Auto repair shop · San Diego, CA · reviewed since 2010
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%79+43.1Reliability 24%72+17.5Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Craft & service penalty98−0.2Momentum penalty77−2.3Experts Score= 79Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.79SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#95 of 148 auto repair shopsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 36%
4.8★★★★★1,448 Google reviews · 48 photos
91%five-star reviews
4.68★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4.6%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.
Customers frequently cite honest communication, thorough vehicle inspections, and friendly staff as key strengths, often noting that the shop avoids high-pressure sales tactics. Services range from routine maintenance to complex diagnostics, with many reviewers appreciating the clear explanations and transparent cost estimates provided. However, some low-rated reviews highlight concerns regarding pricing, including higher labor costs and instances where additional repairs were recommended or performed without prior authorization.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 1,448 reviews (91% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 1,448 Google reviews (1,105 with written comments, 16 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 97% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 24, 2026.
Service: Auto Repair Shop serving San Diego, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other auto repair shops
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 replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
John's Automotive CareAuto Repair Shops 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.John's Automotive Care: 79/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.B
79
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.John's Automotive Care: 72/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.B
72
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.John's Automotive Care: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
98
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.John's Automotive Care: 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.John's Automotive Care: 77/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
77
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.John's Automotive Care: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 59.A
100
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
1,448 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars1,32391%
4 stars544%
3 stars191%
2 stars141%
1 star383%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 1,105 written reviews
96%praise
Praise2,00296%
Complaints774%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
97%fair
Great price3630%
Reasonable7663%
Overpriced43%
Not sure54%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude55427%
Quality & results33616%
Honesty & trust31315%
Price & value26113%
Speed & response25812%
Would recommend20610%
Communication1517%
What customers talk about
We read 1,105 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Knowledgeable and friendly staff that provides honest feedback without any high-pressure sales tactics.”
“The Manager was so rude and I think he has a personal problem.”
“They have taken care of my car for the last 4 years, and are thorough, honest and my car is happy!”
“…I found a large tool left underneath my hood which could have easily damaged internal parts.…”
“…he military, so every time we move, we begin a new search to find an honest shop that won’t take advantage of a female with limited auto skills while…”
“They are dishonest, expsensive, poor customer service, will take even the chargers out of your car, rude manager with zero people skills.”
“Quick and fair brake replacement, service advisors were nice and honest, will definitely come back”
“Friendly and thorough service, but overpriced labor and parts markup.”
“They let me know right away (I didn’t have to discover it myself!”
“Slow operation and miss management”
“I will recommend all of my military buddies to go here for any car repairs from now on!”
“Rick was very professional and very polite but I will not be back.”
“Above and beyond doesn't even begin to explain their service.”
“No communication for 8 hours on a simple A/C service.”
People customers mention
Dave34 reviews
Justin26 reviews
Rick18 reviews
Johns14 reviews
Bryan13 reviews
Dawn12 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired John's Automotive Care for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
EileenLocal 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. · a day ago★★★★★
I love bringing my car to John's Automotive Care! They have taken care of my car for the last 4 years, and are thorough, honest and my car is happy! What more could you want!
Great priceGeneral repairs & maintenanceAuto engine tuningAuto brake repair
Rebekah2 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. · 5 days ago★★★★★
As a woman, I am so happy to have found this place. My spouse is in the military, so every time we move, we begin a new search to find an honest shop that won’t take advantage of a female with limited auto skills while he is deployed. When my car was getting maintenance here, they made a mistake. They let me know…
Great price
Steven3 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. · 5 days ago★★★★★
Knowledgeable and friendly staff that provides honest feedback without any high-pressure sales tactics.
LisaLocal Guide · 8 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★★★★★
I unexpectedly needed to have my car towed, and before the tow truck arrived, they called me for information with friendly service. This attention was unexpected and was a sigh of relief. From beginning to end, caring, detailed service. Pricey, but well taken care of.
Samuel5 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★★★★★
After a long stressful 11 month deployment, Neil and GM Bryan took care of my needs. God bless their soul. Your professionalism was amazing and the positive energy I felt when I walked in was a blessing. I will recommend all of my military buddies to go here for any car repairs from now on! In the Navy we say to you guys: BZ Bravo Zulu!!!
