⭐ 1-STAR REVIEW — STEP ONE GMC FORT WALTON BEACH Extremely disappointed and frustrated with my experience with Step One GMC Fort Walton Beach. I contacted this dealership because I was seriously looking to purchase a vehicle. I was very clear about what I wanted and what I was willing to purchase. I specifically told them that I was interested in a Jeep with leather seats and a sunroof or a Chevy Equinox with leather seats and a sunroof. I also explained repeatedly that I DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE A VEHICLE OR TRANSPORTATION. They knew this. I was told that they would come pick me up so I could go to the dealership and move forward with my purchase. I was specifically told that they would be there in approximately 30 minutes. They never came. Not 30 minutes later. Not shortly afterward. They simply did not show up. Then, hours later, I received another call telling me they were coming with a Buick vehicle for me to test-drive and potentially purchase. Excuse me? I am the customer. I am spending MY money. If the vehicle were being given to me for free, then perhaps I would understand being told, “Here is the vehicle we’re bringing you.” But if I am spending my own money to purchase a vehicle, I have every right to decide what vehicle I am interested in purchasing. I did not ask for a Buick. I did not request a Buick. I never agreed to purchase a Buick. I never told them I wanted a Buick. I specifically told them what I was looking for. At one point, they told me they had a Cadillac truck with leather seats and a sunroof, and I said I would take a look at it. Fine — I was willing to consider it because it had the features I specifically requested. But they never brought that vehicle either. Instead, they tried to substitute a Buick that I had never requested or agreed to. And when I did not agree to purchase the vehicle they chose for me, they still told me they were coming — and then they never came. That is not how I expect a vehicle purchase to be handled. Then came the excuse about the vehicle I actually wanted. I was later told that the vehicle I wanted was supposedly not available. That raised an obvious question for me: If the vehicle is not available, why has it been advertised online for an extended period of time? And if it genuinely is unavailable, why not simply tell me that immediately instead of repeatedly contacting me, making arrangements to come get me, telling me someone was coming in 30 minutes, failing to show up, and then hours later trying to substitute an entirely different vehicle? This entire experience left me feeling like I was being jerked around instead of being treated like a serious customer. The most frustrating part is that I was trying to make a purchase. I was not calling just to browse. I was not asking them to give me a vehicle. I was prepared to spend my own money. All I wanted was to purchase a vehicle that actually met the criteria I had clearly communicated. Instead, I was: * Told someone would pick me up in approximately 30 minutes — and they never came. * Contacted hours later with a completely different vehicle. * Offered a vehicle I had never requested or agreed to purchase. * Told they were bringing another vehicle I was willing to consider — and that never happened either. * Subsequently told the vehicle I actually wanted was unavailable, despite my understanding that it had been advertised online for quite some time. That is an incredibly frustrating way to treat someone who is attempting to give your dealership their business. And here’s the part that really bothers me: Your own dealership advertises that customers can “Buy From Just About Anywhere” and that customers can complete the buying process from a phone or computer and even choose delivery directly to their home or office. So why was I treated as though my lack of transportation was such an obstacle when your own company promotes remote purchasing and delivery?

I recently purchased a 2024 Range Rover from Step One GMC Cadillac Fort Walton Beach, and I had an outstanding experience with Karen, Johnny, and General Sales Manager Jason Alston. From start to finish, Karen was professional, patient, and very easy to work with. She kept me updated by text and phone, sent clear numbers up front, and had everything prepared before I made the trip in from out of town. When I arrived, the vehicle was exactly as described and there were no surprises. Johnny in finance did an excellent job coordinating my Bank of America business auto loan. He respected that I already had my own financing in place and made the process smooth, efficient, and pressure-free. Everything was explained clearly, and the paperwork matched exactly what we had discussed. Jason’s leadership and support were also evident throughout the process. The whole team worked together to make this a straightforward, transparent, and pleasant purchase. After having more complicated experiences at other dealerships, this was a refreshing change. I would absolutely recommend Karen, Johnny, and Jason at Step One GMC Cadillac Fort Walton Beach to anyone looking for a high-end vehicle and a professional, honest buying experience.

