Google reviewers rate Pat's Automotive 4.8 out of 5 based on 261 reviews, with the owner responding to 57% of them. Customers frequently praise the shop for punctual repairs, clear communication regarding diagnoses, and fair pricing for services like brakes, smog checks, and engine work. However, some low-star reviews criticize unexpected high estimates, perceived upselling of unnecessary services, and instances where communication about appointment details or completed repairs was lacking.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 261 reviews (89% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 261 Google reviews (198 with written comments, 5 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 57% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 28, 2026.
Service: Auto Repair Shop serving Santa Maria, California.
Data from Google, last updated November 2, 2026.
Star ratings
261 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars23189%
4 stars156%
3 stars62%
2 stars42%
1 star52%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 198 written reviews
97%praise
Praise30597%
Complaints93%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude7825%
Quality & results5317%
Price & value4314%
Honesty & trust4314%
Speed & response3611%
Would recommend3511%
Communication268%
What customers talk about
We read 198 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Very patient with all the stuff I forgot to communicate when booking the appointment.”
“Excellent experience with Pats Auto fixing my wife's Suburban.”
“They replaced fuel injectors which hit my bank account hard but for what was done, they gave me a fair price and didn't gouge me.”
“Great service, a little pricey though!”
“Everything is great, excellent, and they are reliable, that's why I'm giving them 5 stars.”
“Repairs were performed quickly and computer feedback helped understand overdue work that was needed.”
“I came in for a smog check & would definitely recommend :)”
“Great communication for each step of diagnosis and quick 2 day repair.”
People customers mention
Pats10 reviews
Alex5 reviews
Isidro3 reviews
Antonio3 reviews
Medina3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Repairs were performed quickly and computer feedback helped understand overdue work that was needed.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Electrical repair, Auto battery replacement
Response from the owner · 2 days ago
Thank you for your positive feedback, Jacquie! We're glad you found our quick repairs and computer feedback helpful. Your satisfaction is important to us. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to reach out.
B
Batavia Noe9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Batavia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Great communication and customer service! I appreciate the shuttle service to get back home. I got all new rotors and brakes… my car is running great again! Took my car in and dropped it off in the morning, and had it back by the next day after lunch. Highly recommend Pat’s Automotive.
Price assessment: Not sure
Services: Brakes
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Pat's Automotive! We're happy to hear your car is running great again after your brake service. We know being without your vehicle can be inconvenient, so we're glad our shuttle service helped make things a little easier while we took care of the repairs. Keeping you informed and getting you safely back on the road are always important to us.
D
Dennis ConnerLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dennis has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
You get what you pay for. Good to great customer service. Highly competent mechanics that back up what they do. Top tier business that replaced the engine in my 1966 Shelby Cobra Replica.
Price assessment: Not sure
Services: Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection
Response from the owner · a week ago
Hi Dennis, thank you for trusting us with your 1966 Shelby Cobra Replica! We take pride in providing top-tier customer service and highly competent mechanics. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to serving you again in the future.
T
Tom Kelly7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tom has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I needed a lot of work done on my truck. Pats crew did a great job in a timely fashion!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Transmission, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, Auto maintenance, Oil change
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Thank you for trusting us with your truck Tom! We are delighted to hear that you are happy with the work and our timeliness. Please don't hesitate to reach out for any future automotive needs.
B
Bob RibortoneLocal Guide · 20 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Bob has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Services: Steering & suspension repair, Auto A/C recharge
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Glad to hear that you appreciated our auto repair service. It was great to see you at the shop and we look forward to helping you out the next time you come in. Thank you Bob!
M
Marji Snyder16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Marji has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Pat’s came highly recommended & I can see why. Excellent customer service over the phone & in person. Very patient with all the stuff I forgot to communicate when booking the appointment. Thank you!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Auto engine diagnostic, Wiper blade installation, Oil change
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for the awesome review Marji! We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and ensuring a seamless experience for our customers. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to seeing you again in the future.
J
Juan Palacios1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Juan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you for your kind words Juan! We strive to provide excellent communication and assistance. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to serving you again in the future.
J
Jason Sperry4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jason has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Great communication for each step of diagnosis and quick 2 day repair. They replaced fuel injectors which hit my bank account hard but for what was done, they gave me a fair price and didn't gouge me. They also had a payment plan available. I don't live in the area and was just passing through when I broke down on the freeway but they gave me great customer service, even though they knew I'll probably never see them again. They even got me a discount for my 2 day rental car at Enterprise. Thanks guys, I appreciate you.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for your wonderful feedback Jason! We strive to provide transparent communication and fair pricing. We're glad we could assist you efficiently during a stressful time. If you ever need help again in the future, feel free to reach out. Safe travels!
C
CHRIS RESENDEZLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews CHRIS has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Took them a nearly impossible vehicle for smog repairs and smog. A federal emissions 2000 4runner with a bad cat and monitors that wouldn’t set. They repaired exhaust leak, replaced cat and sensors and did the strict and nearly impossible drive cycles. They wouldn’t give up on the vehicle and after countless hours they got it smogged. Highly recommend this shop. Thank you to Isidro, Tony and Eric for all the time and effort you put into it.
Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Vehicle Inspection, Wheel alignment, Auto emissions testing
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for sharing your recent auto service visit Chris! We're glad to hear that we were able to meet your expectations. Our team is dedicated to providing excellent service, and we appreciate your recommendation. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Isidro, Tony, and Eric!
M
Mattie Robbins6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mattie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have nothing but good things to say about Pats Automotive! Took our vehicle in & everybody there was so helpful. They are quick & officiant & they don't try to take you for everything you've got. I highly recommend Pats! I know I won't go anywhere else from now on.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for the amazing review Mattie! We're happy to hear about your positive experience at Pat's Automotive. Our team always strives to provide efficient auto service without overcharging. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again in the future.