Electrical repair
Dan2 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 week ago★★★★
i needed an oil change and had a check engine light . the shop seams very thorough which may cost more but my Mini is purring like a kitten
I love bringing my car to John's Automotive Care! They have taken care of my car for the last 4 years, and are thorough, honest and my car is happy! What more could you want!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine tuning, Auto brake repair, Tire rotations, Wheel alignment, Brakes, Auto maintenance, Battery, Oil change
Rebekah L2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Rebekah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
As a woman, I am so happy to have found this place. My spouse is in the military, so every time we move, we begin a new search to find an honest shop that won’t take advantage of a female with limited auto skills while he is deployed. When my car was getting maintenance here, they made a mistake. They let me know right away (I didn’t have to discover it myself!) and handled the fix very professionally. It is so refreshing to find honest people!
Price assessment: Great price
Response from the owner · 3 days ago
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Rebekah! We understand how important it is to find an automotive repair shop you can trust, especially when you're navigating a new community while your spouse is deployed. We truly appreciate your understanding regarding the mistake during your vehicle's maintenance. While we always strive to get everything right the first time, we believe that taking responsibility, communicating openly, and making things right are essential to earning our customers' trust. Every customer deserves to feel respected, informed, and confident in the care their vehicle receives. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to earn your trust, and please extend our gratitude to your spouse for their military service. We look forward to being a dependable resource for all your future automotive needs!
Steven Warinner3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Steven has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Knowledgeable and friendly staff that provides honest feedback without any high-pressure sales tactics.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Oil change
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Thank you for the wonderful review, Steven! We're glad you had such a positive experience with our knowledgeable and friendly team. We believe in providing honest recommendations, clear communication, and quality automotive care without unnecessary pressure. It's great to hear that our approach stood out to you during your oil change and filter replacement services. We truly appreciate your trust and support and look forward to helping you with your future automotive maintenance needs!
Lisa FoulkLocal Guide · 8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lisa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I unexpectedly needed to have my car towed, and before the tow truck arrived, they called me for information with friendly service. This attention was unexpected and was a sigh of relief. From beginning to end, caring, detailed service. Pricey, but well taken care of.
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for sharing your experience, Lisa! We understand how stressful it can be when your vehicle unexpectedly needs to be towed, and we're glad our team was able to provide some peace of mind from the very beginning. Providing friendly, attentive, and thorough service is something we take great pride in. We also appreciate your honest feedback regarding pricing and are happy to hear you felt well taken care of throughout the process. Thank you for trusting us with your vehicle!
Samuel Sarver5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Samuel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
After a long stressful 11 month deployment, Neil and GM Bryan took care of my needs. God bless their soul. Your professionalism was amazing and the positive energy I felt when I walked in was a blessing. I will recommend all of my military buddies to go here for any car repairs from now on! In the Navy we say to you guys: BZ Bravo Zulu!!!
Services: Electrical repair
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for the incredible review, Samuel, and thank you for your service! We're honored that Neil and Bryan were able to provide such a positive experience following your long deployment. We understand how important it is to have a team you can trust, and we're glad their professionalism, welcoming attitude, and attention to your vehicle's electrical repairs made a difference. We'll be sure to share your kind words with both of them! Your recommendation to your fellow service members means so much to our entire team. Bravo Zulu to you as well, and thank you again for your service!
Dan Gibbons2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
i needed an oil change and had a check engine light . the shop seams very thorough which may cost more but my Mini is purring like a kitten
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, Dan! We're glad our team was able to address your Mini's oil change and check engine light concerns and get it running smoothly again. We believe thorough inspections and careful attention to detail are important for identifying potential issues and helping our customers make informed decisions about their vehicles. We appreciate your feedback regarding pricing and are happy to hear your Mini is now purring like a kitten! Thank you for trusting our team with your vehicle!
Kevin Gonzalez2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kevin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I didn’t like that they don’t notice any of the other problems happening with my car. My car’s power steering is leaking and none of that was mentioned during their inspection of my car (inspection alone was 220$). The report they gave me was lackluster, I was expecting they’d give me a detail report with images of what they saw was wrong with my car. I also had to get my car towed there and they would not call or text me with updates, I had to call them every morning.
