EXHIBIT 23.1

            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-3 No. 333-75714) of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and in the related Prospectus of
our reports dated March 10, 2005, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Group 1 Automotive, Inc., Group 1 Automotive, Inc. management's
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting,
and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Group 1
Automotive, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2004.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Forms S-8) pertaining to the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan
(No. 333-42165, No. 333-80399, No. 333-75784, No. 333-115961), the Group 1
Automotive, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (No. 333-42165, No.
333-70043, No. 333-75754, No. 333-106486), the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 401(k)
Savings Plan (No. 333-80399, No. 333-113679), and the Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Deferred Compensation Plan (No. 333-83260, No. 333-115962) of our reports dated
March 10, 2005, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Group 1
Automotive, Inc., Group 1 Automotive, Inc. management's assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Group 1
Automotive, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2004.


                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Houston, Texas
March 10, 2005