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Aris Auto

Auto repair shop · Somerville, MA · reviewed since 2012

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%47+25.6Reliability 24%43+10.4Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%35+2.5Craft & service penalty88−1.2Momentum penalty62−3.8Experts Score= 48Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.48SCORE
CGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#49 of 50 oil change servicesPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 2%
4.5 ★★★★★ 261 Google reviews · 12 photos
81%five-star reviews
4.25★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
9.7%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.
11%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review

Aris Auto at a glance

Google reviewers rate Aris Auto 4.5 out of 5 based on 261 reviews, with the owner responding to only 11 percent of them. Customers frequently praise the shop for honest pricing, quick service during oil changes, tire repairs, and state inspections, as well as clear communication and friendly staff. However, recurring criticisms in low-star reviews highlight poor communication, confusing parking instructions, and instances of perceived rudeness or unexpected fees during inspections and diagnostic work.

  • Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 261 reviews (81% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 261 Google reviews (176 with written comments, 1 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 11% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 16, 2026.
  • Service: Oil Change Service serving Somerville, Massachusetts.

Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.

Score profile vs other oil change services

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 craft & service; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction47Reliability43Craft & service88Value100Momentum62Replies to reviews35Satisfaction: 47 (median 84)Reliability: 43 (median 76)Craft & service: 88 (median 99)Value: 100 (median 100)Momentum: 62 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 35 (median 59)
Aris AutoOil Change Services 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.Aris Auto: 47/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.C
47
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.Aris Auto: 43/100 on this factor. Category median: 76.C
43
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.Aris Auto: 88/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
88
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.Aris Auto: 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.Aris Auto: 62/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
62
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.Aris Auto: 35/100 on this factor. Category median: 59.D
35

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

261 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars21281%
  • 4 stars218%
  • 3 stars42%
  • 2 stars42%
  • 1 star208%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 176 written reviews

  • Praise28290%
  • Complaints3010%

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

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price457%
  • Reasonable343%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure00%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude8026%
  • Honesty & trust5317%
  • Speed & response4815%
  • Quality & results4715%
  • Price & value4113%
  • Would recommend3010%
  • Communication134%

What customers talk about

We read 176 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Car problems can be so stressful and I find they always take the time to explain things and are compassionate.”
    “They are Disrespectful, gave me a inspection sticker I never asked him to then puts a rejection sticker because my check engine light was on even tho…”
  • “Genuinely lovely people, just make sure to call for an appointment as it seems they’re really busy; due to their great reputation in the area.”
    “They are not honest, and will cheat you of your money.”
  • “Reasonable and affordable price (key factor for me), quick service, professional, and no bs marketing and promotion.”
  • “I have been going to Bob and team for years and they consistently do excellent work.”
    “" He even tried to blame me stating it might haven been damaged before I took it for the inspection.”
  • “Great service at affordable rates, always my go to spot.”
    “I reccomend you save yourself the headache, being spoken to disrespectfully, and being overcharged.”
  • “I highly recommend this business to anyone considering their services.”
    “Needless to say, I recommend going elsewhere for state inspections if you like being treated with any semblance of respect.”
  • “He called me later that day to explain what would need to be done and the price, that he explained could go up once they see exactly what the damage was.”

People customers mention

  • Bob 8 reviews
  • Alex 8 reviews

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

Reviews for your job

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

Recent reviews

LillianLocal Guide · 58 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. · a week ago★

Disorganized mess full of people who aren't capable of performing a state inspection or communicating clearly and professionally with their prospective customers. Also had a really creepy, sexist sign in the lobby recommending cheating on your wife with multiple women. Ew.

Sarah5 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. · a month ago★★★★★

Bob was so nice! It truly is refreshing to find a good mechanic these days. Got an oil change and tire rotation. Very reasonable on pricing as well. They had my car in and out very quickly. I will be coming here frequently for all car related repairs. Genuinely lovely people, just make sure to call for an…

Great priceGeneral repairsOil change
Nicholas9 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. · a month ago★★★★★

Quick and easy state inspection. The parking lot is a bit awkward but it's easier if you turn in from Somerville Ave

Brenna4 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. · 3 months ago★★★★★

I have been going to Bob and team for years and they consistently do excellent work. They are always up front and honest and try to be cost-minded when making their recommendations. Car problems can be so stressful and I find they always take the time to explain things and are compassionate. I am so appreciative of all of their work!

