In Ottawa, few names in automotive carry as much history as Campbell Ford. Long before the 417 was laid, before Carling Avenue was a commercial corridor, and before Ford trucks were on every worksite, Campbell Ford was already putting wheels on the road.
It all began in 1920, when Roy Campbell opened a small automotive repair shop. By the following year, Campbell Motors Ottawa had officially become a Ford dealership, originally operating on Slater Street. “In those days, customers would trade in horse‑drawn carts and wagons for a new Ford,” says Gordon Hoddinott, President of Campbell Ford.
“There’s even a photo on our website showing horse collars hanging on the wall of the garage.” From Slater to Laurier (home to a now-retired spiral ramp that brought vehicles to a second-floor service bay) to its current home on Carling Avenue since 1970, Campbell Ford has remained a fixture in the city for generations.
Ownership has stayed within tight, dedicated hands. After Manson Campbell—Roy’s son—sold the dealership to Wilfred Hoddinott in 1976, leadership eventually passed to Gordon, who now serves as President. Since then, the dealership has undergone five major renovations—each one focused on improving service and expanding what they offer under one roof.
And it is truly all under one roof. “Everything at Campbell Ford is in one location—sales, service, parts, leasing, body shop, commercial sales and service,” says Gordon. “We have a full complement of experienced professionals that can serve every need of every type of customer.”
That includes a dedicated commercial division, serving businesses across Ottawa with tailored solutions and personalized service. From tradespeople to fleet managers, Campbell Ford’s commercial team works to ensure every business has the right vehicle—and the ongoing support—to keep moving.
Step inside the dealership’s showroom and you’ll find more than a lineup of F‑150s. It’s a reflection of the brand’s versatility and the dealership’s attention to presentation.
Vehicles are showcased with care, including standouts like the Ford Bronco—whose rugged design and off‑road capabilities continue to attract Ottawa drivers. “The Bronco has really carved out its own lane,” says Gordon. “It’s a lifestyle vehicle as much as it is a performance one.”
But the team behind the vehicles is just as important as the lineup itself. Campbell Ford is known for its unique blend of long‑time veterans and new energy in the sales department. “Wisdom and enthusiasm are a great combination,” says Gordon. “We have just the right quantities of each. It makes it a fun place to work—and it makes the experience better for our customers too.”
New hires are welcomed into a culture rooted in mentorship and professionalism. Sales managers work closely with their teams, ensuring product knowledge is strong and customer interactions are personalized. It’s part of what keeps Campbell Ford a trusted name in a competitive market.
“We are a pride‑driven dealership,” adds Gordon. “We strive to provide the best sales and service experience possible. We think attention to detail makes a difference and we’re always looking for chances to improve.”
Whether it’s a long‑time commercial client or a first‑time buyer, Gordon offers this advice to today’s car shoppers: “Ask questions. Do your homework. Work with people you trust. It’s not just about finding the right vehicle—it’s about building a relationship with the right team.”
For Campbell Ford, that relationship starts the moment you walk through the door.
“When someone visits Campbell Ford for the first time,” Gordon says, “we want them to feel comfortable, welcomed, and taken care of. That’s what keeps people coming back.”
Photography by Nicolai Gregory
