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%91+49.6Reliability 24%86+20.8Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%51+3.6Experts Score= 88Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.88SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#52 of 148 auto repair shopsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 65%
4.9★★★★★510 Google reviews · 22 photos
96%five-star reviews
4.88★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
1.9%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 Ray Frey Auto Center 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 510 reviews, with the owner responding to 72 percent of them. Customers frequently cite transparent pricing, detailed explanations, and efficient repairs for various vehicle issues, often noting complimentary car washes. Recurring criticisms involve perceived hostility or dismissive attitudes during initial contact, along with complaints about longer-than-estimated wait times and instances where customers felt pressured into unnecessary services.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 510 reviews (96% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 510 Google reviews (412 with written comments, 7 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 72% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 20, 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: craft & service and value; weakest: replies to reviews.
Ray Frey Auto Center IncAuto 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.Ray Frey Auto Center Inc: 91/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
91
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.Ray Frey Auto Center Inc: 86/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
86
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.Ray Frey Auto Center Inc: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
100
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.Ray Frey Auto Center Inc: 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.Ray Frey Auto Center Inc: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
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.Ray Frey Auto Center Inc: 51/100 on this factor. Category median: 59.C
51
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
510 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars49196%
4 stars61%
3 stars10%
2 stars31%
1 star92%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 412 written reviews
98%praise
Praise77798%
Complaints142%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
98%fair
Great price3945%
Reasonable4552%
Overpriced22%
Not sure11%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Honesty & trust16821%
Quality & results13717%
Price & value13117%
Staff & attitude12916%
Speed & response9913%
Would recommend8110%
Communication466%
What customers talk about
We read 412 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“I always recommend Ray to all my friends because he's very honest and doesn't try to up sell you.”
“They are the best mechanic auto center in San Diego, and always do an excellent job.”
“…through the door, I was met with nothing but outright hostility and a terrible attitude.…”
“Work was done in an efficient and timely manner and at a fair price.”
“Way overpriced and was told it was time to get a new car….”
“They were patient enough to explain/convince me that my key was the issue (the passive security diode/chip died) when I was convinced that something m…”
“The work was done in a timely matter and no pressure to have any additional things done to my car.”
“Since moving to San Diego, I'm happy to say I've found my go-to mechanic.”
“I don't recommend it.”
“They show you that, they really care, and always explain every detail to you concerning your vehicle.”
People customers mention
Bob8 reviews
Freys6 reviews
Automotive5 reviews
Theresa4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Ray Frey Auto Center Inc for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Michael12 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. · 4 days ago★★★★★
These guys are great. They're a bit more expensive than the alternatives, but they know their cars and don't upsell you. Every repair I've had with them has been great, they are organized, clean, and careful.
They were patient enough to explain/convince me that my key was the issue (the passive security diode/chip…
Kevin4 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★★★★★
Great service again from Ray and his crew! Always good to know theres a place to get your vehicle serviced by good quality work! The detailing is always a plus!
Auto engine diagnosticGeneral repairs & maintenance
Sherry8 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 weeks ago★★★★★
Ray Frey and all the employees are amazing, they are very kind, welcoming, and respectful to everyone. They show you that, they really care, and always explain every detail to you concerning your vehicle. They are the best mechanic auto center in San Diego, and always do an excellent job.
Al2 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 month ago★★★★★
I'm getting ready for a road trip so I took my RAV4 in for an oil change and a once over for my road trip. I was told I still had 3,000 miles before I was due for and oil change but they would still give my car the once over for my upcoming trip. Not only did they check everything out but they also washed my car.…
Great priceVehicle InspectionOil change
Jocelyn3 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 month ago★★
I was about to share a review about the service and how people treats you here but the previous review say it all. We had to bring the car twice and then they get mad at you 😒 like if you were ignorant.
Overpriced
Anthony2 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★★★★★
Bob, the mechanic, kept me well informed throughout the day.
He called early to tell me what repairs he needed to fix and provided very accurate estimates. He also gave me options. I felt that Ray Frey Auto Service Center was worth taking their advice.
Also I had him remove the fogged corrosion from the plastic head…
These guys are great. They're a bit more expensive than the alternatives, but they know their cars and don't upsell you. Every repair I've had with them has been great, they are organized, clean, and careful.
They were patient enough to explain/convince me that my key was the issue (the passive security diode/chip died) when I was convinced that something mechanical must be the matter. Remained polite with me throughout despite my stubborness.
I would trust them with any repair.
Response from the owner · 3 days ago
We appreciate your detailed feedback, Michael. It's important to us that our customers feel informed and understood, and we are glad our team took the time to explain the issue with your key. Trust is essential in our line of work, and we are pleased to know that you have confidence in our ability to handle repairs with care and professionalism.
Kevin Rowe4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kevin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Great service again from Ray and his crew! Always good to know theres a place to get your vehicle serviced by good quality work! The detailing is always a plus!
Services: Auto engine diagnostic, General repairs & maintenance
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you Kevin, we appreciate your business and are always here for you.
Sherry Jackson8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sherry has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Ray Frey and all the employees are amazing, they are very kind, welcoming, and respectful to everyone. They show you that, they really care, and always explain every detail to you concerning your vehicle. They are the best mechanic auto center in San Diego, and always do an excellent job.