Rob3 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. · 3 months ago★

They are Disrespectful, gave me a inspection sticker I never asked him to then puts a rejection sticker because my check engine light was on even though it was not on when I dropped my car off. Come to find out the reason my light was on, they forgot to put my coolant overflow cap back on luckily I found out and…

BrynaLocal Guide · 72 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. · Edited 3 months ago★★★★★

The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and gets the job done in the time they say they will. As a heads up, due to the reliability factor, they're also pretty booked up these days! Make sure to call ahead and make an appointment!!

Great priceHybrid vehicles serviceAir & cabin filter replacementTires

Photos

Customer reviews

4.5 ★★★★★ 261 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
Lillian HollandLocal Guide · 58 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Lillian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Disorganized mess full of people who aren't capable of performing a state inspection or communicating clearly and professionally with their prospective customers. Also had a really creepy, sexist sign in the lobby recommending cheating on your wife with multiple women. Ew.

Andrew Haverly15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Andrew has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Kevin was a life saver right as they were closing!

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Tires
Sarah Phillips5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Sarah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Bob was so nice! It truly is refreshing to find a good mechanic these days. Got an oil change and tire rotation. Very reasonable on pricing as well. They had my car in and out very quickly. I will be coming here frequently for all car related repairs. Genuinely lovely people, just make sure to call for an appointment as it seems they’re really busy; due to their great reputation in the area.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: General repairs, Oil change
Nicholas McCoy9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Nicholas has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Quick and easy state inspection. The parking lot is a bit awkward but it's easier if you turn in from Somerville Ave

Jack Burton3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jack has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Went to get a state inspection and they told me to “pull around” with no further instructions. I pulled in from the side that wasn’t blocked by a bunch of haphazardly parked cars and they jeered at me to turn around on the street and come back the other way (which was, again, mostly blocked by a ton of haphazardly parked cars) and go in that garage, pointing to the right where there were two garages. I pulled around and toward the garage closest to where the guy pointed and he laughs at me and makes some snarky comment about me to his buddy, and just tells me to leave the car and snatches my keys. Turns out he wanted me in the other garage—would’ve been nice if he actually specified which of the two originally, instead of just laughing at me when I guessed incorrectly. After inspection, left my car reeking of cigarettes, AC blasting, seatbelts stretched out, and headlights shut off. Needless to say, I recommend going elsewhere for state inspections if you like being treated with any semblance of respect.

Brenna Lewis-Slammon4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Brenna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I have been going to Bob and team for years and they consistently do excellent work. They are always up front and honest and try to be cost-minded when making their recommendations. Car problems can be so stressful and I find they always take the time to explain things and are compassionate. I am so appreciative of all of their work!

Response from the owner · 3 months ago

Thanks so much for your kind words Brenna!

Rob Matthis3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Rob has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

They are Disrespectful, gave me a inspection sticker I never asked him to then puts a rejection sticker because my check engine light was on even though it was not on when I dropped my car off. Come to find out the reason my light was on, they forgot to put my coolant overflow cap back on luckily I found out and got a new one before I lost all my radiator fluid and seized my engine,I would stay far away from this guy.

Response from the owner · 3 months ago

Hi Rob, Thank you for the feedback. I want to make sure we clear up any misunderstandings regarding your service. To recap, you brought your car to us with a request to diagnose an overheating engine. We did that and installed a hose you provided to correct the issue of the twisted hose. Your car failed inspection because of the preexisting P1217 (Engine over temperature) code stored in your car's computer. I see we were also able to reinspect the car with a passing sticker 9 days later. If you'd like to discuss your service with me directly, please don't hesitate to reach out. Alex Varelis

Bryna ChalmerLocal Guide · 72 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Bryna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and gets the job done in the time they say they will. As a heads up, due to the reliability factor, they're also pretty booked up these days! Make sure to call ahead and make an appointment!!

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Hybrid vehicles service, Air & cabin filter replacement, Tires, General repairs, Brakes, Oil change
Response from the owner · 3 months ago

Thanks Bryna! And yes, please do try to make an appointment!

Joe Conway6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Joe has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Came in with a flat tire, left with the tire patched and remounted in 15 minutes.

Response from the owner · 3 months ago

Glad we could help Joe, Thanks!

Ana María León3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great shop: straightforward, honest, efficient.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Service not listed
Response from the owner · 3 months ago

To have a customer recognize the exact things we aim to provide and to take the time to write them in a review is so meaningful to all of us. Thank You!

Aris Auto on Google Maps →

Business details