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John's Automotive Service

Auto repair shop · Cedar Rapids, IA · reviewed since 2013

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%91+49.6Reliability 24%89+21.6Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%78+5.5Experts Score= 91Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.91SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#7 of 50 oil change servicesPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 88%
4.9 ★★★★★ 422 Google reviews · 24 photos
93%five-star reviews
4.95★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0.8%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.
79%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review

John's Automotive Service at a glance

Customers frequently cite quick turnaround times, professional staff, and clear communication regarding repairs and costs. Services mentioned include oil changes, tire rotations, battery replacements, and complex engine diagnostics, with many reviewers noting the shop avoids unnecessary work. However, several low-star reviews highlight difficulties in scheduling appointments, high diagnostic fees, and instances where customers felt the shop was unresponsive or overcharged for parts.

  • Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 422 reviews (93% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 423 Google reviews (317 with written comments, 2 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 79% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 19, 2026.
  • Service: Oil Change Service serving Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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: craft & service and value; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction91Reliability89Craft & service100Value100Momentum100Replies to reviews78Satisfaction: 91 (median 84)Reliability: 89 (median 76)Craft & service: 100 (median 99)Value: 100 (median 100)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 78 (median 59)
John's Automotive ServiceOil 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.John's Automotive Service: 91/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.A
91
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.John's Automotive Service: 89/100 on this factor. Category median: 76.A
89
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.John's Automotive Service: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
100
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.John's Automotive Service: 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.John's Automotive Service: 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.John's Automotive Service: 78/100 on this factor. Category median: 59.B
78

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

423 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars39393%
  • 4 stars174%
  • 3 stars20%
  • 2 stars31%
  • 1 star82%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 317 written reviews

  • Praise58098%
  • Complaints142%

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

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price2638%
  • Reasonable4059%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure23%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude12421%
  • Quality & results11720%
  • Speed & response10317%
  • Honesty & trust8314%
  • Price & value7112%
  • Would recommend569%
  • Communication407%

What customers talk about

We read 317 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “I was able to wait there instead of getting a ride and their waiting area was warm, clean, and customer friendly.”
    “…say is that they said they could look at it that same day, but the rudeness, and overcharge I received for a inaccurate diagnostic is inexcusable.…”
  • “Thus far, both appointments have been thorough and well explained.”
    “I took my car there to get fixed and the hood was damaged while in their possession.”
  • “Al & the team found a time quickly to do an oil change & inspect my car due to a work-required safety report.”
  • “The great poet Robert Frost said that if you can find a good tax man and an honest mechanic you are a lucky man.”
    “I will never recommend anyone here as you can not trust your vehicle will be returned as it was left.”
  • “DETAILED diagnostics, FAST repair and FAIR pricing.”
    “…hey said they could look at it that same day, but the rudeness, and overcharge I received for a inaccurate diagnostic is inexcusable.…”
  • “Highly recommend these guys for all your auto needs.”
  • “There is Great communication which is important to us.”

People customers mention

  • Doug 6 reviews
  • Bob 4 reviews

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

Reviews for your job

Customers hired John's Automotive Service for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

Shawn11 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 6 days ago★★★★★

Al & the team found a time quickly to do an oil change & inspect my car due to a work-required safety report. My Honda CRV is 6 yrs old and I've had ZERO problems. Al & his team keep it running and problem-free. Love the peace of mind they provide!

Great priceAir & cabin filter replacementVehicle InspectionVehicle safety inspection
Marie15 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 a week ago★★★★★

We had our oil changed and while there I needed a couple of filters changed. My GMC is 4 years old and the filters were needed. My suv runs great. Thanks for the great service John’s Automotive

Great priceAir & cabin filter replacementOil changeService not listed
Susan10 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★★★★★

My first routine auto service was incredibly from the get-go. Full service fluid check and fills, and tire rotation all in 17 minutes. I was able to wait there instead of getting a ride and their waiting area was warm, clean, and customer friendly. The guys there were super nice, professional, and…

Bill4 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 weeks ago★★★★★

The great poet Robert Frost said that if you can find a good tax man and an honest mechanic you are a lucky man. In Al and his team I have been very lucky. These folks are extremely honest and talented. I have been a customer for over two decades. They are simply the best.

Great priceAuto battery replacementGeneral repairsOil change
B2 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★★★★★

I have ALWAYS had WONDERFUL experiences at John's! I had a flat tire and took it to another tire shop who said I needed new tires without helping me fix the flat. I went to John's and they fixed my flat AND told me that my tires are fine and don't need new ones yet. I trust the guys here 1000% and would recommend…

Great priceService not listed
Alon1 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. · Edited a month ago★★★★★

John's Auto has experienced, qualified people working on our beloved car with 185,000 fun trip miles on it. They are just great to work with.

Great priceAuto maintenanceOil change

Photos

Customer reviews

4.9 ★★★★★ 422 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
DanLocal Guide · 21 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Dan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Friendly, quick and professional service. I'll go back.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Oil change
Response from the owner · 3 years ago

Thank you for the review. We appreciate your business

Shawn Reineke11 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Shawn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Al & the team found a time quickly to do an oil change & inspect my car due to a work-required safety report. My Honda CRV is 6 yrs old and I've had ZERO problems. Al & his team keep it running and problem-free. Love the peace of mind they provide!

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Vehicle Inspection, Vehicle safety inspection, Oil change
Response from the owner · 5 months ago

Thank you for the 5 start review

Marie Johnston15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Marie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We had our oil changed and while there I needed a couple of filters changed. My GMC is 4 years old and the filters were needed. My suv runs great. Thanks for the great service John’s Automotive

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Oil change, Service not listed
Response from the owner · a year ago

Thank you for the review. We appreciate your business

Sandy2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Sandy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Very nice, explained what they had to do.

  • Price assessment: Not sure
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago

Thank you for the review.

Susan Parker10 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Susan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My first routine auto service was incredibly from the get-go. Full service fluid check and fills, and tire rotation all in 17 minutes. I was able to wait there instead of getting a ride and their waiting area was warm, clean, and customer friendly. The guys there were super nice, professional, and knowledgeable. And the costs were very reasonable. Highly recommend these guys for all your auto needs.

Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago

Thank you for the review. We appreciate your business.

Bill Huber4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Bill has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The great poet Robert Frost said that if you can find a good tax man and an honest mechanic you are a lucky man. In Al and his team I have been very lucky. These folks are extremely honest and talented. I have been a customer for over two decades. They are simply the best.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Auto battery replacement, General repairs, Oil change
Response from the owner · 4 years ago

Thank you for the review. We appreciate your business

Jeremy Volesky2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jeremy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Had my ford f150 repaired at John's. Great to deal with very professional.

Response from the owner · a month ago

Thank you for the review. We are glad we could help and we appreciate your business

Dallas Thompson8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Dallas has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Quick and honest service, will be back when I need more vehicle repairs.

Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago

Thank you for the review

B Krahmer2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews B has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I have ALWAYS had WONDERFUL experiences at John's! I had a flat tire and took it to another tire shop who said I needed new tires without helping me fix the flat. I went to John's and they fixed my flat AND told me that my tires are fine and don't need new ones yet. I trust the guys here 1000% and would recommend them to anyone and everyone who is looking for a mechanic!! Thanks for your honesty John's Automotive!!!

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · a month ago

Thank you for the review. We are glad we could help.

Alon Nordstrom1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Alon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

John's Auto has experienced, qualified people working on our beloved car with 185,000 fun trip miles on it. They are just great to work with.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Auto maintenance, Oil change
Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Thank you for the review. We appreciate your business

John's Automotive Service on Google Maps →

Business details