Auto repair shop · Chico, CA · reviewed since 2013
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%84+45.8Reliability 24%76+18.4Value 14%99+14Replies to reviews 7%50+3.5Craft & service penalty92−0.8Momentum penalty70−3Experts Score= 78Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.78SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#32 of 50 oil change servicesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 37%
4.8★★★★★564 Google reviews · 23 photos
92%five-star reviews
4.67★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4.3%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 Chico Car Care 4.8 out of 5 based on 564 reviews, with the owner responding to 63% of comments. Customers frequently cite punctual service, honest communication, and fair pricing for repairs like oil changes, brakes, and diagnostics. They appreciate that staff avoid upselling unnecessary work and provide clear explanations. However, low-star reviews highlight concerns about high cost estimates for specific components and instances of perceived rudeness or inaccurate technical diagnoses during visits.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 564 reviews (92% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 564 Google reviews (411 with written comments, 5 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 63% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 23, 2026.
Service: Oil Change Service serving Chico, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other oil change 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 craft & service; weakest: replies to reviews.
Chico Car CareOil Change 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.Chico Car Care: 84/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.A
84
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.Chico Car Care: 76/100 on this factor. Category median: 76.B
76
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.Chico Car Care: 92/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
92
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.Chico Car Care: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
99
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.Chico Car Care: 70/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
70
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.Chico Car Care: 50/100 on this factor. Category median: 59.C
50
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
564 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars52092%
4 stars285%
3 stars20%
2 stars20%
1 star122%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 411 written reviews
98%praise
Praise69898%
Complaints152%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
93%fair
Great price1342%
Reasonable1548%
Overpriced26%
Not sure13%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude15121%
Quality & results12017%
Speed & response11516%
Honesty & trust10615%
Price & value9914%
Communication629%
Would recommend608%
What customers talk about
We read 411 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Fixing it ultimately required time the next day, but they were kind enough to garage the car overnight so that nothing from inside got stolen, and had…”
“Every time, the work has been professional, thorough, and done right.”
“…ost $800 for replacing oil panel and valve cover, a couple days later still leaking,took it back to the shop and they charged me another almost $800 f…”
“They got our car on the schedule promptly or when it was convenient for us.”
“…ybrid in because of issues with my passenger side windows: they were slow to go up or, not at all, until after waiting a few minutes.…”
“I trust that when he says something needs to be done that it really needs to be done.”
“I had already replaced parts and spent a great deal of time trying to diagnose the problem myself, but the issue kept coming back.”
“Glad I checked other places, Massive rip off”
“He listened to my concerns and my needs and addressed those.”
“I really appreciate their service, and would absolutely recommend their business to people here.”
“Overall, I won't be returning to this mechanic and would not recommend them to preform services.”
People customers mention
Dan55 reviews
Toyota28 reviews
Lexus20 reviews
Prius14 reviews
Tacoma10 reviews
Uber8 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Chico Car Care for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
RhiannonLocal Guide · 3 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. · Edited a day ago★★★★★
Chico Car Care always takes the best care of me and my family! Thanks so much for another stellar experience!
BrakesBrake service & repair
Alma9 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. · Edited 2 days ago★★★★★
They are always friendly. They got our car on the schedule promptly or when it was convenient for us. They have found the problem in my cars when other dealer mechanics said noting was wrong. Thanks!
Robinski2 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. · Edited a month ago★★★★★
I have taken my car to Chico Car Care for years. This last time I went in, my car needed significant repairs. Dan worked with me to get my car safely back on the road. He listened to my concerns and my needs and addressed those. I trust that when he says something needs to be done that it really needs to be done. He…
Great priceOil changeService not listed
Char9 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 months ago★★★★★
Chico Car Care is awesome! They have serviced my car a few times and always done in a timely and professional manner!
General repairs & maintenanceBrakesOil change
devoraLocal Guide · 20 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. · Edited 2 months ago★★★★★
It was time for maintenance, oil change, etc. Chico Car care ran a special that included much more. They checked many fluids, hoses, tires, and more. The work is quality and done on time.