I contacted this dealership for an entire day to purchase a car in a specific color. I was told it was available and that we had a guaranteed monthly price already agreed upon. After driving all the way to the dealership, I discovered the car had been sold — and they didn’t have another one in the same color. Fine, I decided to look at another vehicle. But even then, the price they had promised was no longer the same, despite the vehicles having the exact same MSRP. In the end, I wasted three hours of my time dealing with a complete lack of professionalism and respect. I will never buy a car from Step One if this is how their staff operates. Truly disappointing, especially because I arrived excited and confident that everything had already settle !

Personable, patient, and attentive, Johnny Mendez is absolutely the best car salesman we've ever worked with! With Johnny's guidance and advise, we drove away with a beautiful new Cadillac, a sweet deal, and a stressless process. Step One Cadillac Fort Walton Beach, Johnny Mendez, and Joey in your Finance Office all earned our appreciation. Thank You, Johnny! Thank You, Joey! And, Thank You Step One FWB for such exceptional customer service! Everyone we met that works for you made us feel welcome and valued as a customer. That one most impressive detail about your dealership staff deserves special mention. You've earned our highest recommendation and appreciation!

We visited this dealership to test drive the Sierra 1500 for a comparison to the Ram and F-150. We spoke with salesman James Bondi and we test drove the Denali. The vehicle sold itself but James made the experience enjoyable. He worked with us and was able to make a deal that was amiable to the both of us. A very personable and professional environment. The paperwork could be more streamlined though.

A great buying experience. Kiril Tysiachnyl was an outstanding salesman. He was highly professional and personable. I saw the truck online and was immediately led to him. The sales manager and finance team was outstanding as well. I had a truly great experience.

Josh in service went above and beyond to help schedule an appointment to repair a defective surge pump that occurred the day before my schedule trip. If he had not done this I would have lost deposits forcing me to cancel or delay trip. That shows how much he cares about his customers and the reputation of the dealership. This type of compassion will be communicated being new customer and keeping loyal customers for life.

Since I can’t seem to get my negative review to go through at this point and don’t have tone to redo it right now I will simply say do not purchase a vehicle from this dealership. That from someone who has the experience of many from them in the past 4 years. I won’t recommend them to anyone friends or on social media after this experience. I will be posting to all the regular medias I am on and here again later when I have more time.

Highly recommend this dealership they’re so professional and make the buying process pain less

Can't recommend more highly. In town from Chicago and had what sounded like a chirping belt. Needed to get car fixed asap due to concern about 14 hour drive home. Montana, DP (service advisors) and Aaron (shop foreman) bent over backwards to source a new belt and get me on my way. Wish I could transplant these guys in Chicago! Thank you Step One CDJRF!

The sale went quickly and smoothly after test drive. Only three days later a loud knocking. Little to no response until pressed from sales informing me too bad you’re on your own. Really bummed I just bought this and now have to deal with repairs. Doesn’t seem like right thing to do.

Thanking Joshua, Michelle, and Chase. You all are a credit to Step One . The courteous treatment you afforded me was exceptional. Very pleased with this service department.

It is sad that a "Luxury" brand has a sales staff that must have come from the Kia store down the street. I was disappointed to find typical bait-and-switch pricing, the dealership showed one price online, I confirmed the pricing with a manager on the phone before driving 45 minutes to the store. Once I got to the store, the red flags started. No one had informed me that the "New" car had been cannibalized for parts, the vehicle wasn't charged, and I was directed to a different vehicle for a test drive. In the swapped vehicle, the passenger side air conditioner was blowing hot air even after driving for 15 minutes. The salesperson suggested that it was because the electric vehicle had been jumped off. After driving the swapped vehicle, I requested pricing on the cannibalized vehicle because I knew that the vehicle I had discussed previously qualified for a specific lease program. The dealership presented an initial presentation with a price more than $5,000 more than previously quoted. The sales and finance managers knew less than the customer about the current programs and options for leasing. To top it all off, even though I had a gift card code for test driving a car from Cadillac the dealership did not process the request. One Step backwards for Step One.

The service department is horrible. They have not called me back in over a month. I’m still waiting on them to email my insurance company the codes to get the estimate approved. I have been to the service department four times and they still haven’t sent it. They don’t call you back and you only get sent to voicemail when you call.

Had my Cadillac 2020 XT6 service 4/3/24 for Rear AC blower motor, hands free lift gate sensor and oil change. There was an issue with warranty date that could of gone either way but, Michelle and Patrick resolved the issue. My car was ready in one day. Recommend Cadillac/GMC of Fort Walton Beach for anyone needing service. Top notch service waiting for your car/SUV.