE
IS A WIND NOISE BLOWING THRU. REPAIR PEOPLE TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE FORD EDGE TO HAVE
"CROSS WIND NOISE". NOT SURE WHAT THAT'S SUPPOSE TO MEAN. IT IS LOUD ALL THE TIME, JUST DRIVING
BACK AND FORTH TO WORK.
THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING MORE TO FIX IT.
WHAT A DISAPOINTMENT! PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THE CAR OF MY DREAMS AND IT'S BROKEN AND THEY CAN'T FIX ... Read More DealerRater - Apr 5, 2014
I went in for an oil change on saturday. it took 2 hours to complete a 20 to 30 minute task. on the following day I discovered smoke coming out from underneath my hood, when I popped the hood to look. I noticed the oil cap was missing and I have a puddle of oil in my driveway. I called the dealership and they said that the service dept. was closed and they would call back tomorrow. when I finally talked to the service manager he told me to bring it in and he would top off the fluids. I brought my car ... Read More DealerRater - Feb 26, 2014
I had some issues with the sales contract because it had change and wasn't clearly explained to me. As soon as I filed a complaint I was promptly contacted by management and had everything explained to me in detail. My overall experience with them turned out to be good. My best experience was with the salesman who was very friendly and worked hard to find exactly what I was looking for.
just great service, they didnt try to push anything on us, did a free inspection and had a nice form that was very clear about the condition of our vehicle, even found a brake light bulb out that I didnt know about.
Highly recommend Lake Elsinore Ford for Sales and Service. Dani in Service is the best Service Advisor that I have ever had. Recommend talking with him when servicing your vehicle. The dealership is clean and well organized for both sales and service.