Walk down the rows of shiny hoods at Chris Myers Auto Mall Daphne on a humid Tuesday morning and you’ll see something interesting. It isn't just a parking lot. It’s kinda like a local landmark for anyone living between Mobile and Pensacola who has ever needed a reliable set of wheels.
Honestly, people talk about car dealerships like they’re all the same corporate machines. They aren't.
🔗 Read more: The Hartsville TN Nuclear Plant: Why the World’s Largest Project Just Stopped
The Identity Crisis (And Why It Matters)
If you’ve lived in Daphne for a while, you might be a little confused about the name. You've probably seen signs for "Chris Myers Nissan" or "Chris Myers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram." Here is the deal: the "Auto Mall" is basically the umbrella that houses these distinct flavors of automotive life.
Back in 2017, there was a bit of a shake-up when the Nissan branch was sold and became Matt Bowers Nissan Eastern Shore. But the core Chris Myers Auto Mall Daphne identity stayed rooted right there on Highway 98. It’s that massive stretch of real estate where the Jeeps look like they’re ready to climb the curb and the RAM trucks dominate the skyline.
What’s Actually on the Lot Right Now?
Buying a car in 2026 is a weird experience compared to five years ago. Inventory is finally breathable again. If you wander onto the lot today, you’re looking at a heavy lean toward the Stellantis family—Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM.
👉 See also: Amazon Lithia Springs GA Explained: What's Really Happening at ATL8
- The Jeep Crowd: You’ll find the 2026 Wrangler Sahara sitting next to the Willys. The prices aren't exactly "cheap" anymore—expect to see tags north of $53,000 for a new Willys— but that’s the market we live in.
- The Truck Side: The RAM 1500 and 2500 Laramie models are the big movers here.
- The Pre-Owned Mix: This is where the "Mall" part shines. Because they take so many trades, you’ll see random gems like a 2021 Hyundai Palisade or a 2023 Buick Enclave tucked between the Mopars.
The Service Bay Secret
Most people think of the dealership as a place to buy. I think of it as a place to fix. The service department at Chris Myers Auto Mall Daphne has a reputation that’s actually surprisingly human.
I’ve seen records of people bringing in everything from a 2003 Toyota Corolla Matrix to brand new Grand Cherokees. One guy recently mentioned getting a full brake kit installed for about $120 in labor because he brought his own parts. Most dealerships would laugh you out of the lobby for asking that. They actually did it.
That tells you something about the culture. It’s less "corporate script" and more "let’s get your car back on the road."
🔗 Read more: Concrete storm water drain: Why your property's invisible infrastructure is failing
A Legacy That Isn't Just Marketing
Chris Myers founded this thing back in 1985. Think about that for a second. That’s over four decades of surviving economic crashes, hurricanes, and the rise of online car buying.
The dealership has won the Nissan Owner First Award of Excellence in the past, and while names on the buildings change, the family-owned vibe persists. They do this "Drive for Charity" event every year. It’s one of those things where the community actually shows up, not just for the hot dogs, but because the business has been a staple of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce for ages.
Let’s Get Real About the "Stealers" Label
Look, car dealerships have a bad rap. Everyone has a story about a "guy" who sold them a lemon or a finance manager who was a shark. Chris Myers isn't immune to the occasional legal headache—there’s even old court records from 2008 about a GMC van with a water leak and a fight over arbitration.
But that’s the reality of a high-volume business. You can’t sell thousands of cars without a few bumps. What’s more telling is the 4.3-star average across over 1,200 reviews. In the car world, that’s basically a gold medal.
Why People Keep Driving to Daphne
There’s a specific reason people bypass the big lots in Mobile to come here. It’s the Highway 98 corridor. It’s convenient.
You’ve got the service team—people like Jennifer Hill and Laura Mead—who have been mentioned by name in customer logs for years. That kind of longevity is rare in an industry where staff turnover is usually high.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head to Chris Myers Auto Mall Daphne, don't just wing it.
- Check the Virtual Lot First: Their website is usually updated faster than the physical stickers. If a 2026 Jeep Compass North shows up online, call and put a "soft hold" on it before you drive over.
- Ask for Service Transparency: If you’re getting work done, ask for the "Preferred Auto" level of communication. They are known for being upfront about pricing before the wrench even touches the bolt.
- Trade-In Strategy: Because they have such a wide variety of brands under the Auto Mall umbrella, they are often hungrier for diverse trades (like Mazdas or Hondas) than a single-brand boutique dealer.
Next Steps for Your Vehicle Search: Start by pulling your own KBB trade-in value before you arrive at the lot on Highway 98. When you get there, bypass the front-row "flashy" models and head toward the back of the pre-owned section where the 2-3 year-old lease returns are usually kept. These offer the best balance of remaining warranty and price depreciation. If you're there for service, ask specifically for a digital multi-point inspection report to be sent to your phone so you have a paper trail of your car's health.