Price assessment: Overpriced
Services: Vehicle Inspection, Service not listed
Cameron Whitall5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Cameron has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Amazing service! Very honest and kind people working here. Neil was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the issues with my car and even though the issues exceeded what they were able to do at the shop he gave me great recommendations to shops they trust to work with and in the event i decided to purchase a new vehicle instead he let me know about the used car inspection service they offer to ensure i purchase a well running used car. Will definitely be returning if i ever have any car issues again. Thanks John’s Automotive Repair!!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Transmission
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for the wonderful review, Cameron! We're glad Neil took the time to explain your vehicle's issues and provide honest, helpful recommendations, even though the repairs were beyond what our shop could handle. At John's Automotive Repair, our goal is always to help customers make informed decisions and guide them toward the best solution for their vehicle. We're also happy Neil could share information about our pre-purchase inspections if you decide to purchase another vehicle. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to him. We truly appreciate your trust and look forward to helping you again!
Yvonne Perez-Collins6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Yvonne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The busted passenger mirror unit was replaced in half a day after it was ordered. As a caregiver for my mother, I appreciate the efficiency. It works perfectly with all the electrical connections .
Price assessment: Not sure
Services: Service not listed
Services: General repairs & maintenance, Oil change
Response from the owner · 5 years ago
Yvonne, thank you for this wonderful review! We greatly appreciate your feedback and are glad you stopped in so we could assist with your repairs. Please let us know if there's anything we can do for you next time!
Ramona TurnerLocal Guide · 182 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ramona has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I can't say enough about John and his staff -- kind, friendly, funny, caring , honest, knowledgeable, and down right down to earth.
My munchkin (um....young adult) lived out of state for a bit and bought a jeep with over 200K miles on it because it looked cool and was his favorite colors. Unfortunately, he took it to numerous auto care centers in that state and never found a shop that would give him a full workup on the jeep that showed all the repairs it needed. I wish he did so he could have taken it back and gotten his money back, but I digress. Learning experiences come with all price tags.
When he decided to come back to CA, I flew out and we drove the jeep back -- using my limited gimpy vehicle knowledge, and tons of borrowed angel wings and prayer. Seriously!
We are from the Bay Area and stopped in SoCal to visit friends. Went to John's based on recommendations from friends of our friends because we wanted to know what all was wrong with the jeep, make repairs than make it home safe and aound.
We are so happy we stopped at John's!!!!!! They told us there were so many things wrong with the jeep -- large and medium sized wrong -- they were surprised we made it to CA! They texted pictures of the damage with full explanation of what was depicted. With estimated repair costs hovering between $22K & $25K, we almost kissed the ground but we definitely gave a BIG shout out to all the angels and prayer warriors who helped that jeep get us back to CA!🙏🙏🙏
Btw, THE JOHN'S CREW LOVE DOGS. Out came water, treats, hugs and kisses for munchkin's fur-baby, both on Jeep drop-off and pick-up.🫶🫶🫶
Long story short, munchkin sold the jeep at a used care dealership a couple miles away and we rented a car to get us back to NorCal.
What's more, the decision to rent a car vs a moving van for munchkin and his few belongings, plus pooch, was made at John's suggestion -- more economical & comfortable, he said.
So, yes, you should take your vehicle -- and your pooch -- to John's. No appt necessary. Just be prepared to leave it and they will get to it ASAP.
Above and beyond doesn't even begin to explain their service. This place is next level for sure!
Yeah.. you should go there.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Vehicle Inspection, Vehicle safety inspection
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Thank you for taking the time to share such an incredible and thoughtful review, Ramona! We're so glad you, your son, and his four-legged companion made it safely to California and that John and the team could help you navigate such a challenging situation. While we know the inspection findings weren't the news you were hoping for, we're glad our detailed photos, explanations, and honest recommendations helped you make an informed decision about the Jeep. Our goal is always to guide our customers toward what's best for them, even when that means recommending an alternative to costly repairs. We're also happy we could help make your trip home a little easier with some practical travel advice and plenty of attention for your furry copilot! We'll be sure to share your wonderful words with John and the entire team. Thank you for trusting us, and we wish you and your family many safe travels ahead!