Reasonable priceTire rotationsAuto maintenanceService not listed
Greg4 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. · Edited 2 months ago★★★★★
Chico Car Care Is always an accommodating and and never tries to upsell during a visit. I find it helpful that they will give me a report of the items they recommend for maintenance for future visits.
Chico Car Care always takes the best care of me and my family! Thanks so much for another stellar experience!
Services: Brakes, Brake service & repair
Response from the owner · Edited a year ago
We’re so glad to hear you had a great experience with us, Rhiannon! It’s our pleasure to assist with your vehicle’s automotive needs. Thank you for the wonderful review, and we look forward to serving you again!
Alma Applebee9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alma has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
They are always friendly. They got our car on the schedule promptly or when it was convenient for us. They have found the problem in my cars when other dealer mechanics said noting was wrong. Thanks!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: General repairs & maintenance, Tire rotations
Response from the owner · 7 years ago
Thank you for the positive feedback, Alma! We are proud to me your Chico mechanic!
Michael Coonan3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Michael has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Auto engine tuning, Vehicle Inspection, Vehicle safety inspection, Wiper blade installation, Auto maintenance, Oil change
Response from the owner · a year ago
Hi Michael,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear that you felt our team was knowledgeable while servicing your Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE. Expertise is at the core of what we do, and we’re proud to provide service you can trust.
Your feedback motivates us to keep raising the bar. Whenever your Highlander Hybrid needs care, we’ll be here to ensure it stays in top shape. Thanks for choosing Chico Car Care!
Robinski H2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Robinski has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have taken my car to Chico Car Care for years. This last time I went in, my car needed significant repairs. Dan worked with me to get my car safely back on the road. He listened to my concerns and my needs and addressed those. I trust that when he says something needs to be done that it really needs to be done. He goes above and beyond to take care of his customers and not just look for the most expensive options.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Auto battery replacement, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto maintenance, Battery, Oil change, Service not listed
Services: Oil change, Service not listed
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you so much, Robin! It means a lot to hear that from someone we’ve had the privilege of working with for so many years. From your Toyota Prius to all your other cars, we've always appreciated your trust and loyalty. Dan and the whole team truly value customers like you who recognize honest, quality work over unnecessary repairs. Looking forward to keeping your vehicles running safely and affordably for many more years to come!
Amanda Berryhill7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Amanda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
There are a few things as unsettling as car trouble when you are hundreds of miles from home, complicated by having all of your kid’s belongings in the back of your car in preparation for college move-in! Fortunately, Chico Car Care was recommended by our towing company. David and Josh were amazing in trying to get my 2018 Pilot’s issues diagnosed in the late afternoon. Fixing it ultimately required time the next day, but they were kind enough to garage the car overnight so that nothing from inside got stolen, and had me on the road as soon as possible the next day. They were sincerely trying to keep me from getting stranded again, and I couldn’t appreciate all of their help, amazing communication, and effective repairs more! Thank you, Chico Car Care! The company my husband works for has an office in Chico, and now we know who to recommend to the other employees should they ever need car repairs!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Auto battery replacement, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic
Response from the owner · a month ago
Wow, Amanda — thank you for such a wonderful and detailed review! We can only imagine how stressful that situation was: car trouble, hundreds of miles from home, and a car packed for college move-in. We're just so glad our towing partner pointed you our way and that David and Josh were able to help get you back on the road.
Keeping your car safely garaged overnight was the least we could do — the last thing you needed was one more thing to worry about. We're especially grateful to hear that our communication and repairs made a difference during such a hectic time. It means a lot to our whole team.
Thank you for passing our name along to your husband's coworkers in Chico — that kind of trust is the highest compliment we can receive. We hope the rest of the move-in went smoothly, and if you're ever back in the area and need us, we'll be here!
Char U9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Char has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Chico Car Care is awesome! They have serviced my car a few times and always done in a timely and professional manner!
