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Carlax Auto

Auto repair shop · Palmdale, CA · reviewed since 2014

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%83+20.1Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%28+2Craft & service penalty88−1.2Experts Score= 81Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.81SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#238 of 348 auto repair shopsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 32%
4.8 ★★★★★ 200 Google reviews · 21 photos
91%five-star reviews
4.83★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
1.7%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.
57%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review

Carlax Auto at a glance

Customers frequently praise the shop for honest pricing, thorough diagnostics, and timely repairs, noting that staff provide detailed explanations and digital updates on vehicle status. Recurring themes include professional communication and transparent service processes that build trust. However, some low-star reviews criticize poor phone accessibility, with callers often reaching a full mailbox, alongside isolated complaints about perceived overcharging and inadequate warranty support.

  • Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 200 reviews (91% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 200 Google reviews (164 with written comments, 6 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 57% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 28, 2026.
  • Service: Auto Repair Shop serving Palmdale, California.

Data from Google, last updated November 1, 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: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction85Reliability83Craft & service88Value100Momentum100Replies to reviews28Satisfaction: 85 (median 89)Reliability: 83 (median 86)Craft & service: 88 (median 99)Value: 100 (median 100)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 28 (median 60)
Carlax AutoAuto 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.Carlax Auto: 85/100 on this factor. Category median: 89.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.Carlax Auto: 83/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
83
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.Carlax 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.Carlax 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.Carlax Auto: 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.Carlax Auto: 28/100 on this factor. Category median: 60.D
28

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

200 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars18291%
  • 4 stars105%
  • 3 stars11%
  • 2 stars11%
  • 1 star63%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 164 written reviews

  • Praise32298%
  • Complaints82%

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

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price840%
  • Reasonable1155%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure15%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Honesty & trust7924%
  • Staff & attitude6319%
  • Quality & results5818%
  • Price & value4714%
  • Speed & response3812%
  • Would recommend268%
  • Communication196%

What customers talk about

We read 164 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Carlax has earned my trust, they should be given the chance to earn yours!”
  • “Their shop is clean and comfortable and the team is so friendly.”
  • “This business does an excellent job of repairing an auto.”
  • “The prices are fair and explained thoroughly on top of that after the quote if they find they didn’t need to use a filter or the vehicle didn’t actual…”
    “I paid 180$ for diagnostic, but I was getting overcharged and given False information, I was being charged over $500 just for the front brakes and Rot…”
  • “They are timely and absolutely amazing at what they do!”
  • “I highly recommend Carlax Auto and will definitely return.”
    “I cannot recommend Car LAX in Palmdale enough.”
  • “What impressed me most was that they clearly explained what they found and gave me the information I needed without pressuring me to approve any repairs.”

People customers mention

  • Bruce 29 reviews
  • Tina 10 reviews
  • Grace 9 reviews
  • Automotive 9 reviews
  • Jake 5 reviews
  • Valley 3 reviews

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

Reviews for your job

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

Recent reviews

RoseLocal Guide · 13 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 days ago★★★★★

If there where 10 stars, thats what this crew has earned! They are thorough in their service. They give you detail and step by step what is happening with your vehicle. They are timely and absolutely amazing at what they do!! They had to give me the bad news about my vehicle needing a new motor. Then they gave me…

Great priceAuto engine diagnostic
Wesley4 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 weeks ago★★★★★

Carlax was able to diagnose an issue on my older OBD1 vehicle that other shops were unable to! After another shop installed a new engine, they couldn’t figure out how to get it to run right. The team at Carlax took on the challenge, gave me the time of day to talk through the background and symptoms, and properly…

Reasonable price
Jenny4 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 weeks ago★★★★★

I trust Carlax with my vehicles. Grace is always so helpful and the mechanics are efficient and professional. Thank you for providing me exceptional service!

Reasonable priceOil change
AudreyLocal Guide · 10 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 weeks ago★★★★★

CARLAX IS THE SHOP I TRUST. THEY ARE ALWAYS FORTHRIGHT AND HONEST WITH ME ABOUT WHAT THE CAR NEEDS AND WHEN. THANK YOU!

Battery
Wilmer1 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. · a month ago★★★★★

I had an outstanding experience at Carlax Auto. Grace, my service advisor, was extremely professional, helpful, and honest, and the technician who inspected and worked on my car also did an excellent job. I originally brought my car to Honda, where a multi-point inspection identified several issues, but I wanted an…

Reasonable priceAir & cabin filter replacementVehicle InspectionBattery
Mark9 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 months ago★★★★★

After going to two other mechanic shops these guys here at CarLax gave me a honest approach towards fixing my air conditioner in my vehicle with out adding on additional items I don't need . Love it!!! Thank Robert and Grace

Great price

Photos

Customer reviews

4.8 ★★★★★ 200 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
Rose HerreraLocal Guide · 13 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Rose has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

If there where 10 stars, thats what this crew has earned! They are thorough in their service. They give you detail and step by step what is happening with your vehicle. They are timely and absolutely amazing at what they do!! They had to give me the bad news about my vehicle needing a new motor. Then they gave me the advice to see if there was a recall for the issue I was having. Lo and behold!!! There is a recall!! And my bad news turned into my Christmas gift! I 100/10 recommend!! Their shop is clean and comfortable and the team is so friendly. Thanks Carlax Auto!! ❤️❤️

