Gunther Mazda: Three Generations Of Automotive Excellence, From Pasture To Premier

When Joseph F. Gunther Jr. moved his family from St. Louis to South Florida in the late 1960s, he brought with him the dream of building a family-owned car dealership that put people first. In 1970, that dream became a reality when Gunther Jr. opened the first Gunther Volkswagen store on State Road 7 in Fort Lauderdale – surrounded by open land, grazing cows, and the promise of opportunity.

“We started with zero,” recalls his son, Jay Gunther, now President of the company. “Back then, you could open a dealership on heart and hustle. We’ve grown by staying grounded in service and community.”

Gunther Growth: More Than 5 Decades of South Florida Service

From those modest beginnings, Gunther Motor Company has grown into one of South Florida’s most respected automotive groups that spans 12 dealerships across Broward, Palm Beach, and Volusia counties and represents the Mazda, Volkswagen, Kia, Volvo Cars, Mitsubishi, and Polestar brands. As of 2025, Gunther has proudly delivered over 55 years of sales and service to South Florida families.

We’ve invested more than half a century helping customers find the right vehicle, keeping them on the road, and earning their trust for generations. Today, President Jay Gunther, alongside his son and Vice President Joseph “Joe” Gunther, leads the company. Their combined vision balances time-honored values with forward-thinking strategy.

“The business may have changed, but the mission hasn’t,” says Joe. “Customers want to be treated with respect, transparency, and care. That’s where we’ve always stood out.”

A New Era: Gunther Mazda’s Modern Facility

In early 2022, Gunther Mazda opened the doors of its brand-new, state-of-the-art, 19,000-square-foot showroom and service center in Fort Lauderdale. Designed with the modern driver in mind, the new facility offers an incredibly customer-centric list of amenities:

• An expansive Mazda showroom featuring our full new vehicle lineup
• A comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped customer lounge
• Streamlined digital purchasing tools and concierge-style support
• A fully equipped service center with advanced diagnostic capabilities
• The personalized, no-pressure experience customers expect from the Gunther name

“We’ve learned a lot throughout the years by listening to our customers,” says Jay. “They are the reason why we needed to get things right from the start.”

What Makes Gunther Mazda Different?

At Gunther Mazda, we bring more than a new building – we bring generations of experience, deep-rooted customer care, and a commitment to excellence at every step. When you visit us, you can expect:

• A full selection of new Mazda vehicles and Mazda certified pre-owned models
• A multilingual sales team known for courtesy, clarity, and dedication
• OEM-trained technicians using Mazda-certified tools and parts
• Transparent financing, real-time trade-in tools, and flexible lease specials
• The exclusive Gunther Plus program, offering complimentary three-year maintenance on new vehicles

Gunther Puts Community First, Always

More than just a place to buy a vehicle, Gunther Motor Company is a proud supporter of our local community. From high school partnerships to regional events like Coconut Creek’s Butterfly Festival, our dealerships are invested in giving back.

“We know buying a car is a major milestone for many people,” Jay notes. “That’s why we focus on making the experience simple, positive, and rewarding from start to finish.”

Visit Gunther Mazda in Fort Lauderdale Today

Whether you’re shopping, servicing, or just stopping in to explore your options, our Gunther Mazda Fort Lauderdale location offers a warm welcome, modern convenience, top-tier care, and a reputation built on over five decades of trust. From the cows and possibilities of 1970 to our modern-day family of dealerships, our journey reflects one simple goal: to serve you better every day.