Services: General repairs & maintenance, Brakes, Oil change
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for the kind words and the 5-star review, Char! We're thrilled to hear that your visits to Chico Car Care have consistently been timely and professional — that's exactly the standard we strive for with every customer. As an independent Toyota and Lexus specialist, we love being your go-to shop, and we truly appreciate your continued trust in us. See you at your next service!
devora corbinLocal Guide · 20 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews devora has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
It was time for maintenance, oil change, etc. Chico Car care ran a special that included much more. They checked many fluids, hoses, tires, and more. The work is quality and done on time.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Tire rotations, Auto maintenance, Service not listed
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for your feedback, Devora! We're glad you took advantage of our maintenance special and that you were happy with the thorough service on your vehicle. We appreciate your trust and look forward to assisting you again in the future.
Leo7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Leo has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I cannot say enough good things about Chico Car Care, proprietor Dan Hiestand, and service advisor David.
I drive a 1999 Toyota Camry V6 (XV20), and I had been fighting a persistent check engine light. I had already replaced parts and spent a great deal of time trying to diagnose the problem myself, but the issue kept coming back.
Dan was the one who finally got to the bottom of it. Rather than guessing or simply replacing more parts, he took the time to properly diagnose the car and discovered the actual problem.
That kind of troubleshooting takes experience, patience, and real technical skill. Dan found the root cause rather than chasing symptoms. It lends itself to his credentials as an ASE Master Technician.
Since picking up the car on Wednesday, the check engine light has stayed off the entire time. For the first time in a long while, I feel confident the problem has truly been fixed, and my faith in Toyota has been restored.
This wasn't my first experience with Chico Car Care, either. They have previously performed engine oil services, a BG transmission service, and an injector cleaning on my Camry. Every time, the work has been professional, thorough, and done right.
David has always been helpful in his service recommendations and pleasant to work with, and Dan has earned my trust as a diagnostician and technician. It's rare to find a shop that takes the time to solve a problem correctly instead of simply throwing parts at it.
I am genuinely grateful to Dan, David, and the entire Chico Car Care team for helping me keep a great Camry v6 on the road. They have earned my trust and my continued business.
Highly recommended.
Services: Transmission, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for this incredible review, Leo! We can't tell you how much it means to hear the full story behind your 1999 Camry V6 — and that we were finally able to track down that stubborn check engine light after everything you'd already put into it yourself.
Dan takes real pride in proper diagnostics, and your words about finding the root cause instead of chasing symptoms are exactly the approach we believe in. "Throwing parts at it" isn't how we do things around here, and it's gratifying to know that patience and experience paid off for you. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Dan and David — they'll be thrilled.
It's also great to hear that your previous visits for oil services, the BG transmission service, and injector cleaning have all met the same standard. Loyal customers like you who keep a great Camry on the road are why we do what we do. Thank you for your trust, your continued business, and the high recommendation — we look forward to keeping that XV20 running strong for many miles to come!
Greg Asher4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Greg has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Chico Car Care Is always an accommodating and and never tries to upsell during a visit. I find it helpful that they will give me a report of the items they recommend for maintenance for future visits.
Services: General repairs & maintenance
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you so much for your glowing review, Greg! We pride ourselves on providing honest and thorough service without any high-pressure tactics. It's fantastic to hear that you've consistently been satisfied with the quality of our work. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to serving you in the future!
Sarah Devine2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sarah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The folks at Chico Car Care were helpful, friendly and honest. I really appreciate their service, and would absolutely recommend their business to people here. Their pricing was fair and they were clear about what repairs were needed to replace a cold air intake filter. Thank you!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Air & cabin filter replacement
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for the wonderful review, Sarah! We're so glad to hear that our team was helpful, friendly, and honest — those are the values we hold highest at Chico Car Care. Being clear about what repairs are needed and keeping pricing fair is exactly how we believe business should be done, so it's great to know that came through during your visit for the cold air intake filter replacement. Thank you for recommending us to others here in the community — that means the world to our team. We look forward to taking care of you again!