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Auto engine diagnostic
Wesley Miller4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Wesley has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Carlax was able to diagnose an issue on my older OBD1 vehicle that other shops were unable to! After another shop installed a new engine, they couldn’t figure out how to get it to run right. The team at Carlax took on the challenge, gave me the time of day to talk through the background and symptoms, and properly diagnosed/replaced a sensor that was giving a faulty signal. On top of this, the owner went out of their way to work with my schedule to get the vehicle back. I find it noteworthy that the owner gives back to the local auto community by teaching courses at the local college! Carlax has earned my trust, they should be given the chance to earn yours!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
Jenny V.4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jenny has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I trust Carlax with my vehicles. Grace is always so helpful and the mechanics are efficient and professional. Thank you for providing me exceptional service!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Oil change
Audrey MillerLocal Guide · 10 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Audrey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

CARLAX IS THE SHOP I TRUST. THEY ARE ALWAYS FORTHRIGHT AND HONEST WITH ME ABOUT WHAT THE CAR NEEDS AND WHEN. THANK YOU!

  • Services: Battery
Wilmer Espinoza1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Wilmer has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I had an outstanding experience at Carlax Auto. Grace, my service advisor, was extremely professional, helpful, and honest, and the technician who inspected and worked on my car also did an excellent job. I originally brought my car to Honda, where a multi-point inspection identified several issues, but I wanted an independent second opinion. Carlax performed a thorough inspection and confirmed several of the same concerns, which gave me confidence that their assessment was accurate and trustworthy. What impressed me most was that they clearly explained what they found and gave me the information I needed without pressuring me to approve any repairs. They respected that the final decision was mine. It is difficult to find an auto repair shop that operates with this level of honesty and integrity. I highly recommend Carlax Auto and will definitely return.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Vehicle Inspection, Battery
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Wilmer, thank you for taking the time to share your experience and for trusting us with a second opinion. We’re glad Grace and our technician were able to clearly explain what they found and give you the information you needed to make the decision that was right for you. Providing honest guidance without pressure is very important to us, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. We look forward to being here whenever you need us. 😊 -The Carlax Team

Mark Virgo9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Mark has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

After going to two other mechanic shops these guys here at CarLax gave me a honest approach towards fixing my air conditioner in my vehicle with out adding on additional items I don't need . Love it!!! Thank Robert and Grace

  • Price assessment: Great price
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Mark, thank you for taking the time to share this. We’re glad Robert and Grace were able to give you a clear recommendation and make the process straightforward. Providing honest guidance is very important to us, and we truly appreciate your trust. We look forward to being here whenever you need us. 😃 -The Carlax Team

TeashaLocal Guide · 25 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Teasha has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I love the treatment I get at Carlax. As a woman, I appreciate that Carlax uses a vehicle inspection program where the results display on my cell exactly what they see when determining the health of my vehicle. The result is coded with red (fix right away), yellow (caution, fix when I'm ready), and green (good to go), along with estimated price for whatever I want to be repaired. If I don't understand something about the results of the inspection, Tina patiently (and nicely) explains it all. I recommend all my friends to check them out; they won't be disappointed.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Air & cabin filter replacement
Response from the owner · a year ago

THANK YOU SO MUCH TEASHA. WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOU COMING TO CARLAX.

Brenda Robinson4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Brenda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I have had my car serviced at Carlax for about 5years. This business does an excellent job of repairing an auto. Plus they are professional, personable , honest and trustworthy. The repair was done in a timely manner. They are the best !!! I was referred to Carlax by a very satisfied customer of theirs for over 10 years with them and I have referred others to them. All of us are very satisfied customers. We highly recommend this exceptional auto repair business.

Response from the owner · 7 months ago

Brenda, thank you for trusting Carlax with your car these past 4 years and for recommending us to others! We’re grateful you were referred by a longtime customer, and it means a lot to hear you’ve had the same honest, professional experience. We really appreciate you, and we’re here anytime you need advice or service 😃 — The Carlax Team

Gregory B. GrinsteadLocal Guide · 25 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Gregory has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I have had Tina and Bruce as my HONEST repair guys They can be trusted

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Transmission, Air & cabin filter replacement, Auto engine diagnostic, Vehicle Inspection, Brakes, Auto maintenance, Battery, Oil change
Response from the owner · 4 months ago

Hey, Greg, thank you for the kind 5-star review! We’re grateful for your trust in the Carlax team 😃

C BLocal Guide · 1,377 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews C has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Hard to find help if nobody answers the phone during business hours which is strange since this is a good sized facility

  • Price assessment: Not sure
Response from the owner · 4 months ago

We're sorry we missed your call during lunch time, Chris! We're a small family-owned shop and we try our best to get back to our customers after lunch time. We're sorry if you didn't receive our voicemail that day. We're glad we could reach you the following day and while you explained that you took care of your car concerns on your own, please keep in mind that we would be happy to help if you need our services in the future. 😊 -The Carlax Team

Carlax Auto on Google Maps →

Business details