The Donohoo Story
From a small used-car operation to one of Alabama’s most trusted automotive names, Donohoo Auto has grown by keeping the buying experience simple, transparent, and customer-first.
Donohoo Auto was built on a simple idea: car buying should feel easier, more honest, and more respectful. What started with Chris and Pete Donohoo selling used cars while in college eventually grew into a locally owned dealership known for upfront pricing, a low-pressure shopping experience, and a commitment to treating customers the right way.
Over the years, the Donohoo name has expanded beyond pre-owned vehicles in Pelham. With the addition of Donohoo Chevrolet in Fort Payne, the family’s customer-first approach now reaches Chevrolet shoppers, commercial buyers, government fleets, and businesses across Alabama and beyond.
Timeline Highlights
A look at the milestones that helped shape Donohoo Auto and Donohoo Chevrolet.
Small Start, Big Vision
Chris and Pete Donohoo begin selling used cars while in college, starting small with just 17 vehicles and a drive to do things differently.
Donohoo Auto Is Founded
Donohoo Auto is founded when Chris Donohoo starts selling vehicles from home with a focus on creating a better buying experience.
Growth Into Greater Birmingham
The business grows from home-based sales into Birmingham and later Pelham, expanding its reach while keeping the same customer-first mindset.
Transparent Pricing Takes Shape
Donohoo Auto builds its reputation around transparent, no-haggle, upfront pricing, helping customers shop with more confidence and less pressure.
Donohoo Chevrolet Joins the Story
Chris and Pete Donohoo acquire Donohoo Chevrolet in Fort Payne, expanding the Donohoo approach into the Chevrolet franchise world.
Best Place to Buy a Car
Donohoo Auto earns “Best Place to Buy a Car” recognition and continues growing its reputation for a simple, customer-focused buying experience.
Rapid Chevrolet Growth
Donohoo Chevrolet experiences rapid growth in employees, inventory, and regional impact, becoming a larger resource for both retail and fleet customers.
A Statewide Fleet Resource
Donohoo Chevrolet becomes a statewide resource for government and municipal Chevrolet trucks and Tahoes, strengthening its role in public-sector fleet sales.
Nearly 20 Years of Donohoo Auto
Donohoo Auto nears its 20th anniversary and continues building its reputation as a customer-first dealership in the Birmingham area.
Sensory Inclusive Commitment
Donohoo Auto expands its commitment to customer care through a Certified Sensory Inclusive partnership with KultureCity, helping make the dealership experience more welcoming for guests with sensory needs.
Commercial Truck Momentum
Donohoo Chevrolet further establishes itself as a major commercial truck and upfit destination, serving businesses that need work-ready vehicles.
HD Truck Recognition
Donohoo Chevrolet earns major recognition as a leading HD truck dealer, reinforcing its strength in heavy-duty and commercial Chevrolet sales.
Dealer of the Year Honors
Donohoo Chevrolet adds major recognition with Dealer of the Year and Business Elite Dealer of the Year honors, highlighting continued success across retail and commercial sales.
Still a Better Way to Buy
Donohoo Auto and Donohoo Chevrolet continue serving customers with transparency, selection, commercial expertise, and a better way to buy.
Locally Owned. Customer Focused. Built for the Long Run.
From humble beginnings to statewide recognition, the Donohoo story is still centered on the same thing that started it all: making the vehicle buying experience better for every customer.