Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Arkansas' Largest Family-Owned Auto Dealership Group
Crain Automotive Team has been a cornerstone of Arkansas' automotive industry for over 75 years. Our legacy began with Larry Crain Sr.'s entrepreneurial ventures in the 1940s, evolving through Kar Pro automotive parts distribution to our current status as one of the state's largest dealership groups. With more than 20 locations across Arkansas, we represent premier brands including Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Genesis. Our family-owned business combines generational expertise with modern innovation, maintaining a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction and community service. The fourth-generation leadership continues our tradition of operational excellence while expanding our digital capabilities and customer-centric approach.Through the Larry and Janett Crain Foundation, we actively support education, healthcare, and youth development initiatives across Arkansas. Our dedicated finance team works tirelessly to create personalized payment solutions that align with customers' budgets. Every transaction is conducted with complete transparency, ensuring clients remain fully informed throughout the vehicle purchasing process. With multiple service centers statewide, we provide comprehensive maintenance and repair solutions for all makes and models. Our mission remains unchanged since our founding: to deliver exceptional value, superior service, and the best possible vehicle ownership experience for every customer.
Services
New Vehicle Sales
Used Vehicle Sales
Financing Services
Service Appointments
Trade-In Appraisals
Collision Repair
Vehicle Maintenance
Warranty Programs
Test Drive Scheduling
Online Inventory Search
Details
- Year established: 1940
Highlights and features
- Family-owned legacy with 75+ years of Arkansas automotive expertise
- Operate 20+ locations statewide for convenient service access
- Offer financing solutions tailored to individual budget requirements
- Maintain Larry and Janett Crain Foundation for community development
- Provide transparent transactions with no hidden fees or surprises
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Competitive pricing
Extensive selection
Multiple locations
Professional service
Services
New Vehicle Sales
We offer comprehensive new vehicle sales services featuring the latest models from Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Buick, GMC, and Genesis. Our experienced sales team provides personalized guidance through the selection process, helping customers find vehicles that match their lifestyle and budget requirements. With multiple Arkansas locations, we ensure convenient access to inventory and financing options while maintaining our family-owned commitment to exceptional customer service.
Used Vehicle Sales
Our certified pre-owned vehicle program delivers quality used cars, trucks, and SUVs with added value guarantees. Every vehicle undergoes rigorous inspection and reconditioning processes to meet our high standards. Customers benefit from competitive pricing, transparent history reports, and flexible financing options. With locations across Central and Northwest Arkansas, our inventory includes diverse makes and models to suit various needs while maintaining our family business' reputation for integrity.
Financing Services
Our dedicated finance team specializes in creating customized payment solutions for new and used vehicle purchases. We work with multiple lending institutions to secure competitive rates and favorable terms for customers with varying credit profiles. The process emphasizes transparency with no hidden fees, ensuring clients understand all financial aspects before finalizing agreements. Our goal is to make vehicle ownership accessible while maintaining responsible lending practices.
Service Appointments
We provide comprehensive maintenance and repair services for all makes and models at multiple Arkansas locations. Our certified technicians use factory-approved tools and genuine parts to ensure optimal vehicle performance. Services range from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations to complex repairs and warranty-covered work. Scheduling options include online booking and direct contact with service centers across the state.
Trade-In Appraisals
Our trade-in program offers fair market value assessments for vehicles being exchanged toward new or used purchases. The process includes thorough inspections to evaluate condition, mileage, and market demand. Customers receive transparent evaluations with no-obligation offers that can be applied toward any vehicle in our inventory. This service is available at all dealership locations with expert appraisers trained to maximize trade-in values.
People
Larry Crain Jr.
President & CEO
Third-generation leader with 35+ years automotive industry experience. Graduated from University of Arkansas in 1985. Returned to leadership role in 2023 to focus on operational discipline and generational growth while expanding the company's footprint.
Chris Crain
Chief Manager
University of Arkansas graduate (1994) overseeing three Arkansas dealerships. Focuses on hands-on leadership and community relationships in Conway area. Plays key role in maintaining Crain's reputation for exceptional customer service across multiple locations.
Christian Crain
Chairman, Larry and Janett Crain Foundation
Fourth-generation leader with accounting degree from University of Arkansas (2021). Drives modernization efforts while maintaining family values. Oversees Arkansas' largest private charitable foundation focused on education, healthcare, and youth development initiatives.
