Ajax Auto Place logo

Ajax Auto Place

Auto repair shop · Lakeland, FL · reviewed since 2022

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%85+46.4Reliability 24%81+19.6Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%94+6.6Experts Score= 87Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.87SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#310 of 707 auto repair shopsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 56%
4.8 ★★★★★ 361 Google reviews · 24 photos
94%five-star reviews
4.89★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
2.2%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
81%reviews answered by the owner
Nov 2026latest review

Ajax Auto Place at a glance

Customers frequently praise the shop for friendly staff, fast service, and transparent communication regarding repairs and pricing. Positive reviews highlight the comfortable waiting area, including snacks and a dog, as well as the ease of online booking. However, several low-star reviews report being charged for unnecessary parts or failing to resolve mechanical issues, with one customer alleging a phone call was cut off while disputing a headlight bulb price.

  • Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 361 reviews (94% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 361 Google reviews (318 with written comments, 8 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 81% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: November 3, 2026.
  • Service: Auto Repair Shop serving Lakeland, Florida.

Data from Google, last updated November 4, 2026.

Score profile vs other auto repair shops

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: reliability.

Satisfaction85Reliability81Craft & service–Value100Momentum100Replies to reviews94Satisfaction: 85 (median 87)Reliability: 81 (median 85)Value: 100 (median 100)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 94 (median 57)
Ajax Auto PlaceAuto Repair Shops median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Ajax Auto Place: 85/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
85
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Ajax Auto Place: 81/100 on this factor. Category median: 85.A
81
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Ajax Auto Place: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Ajax Auto Place: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Ajax Auto Place: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 57.A
94

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

361 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars33994%
  • 4 stars72%
  • 3 stars10%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star144%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 318 written reviews

  • Praise58897%
  • Complaints193%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price5344%
  • Reasonable6352%
  • Overpriced11%
  • Not sure43%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude14624%
  • Quality & results9916%
  • Price & value9516%
  • Speed & response8915%
  • Would recommend7613%
  • Honesty & trust7312%
  • Communication295%

What customers talk about

We read 318 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “The front office staff were diligent and kind and the atmosphere of the lobby is inviting and peaceful.”
  • “Thank you and your staff Kelly for an excellent experience.”
    “Not only did you price gouge me, but you guys are simply incompetent.”
  • “I've found the team at Ajax to be honest, straight-forward, and fair in every part of the process in getting my truck fixed.”
    “They overcharged me $1100 to get my back brakes done with rotors and calipers and when I brought back my car for an oil change a few days later they t…”
  • “Great customer service, fast and efficient service!”
  • “l would recommend Ajax to people in need of car repair or just a regular check-up.”
    “I don't recommend coming to this place to get your vehicle maintenance.”
  • “Their technicians are highly trained and certified and they are very transparent about what they’re doing on your vehicle and why.”
    “A real scam they completely messed my car up And played it off as if it came in like that I didn’t pull in with a check engine light and I pulled out…”
  • “Accessible too -- how many spots can you communicate with the team via text message?”

People customers mention

  • Kelly 12 reviews
  • Josh 10 reviews
  • Dale 4 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Ajax Auto Place for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

David9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 20 hours ago★

Scam! Place wants to charge $200-$300 to replace a headlight BULB. When I asked to speak to someone else they hung up. Lmao.

lola4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 days ago★★★★★

The front office staff were diligent and kind and the atmosphere of the lobby is inviting and peaceful. I felt informed with options and no pressure. The car is running great and we love all aspects of this shops business practice.

Reasonable priceAir & cabin filter replacementGeneral repairs & maintenanceWiper blade installation
John1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 days ago★★★★★

They were great and service number one. Plus the price was also great. From new on ANY work on my truck this is where I'm going to go,

DebraLocal Guide · 41 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 days ago★★★★★

I’m happy to have found Ajax Auto Place for my automotive needs. Their technicians are highly trained and certified and they are very transparent about what they’re doing on your vehicle and why. They have a nice waiting room inside, and they are very pleasant to work with. They have definitely earned a loyal customer in me!

Air & cabin filter replacementGeneral repairs & maintenance
Romeo1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 days ago★★★★★

Got a mailer with a great offer, appointment booking was smooth (both online and phone), and service took less than 45 minutes for an oil change and filter replacement

Great priceAir & cabin filter replacementOil change
Shontez1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 days ago★★★★★

I have taken 3 of my vehicles to Ajax for service and each time they were pleasant, efficient and honest people to work with, If I could them a 10 star rating I would.

Auto battery replacementSteering & suspension repairAuto maintenance

Photos

Customer reviews

4.8 ★★★★★ 361 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
David Gregory9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews David has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Scam! Place wants to charge $200-$300 to replace a headlight BULB. When I asked to speak to someone else they hung up. Lmao.

Joe Griffin
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

You guys are the best… in my opinion you are the best in Polk County.

lola Nelson4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews lola has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The front office staff were diligent and kind and the atmosphere of the lobby is inviting and peaceful. I felt informed with options and no pressure. The car is running great and we love all aspects of this shops business practice.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, General repairs & maintenance, Wiper blade installation, Oil change
John Florea1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews John has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

They were great and service number one. Plus the price was also great. From new on ANY work on my truck this is where I'm going to go,

Debra KellyLocal Guide · 41 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Debra has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I’m happy to have found Ajax Auto Place for my automotive needs. Their technicians are highly trained and certified and they are very transparent about what they’re doing on your vehicle and why. They have a nice waiting room inside, and they are very pleasant to work with. They have definitely earned a loyal customer in me!

  • Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, General repairs & maintenance
Romeo Banford1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Romeo has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Got a mailer with a great offer, appointment booking was smooth (both online and phone), and service took less than 45 minutes for an oil change and filter replacement

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Oil change
Joy Butler5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Joy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great customer service, fast and efficient service! Would highly recommend!

  • Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Oil change
Shontez Griffin Sr (griff)1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Shontez has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I have taken 3 of my vehicles to Ajax for service and each time they were pleasant, efficient and honest people to work with, If I could them a 10 star rating I would.

  • Services: Auto battery replacement, Steering & suspension repair, Auto maintenance
Gina BullockLocal Guide · 13 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Gina has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I have to share with you the experience that I had With Ajax Auto Place. Professional. Inviting informative and just good genuine service. I needed an oil change and brake job on my Kia and I am so pleased with how I was treated. Great work great people. I actually now have an appointment for my Corvette. Very trustworthy, pleasant and honest. I’ve never been more comfortable getting my car taken care of fairly.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: General repairs & maintenance, Oil change
Response from the owner · 6 months ago

Gina, thank you so much for sharing this. We’re really glad you felt taken care of with your Kia, and we can’t wait to help with your Corvette again too. Your trust means a lot to us.

Martha EllisLocal Guide · 15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Martha has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Ajax Auto is the best hidden secret in Lakeland!!! After having a not so good experience with another place. I went on line looking for a good mechanic. Ajax had the best reviews on the best mechanics. The best prices and their integrity on being honest. They did not disappoint. Ajax Auto is the only place I will be using in the further. You will be so happy you trusted your automobile with them. Thank you and your staff Kelly for an excellent experience. The only bad news. I didn't find Ajax Auto Sooner!

Ajax Auto Place on Google Maps →

Business details