iHow 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%93+50.7Reliability 24%91+22.1Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%95+6.7Craft & service penalty96−0.4Experts Score= 93Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.93SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#22 of 60 towing servicesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 64%
4.9★★★★★998 Google reviews · 18 photos
95%five-star reviews
4.92★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
1%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Campus Garage 4.9 out of 5 based on 998 reviews, with the owner responding to 95% of them. Customers frequently cite honest communication, fair pricing, and quick service for issues like diagnostics, oil changes, and battery replacements, often recommending the shop for students. However, a small number of low-star reviews criticize high hourly rates, missed appointment requests, and instances where repairs were allegedly misdiagnosed or caused additional damage to vehicles.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 998 reviews (95% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 998 Google reviews (731 with written comments, 8 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 95% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 23, 2026.
Service: Towing Service serving Ames, Iowa.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Score profile vs other towing services
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach 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.
Campus GarageTowing Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 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.Campus Garage: 93/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.A
93
ReliabilityiReliability · 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.Campus Garage: 91/100 on this factor. Category median: 89.A
91
Craft & serviceiCraft & 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.Campus Garage: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
96
ValueiValue · 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.Campus Garage: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · 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.Campus Garage: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies 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.Campus Garage: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 67.A
95
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
998 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars95095%
4 stars273%
3 stars51%
2 stars20%
1 star141%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 731 written reviews
99%praise
Praise1,39499%
Complaints211%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
99%fair
Great price7142%
Reasonable9556%
Overpriced21%
Not sure11%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Quality & results26619%
Staff & attitude25618%
Price & value22916%
Speed & response22016%
Honesty & trust21115%
Would recommend13710%
Communication967%
What customers talk about
We read 731 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Their quality work is always above standards anywhere else.”
“Either their ASE "certified" technicians are totally incompetent or their dishonest and deceitful.”
“These guys are great at their jobs, courteous and honest.”
“I’m thankful for their honesty and this was a very reasonable repair.”
“They were way overpriced and I will not be going back.”
“My car broke down and even though they were busy the got me repaired quickly and well done.”
“Most reliable place on the planet, coolest people too.”
“Overcharged and lied to me about wanting to change 4 coil packs.”
“I would recommend this workshop to anyone that really cares about how their vehicle is treated.”
“I really cannot understand why people give them 5 stars!”
“They called me to explain the issue and then offered to also show my daughter how to properly check her oil dipstick because apparently it is not clea…”
People customers mention
Eric41 reviews
Audi10 reviews
Charlie9 reviews
State8 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Campus Garage for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Mary11 reviewsiTotal 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★★★★★
We had our 100,000 maintenance completed on a truck. Saved considerably over quote given by our usual service center. Thanks so much for a fair price.
Great priceGeneral repairs & maintenance
Steve4 reviewsiTotal 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 weeks ago★★★★★
I had a check engine light on my daughter‘s BMW X3 and dropped it off there. Diagnostics were free and they started with the simplest solution which was changing the oil and making sure it was full. I’m thankful for their honesty and this was a very reasonable repair.
Great priceGeneral repairs & maintenanceAuto engine diagnosticOil change
Dan1 reviewiTotal 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 2 weeks ago★★★★★
Once again campus garage showed 5 shining stars!!! Kinda helpless when my daughter called me and said my car is making bad noises while I live 2 hours north and she's a college student at Iowa state. Called Eric and he had her all fixed up and back on the road again. Thank you!!!!
Adam5 reviewsiTotal 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 weeks ago★★★★★
Campas Garage and Eric were great. Eric was very helpful and honest. My son goes to Iowa State and was having battery trouble with his vehicle. Midas had told him the battery tested normal and his vehicle needed a new alternator. After having my son go to Campus Garage for a second option, Eric informed me the…
Scott1 reviewiTotal 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 weeks ago★★★★★
My car broke down and even though they were busy the got me repaired quickly and well done. Excellent service.
Great priceElectrical repair
MichaelLocal Guide · 10 reviewsiTotal 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 weeks ago★★★★★
Campus Garage diagnosed and repaired a bad ignition coil on my out-of-state ISU studen's /daughter's car, offering price point options for their suggested remedies. Being 6-hours away, I appreciated their honest, up front and flexible service advice. They are trustworthy and I will continue to send her to them for service while she finishes her degree.
Thank you so much for your 5-star review and kind words, Pravin! We are thrilled to hear that our staff was able to provide you with helpful and knowledgeable service at Campus Garage in Ames. We strive to provide top-notch customer service and are delighted to know that we met your expectations. Thanks for choosing us and we look forward to seeing you again in the future!
Max Highland4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Max has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had our 100,000 maintenance completed on a truck. Saved considerably over quote given by our usual service center. Thanks so much for a fair price.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: General repairs & maintenance
Response from the owner · a week ago
Mary, we’re thrilled to hear you saved so much on your truck’s 100,000-mile maintenance compared to your usual spot. Fair pricing is important to us, and we appreciate you letting us know it made a difference! Thank you for trusting Campus Garage!
Steve Anthofer4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Steve has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I had a check engine light on my daughter‘s BMW X3 and dropped it off there. Diagnostics were free and they started with the simplest solution which was changing the oil and making sure it was full. I’m thankful for their honesty and this was a very reasonable repair.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Oil change
Response from the owner · a week ago
Steve, we're glad our free diagnostics and straightforward approach to topping off the oil helped clear that check engine light on your daughter's BMW X3. Honesty and reasonable repairs are priorities for us, so it's great to know you felt that firsthand.
Dan Steinhauer1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Dan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Once again campus garage showed 5 shining stars!!! Kinda helpless when my daughter called me and said my car is making bad noises while I live 2 hours north and she's a college student at Iowa state. Called Eric and he had her all fixed up and back on the road again. Thank you!!!!
Response from the owner · Edited 2 weeks ago
Dan, it’s great to hear Eric was able to get your daughter’s car fixed quickly, especially from so far away. Hope she’s back to enjoying campus without any more noise troubles!
Adam Kruckenberg5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Adam has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Campas Garage and Eric were great. Eric was very helpful and honest. My son goes to Iowa State and was having battery trouble with his vehicle. Midas had told him the battery tested normal and his vehicle needed a new alternator. After having my son go to Campus Garage for a second option, Eric informed me the battery was definitely bad and the alternator was fine. Eric replaced the battery and my son’s vehicle runs normal again. Thank you for the honesty and the quick service. Definitely recommend Campas Garage!
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
We're glad Eric could provide an accurate diagnosis and get your son's vehicle back in shape quickly. Honesty and thorough service are what we strive for every day at Campus Garage.
Scott Myers1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Scott has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My car broke down and even though they were busy the got me repaired quickly and well done. Excellent service.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Electrical repair
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you, Scott, for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review! We are glad to hear that you had a positive experience with us at Campus Garage and that we were able to quickly and efficiently repair your car. Providing excellent service is our top priority and we appreciate you recognizing that. Thank you again for choosing our garage and we look forward to assisting you with any future automotive needs!
Michael PriemLocal Guide · 10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Michael has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Campus Garage diagnosed and repaired a bad ignition coil on my out-of-state ISU studen's /daughter's car, offering price point options for their suggested remedies. Being 6-hours away, I appreciated their honest, up front and flexible service advice. They are trustworthy and I will continue to send her to them for service while she finishes her degree.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Electrical repair
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
We’re happy we could help with the ignition coil on your daughter’s car and provide clear, flexible options from a distance. It means a lot that you trust us to keep her vehicle running smoothly while she’s finishing her degree!