Chandler Rackley
Chief Financial Officer
Native Little Rock resident leading financial operations with emphasis on strategic growth. Graduated from University of Arkansas with accounting degree. Modernizes financial systems while maintaining Crain's customer-first culture and commitment to service excellence.
Questions
What brands do Crain dealerships represent?
We offer Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Genesis vehicles across our Arkansas locations.
Can I get financing through Crain Automotive?
Yes, our finance team works with multiple lenders to provide competitive financing options for new and used vehicle purchases.
Do you accept trade-in vehicles?
We offer fair market value trade-in appraisals at all dealership locations with no-obligation offers toward any inventory vehicle.
Are service appointments available online?
Yes, schedule maintenance or repairs through our website or by contacting any of our Arkansas service centers directly.
How many dealership locations do you have?
We operate more than 20 locations across Central and Northwest Arkansas, including Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Bentonville areas.
What community initiatives do you support?
Through the Larry and Janett Crain Foundation, we support Arkansas education, healthcare, and youth development programs as part of our ongoing commitment.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Tracey Holmes
Jun 11, 2022
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I dropped off my 18 Denali at 8AM. I called almost a week ago to set up this appointment. There was a rubbing sound when I turned the wheel left or right while driving. I purchased the vehicle from This dealership a year ago. I recently refinanced and purchased a different warranty. I've had some work done to my vehicle at this dealership before and had no issues.it's now 2:56 and I've left 3 messages.
I didn't start calling until noon though.no one has called to tell me what's wrong with it or get the warranty company's information to pay for the repair. On my last call I spoke to a woman who said she was the "Sales Manager" she claims the calls roll over to her when they're either on the phone or with a customer. Call me crazy but 7 hours is to long to have a vehicle and you not touch check in with the owner.
I didn't start calling until noon though.no one has called to tell me what's wrong with it or get the warranty company's information to pay for the repair. On my last call I spoke to a woman who said she was the "Sales Manager" she claims the calls roll over to her when they're either on the phone or with a customer. Call me crazy but 7 hours is to long to have a vehicle and you not touch check in with the owner.
David Ham
May 16, 2022
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I not sure there reputable at all. Shady practice to buy a vehicle. Sell it and still not payed for the car. If they confident enough to sell it then they should of paid for it in full, to keep it on the up and up. It was sold in good faith. But not dealt with by Dealer in good faith imho
Rachel King
Sep 04, 2021
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Anything they will include with purchase will be included in your payment. Anything they offer for free is tacked onto your loan they will just extend loan to hide it. They will not tell you your rate or loan term until after you start signing papers. They will not give you any paperwork on any of your contracts to keep you from using them or cancelling them. They will make decisions for you on warranties and rates and not tell you until afterward.
Jody Yoakum
Aug 20, 2021
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Crain Hyundai of Bentonville preys on the elderly, sells Lemons, refuses to follow the AR Lemon Law, have had my in-laws car for nearly 4 months and could resolve this with 1 phone call to refund the warranty, HPP and Gap, but we've been told they are too busy with "month end" to be bothered to resolve our Lemon Law Claim. The dealership manager Paul Portz ignores phone call, emails and generally won't communicate unless you appear in person.
In addition to other serious mechanical issues (leading to the Lemon Law Claim), the car is also on a National Recall with a letter being sent by Hyundai advising not to park the car in the garage because it's a fire hazard. We have repeatedly tried to resolve this amicably for months but to no avail. Go buy a car somewhere where they stand behind their products and treat their elderly customers with respect and dignity. Go to MCLARTY DANIEL instead and don't buy yourself the headache of a Hyundai.
In addition to other serious mechanical issues (leading to the Lemon Law Claim), the car is also on a National Recall with a letter being sent by Hyundai advising not to park the car in the garage because it's a fire hazard. We have repeatedly tried to resolve this amicably for months but to no avail. Go buy a car somewhere where they stand behind their products and treat their elderly customers with respect and dignity. Go to MCLARTY DANIEL instead and don't buy yourself the headache of a Hyundai.
Zack Parker
Jan 09, 2021
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AVOID. I bought a new vehicle online. Delivered the new vehicle to my home in El Dorado. Never test drove it. Didn't inspect it because it was new. Sold and delivered me a NEW Ford Escape that had over 12000 miles on it! Tried to come to amicable agreement. The managers were never available and wouldn't get on the phone with me or my wife. Unbelievable.
