The Best Auto Dealerships to Explore in South Dakota
South Dakota car dealerships operate in a market built around durability, long-distance driving, and harsh winter conditions. The average vehicle age in the state is 14.5 years, compared to the national average of 12.2 years. National trends continue to climb as well, with the average U.S. vehicle age reaching 12.8 years in 2025 and projected to reach 13.4 years by 2029.
South Dakota’s automotive market is heavily centered around trucks and SUVs. Utility vehicles make up 36.60 percent of the active fleet, while pickup trucks account for another 34.10 percent, leaving passenger cars at 21.30 percent statewide.
Traditional ICE and hybrid vehicles still dominate the state’s roads, accounting for 99.60 percent of the active fleet, while battery electric vehicles remain a very small segment at 0.20 percent. That demand continues shaping inventory choices at dealers, where SUVs, towing capability, and long-term durability remain top priorities.
1. Schulte Subaru
Schulte Subaru began in 1970 after founder Terry Schulte purchased Subaru franchise rights for $4,000 following a missed opportunity with another manufacturer. The dealership eventually became one of the best-known Subaru dealerships in the state and later earned recognition as a Schulte Subaru Love Promise Retailer for its charitable contributions and community outreach. Since 2014, the dealership has donated $500,000 to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society and more than $125,000 to the Children’s Home Society.
Schulte Subaru maintains a 4.8-star CARFAX rating based on 327 verified customer reviews. During the recent acquisition of Luther Automotive, South Dakota customers were closely followed, and more than 120 employees remained with the dealership.
2. Frankman Motor Company
Founded in 1988, Frankman Motor Company built a reputation by combining traditional vehicle sales with restoration work and custom truck construction. The dealership holds a 4.6-star DealerRater rating across 619 reviews and a 4.7-star CARFAX rating based on 154 verified reviews. Its “Built for More” division specializes in custom Chevrolet and GMC truck projects involving classic platforms such as C10 pickups, K5 Blazers, and Suburbans.
Built for More custom trucks, Frankman projects typically range from $75,000 to more than $300,000, with timelines spanning from 12 months to three years. Frankman also operates a dedicated classic-car restoration facility in Sioux Falls, SD, that handles fabrication, upholstery, paint, and drivetrain work in-house.
3. Vern Eide Ford Lincoln
Vern Eide Ford in Mitchell, SD, serves a heavily truck-focused agricultural region and maintains a 4.8-star DealerRater rating based on 865 customer reviews. The dealership regularly stocks more than 350 new Ford vehicles, including one of the state’s largest Lincoln inventories. Its pre-owned protection package remains one of its biggest selling points.
Eide Advantage warranty details include a six-month or 6,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 30-day exchange policy, vehicle history documentation, mechanical reconditioning, and detailing. The dealership’s documentation fee is $259, lower than both the national average and Schulte Subaru’s fee structure. Buyers comparing top-rated car dealers in SD often focus on these ownership protections rather than just the initial sale price.
4. Luxury Auto Mall of Sioux Falls
Luxury Auto Mall of Sioux Falls operates within the larger Rydell Automotive Group SD network, which includes more than 83 dealerships nationwide. The dealership combines BMW, Cadillac, and Mercedes-Benz operations and currently maintains a 4.7-star CARFAX rating based on 1,345 verified reviews.
Its inventory reflects South Dakota’s climate realities. Of 255 active new vehicles, 227 feature AWD systems and 16 use 4WD drivetrains. SUVs account for 195 vehicles, compared to only 38 sedans. The dealership also benefits from strong Certified Pre-Owned vehicles SD programs across all three brands, appealing to buyers focused on inspection quality, warranty coverage, and long-term ownership costs.
5. Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln
Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln built much of its reputation on accessible service for rural customers. The dealership operates mobile service units that can handle certain oil changes, recalls, and maintenance work directly at workplaces or nearby locations. That convenience matters in a state where many buyers live far from major metro areas.
The dealership also benefits from the simplified pricing structure commonly associated with the broader Rydell organization. Buyers who dislike prolonged negotiations often appreciate that approach, especially in markets with a heavy rural presence where convenience and long-term service support matter more than showroom presentation.
6. Harr Motors
Founded in 1968, Harr Motors remains a major dealership operation in Aberdeen and northern South Dakota. The dealership maintains a 4.5-star CARFAX rating based on 169 verified reviews and a 4.9-star DealerRater rating based on 39 reviews. Harr Honda and Harr Toyota also maintain strong regional ratings. The dealership emphasizes convenience through shuttle service, vehicle pickup and delivery, and customer lounge amenities for buyers traveling long distances for service work.
7. Wegner Auto Company
Wegner Auto Company holds a unique position as the oldest car dealership in South Dakota and the oldest continuously family-operated Buick dealership in the United States under the same family name. Founded in 1907, the dealership maintains a 4.8-star CARFAX rating based on 79 verified reviews.
The company expanded significantly in 1986 through the acquisition of Holst Motors, adding Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands to its existing Buick and GMC lineup. Wegner Auto also developed a reputation for fast service, with many oil changes completed in under 35 minutes.
8. Denny Menholt Toyota
Among Rapid City car dealerships, Denny Menholt Toyota stands out for its reputation in maintaining high-mileage trucks and SUVs. The dealership maintains a 4.9-star CARFAX rating based on 91 verified customer reviews and regularly services Tacomas with 400,000 miles and Lexus GX models exceeding 300,000 miles. The dealership also received strong feedback for repair efficiency, including one traveler who reportedly had an alternator replaced within 1.5 hours during a roadside breakdown.
9. Beadle Auto Group
Founded in 1975, Beadle Auto Group operates a multi-location dealership network serving agricultural communities throughout northern South Dakota. Its Mobridge location maintains a 4.9-star rating on AutosToday, based on 97 reviews.
The dealership group focuses heavily on truck durability, towing readiness, and financing structures designed around agricultural income cycles. That regional specialization helps Beadle compete effectively against larger dealership groups while building stronger long-term relationships with farming communities.
10. Billion Auto
Founded in 1935, Billion Auto expanded from a single dealership into one of the region’s largest automotive groups. The company now operates 16 new-car franchises across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota while employing more than 1,200 people. Its online inventory exceeds 4,666 vehicles.
Billion Auto also operates South Dakota’s largest automotive parts department, supporting extensive service and collision operations throughout its network. Buyers prioritizing inventory selection, access to lenders, and financing flexibility often gravitate toward dealership groups of this scale.
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Disclaimer
The dealerships, ratings, pricing, and programs mentioned in this article are provided for informational purposes only. AmeriFreight Auto Transport is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to any dealership, manufacturer, or dealer group referenced in this article.