Response from the owner · a year ago
We appreciate your glowing review and are delighted to hear about your positive experience with our team. It sounds like you found your way into a pit stop that turned into a comfort zone! We're committed to ensuring that every detail of your vehicle is thoroughly explained and handled with care because, let's be honest, no one likes surprises under the hood—unless it's a hidden stash of snacks, of course. Thank you for choosing us as your go-to auto center in San Diego. Your support means the world to us!
Deborah Plumbley2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Deborah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I'm getting ready for a road trip so I took my RAV4 in for an oil change and a once over for my road trip. I was told I still had 3,000 miles before I was due for and oil change but they would still give my car the once over for my upcoming trip. Not only did they check everything out but they also washed my car. All this at NO Charge. I always recommend Ray to all my friends because he's very honest and doesn't try to up sell you.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Vehicle Inspection, Oil change
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
It's awesome to hear you found us ready to help with your RAV4! We know road trips can be a wild adventure, so we’re glad we could give your car a little TLC before hitting the road. A complimentary wash is just our way of adding a cherry on top. We appreciate your recommendations—honesty is our best policy, and it sounds like we’re driving in the right direction! Here’s to smooth travels ahead—may your trip be filled with good vibes and great scenery!
Jocelyn Sandal3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jocelyn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I was about to share a review about the service and how people treats you here but the previous review say it all. We had to bring the car twice and then they get mad at you 😒 like if you were ignorant.
Price assessment: Overpriced
Rod EstLocal Guide · 28 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Rod has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I brought my vehicle to Ray Frey Auto Center for a simple inspection, but from the moment I called to the second I walked through the door, I was met with nothing but outright hostility and a terrible attitude.
When I arrived, I was abruptly told that services are strictly "first-come, first-served," followed by a dismissive comment that my car might get looked at today, or maybe I should just bring it back tomorrow. While I was speaking with the advisor, a loud voice shouted from the back, "I'm the owner, these are my rules!"
If the shop were actually swamped, perhaps I could understand the tension. But as I walked past the bays, the reality was laughable: the parking lot was completely empty, and the mechanics in the back weren't even working on vehicles. There wasn't a single sign of a busy shop—just a completely empty garage and staff who clearly didn't want to be bothered.
There is a right way to treat paying customers, and then there is the fast track to losing business entirely. Flexing authority over a basic inquiry while standing around in an empty shop isn't a strategy for long-term success. Save yourself the headache and take your vehicle to a shop that actually values its customers and wants the work.
Response from the owner · 3 days ago
This negative review came from a 3 star used car dealer on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. I don’t like to bash other companies and will not mention the name. What really happened is one of our loyal customers, Merry B, was looking for a car at this used car lot and wanted to bring it by for a pre-purchase inspection. She was very aware of our “first come first serve” policy since she has been doing business with us for 20 years. When the used car dealer arrived at our shop with the vehicle to be inspected, the driver (a very nice kid) was told about our policy. He then called his office and the driver picking him up to inform him of our policy. The driver picking him up tried to lock down a specific time with our service writer. Our service writer explained the policy several times but apparently he did not understand. Then he called someone else at their office and we had to explain our policy again. That is when I, Ray Frey, got involved and basically ran the guy out of my shop.
Unfortunately, Merry B would not buy the vehicle unless we checked it out. Sorry you lost the sale, next time be patient. We do a good job and work on 30-40 vehicles a day, therefore it is not fair to push anybody to the front of the line, we do the work in the order the vehicles arrive. We also do our best to keep the front parking lot open for arriving vehicles, so you may have misread that as we were not busy. I can assure you we are always busy and never have employees standing around with nothing to do. Sometimes we actually have to turn away new customers so we can give our usual great service to our existing customers.
Anthony Coniglio2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Anthony has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Bob, the mechanic, kept me well informed throughout the day.
He called early to tell me what repairs he needed to fix and provided very accurate estimates. He also gave me options. I felt that Ray Frey Auto Service Center was worth taking their advice.
Also I had him remove the fogged corrosion from the plastic head light coverings. They actually look brand new. It is easy to communicate with the shop owner, personnel and mechanics. Thank you.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Vehicle Inspection, Auto maintenance, Oil change
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Hi there,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that Bob provided you with exceptional service and kept you informed every step of the way. At Ray Frey Auto Center Inc, we pride ourselves on providing accurate estimates and offering various repair options to ensure our customers feel confident in their decisions. We're glad we could restore your headlight coverings to their former glory and that our team made communication easy for you. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to serving you in the future.
richard cuenca5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews richard has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Had an engine oil change and transmission oil drain/fill. Even though it took almost all of a business day, I understand things happen.. a first for me to experience this but they’ve always been prompt with their service.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Transmission, Oil change
Melinda MarianoLocal Guide · 70 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Melinda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our family keeps cars forever. We have a 2014 Prius which needed the front struts replaced. The Toyota dealership has provided all the maintenance but their prices are high. My husband takes his Chevy van here for service so I wanted to try them for the Prius. I couldn’t be happier. Toyota quoted me $2000 for the repair. Ray Frey did it for $1200. Plus, at first they said the rear shocks needed to be replaced and provided a quote. Once they dug deeper into their analysis, they called to tell me the back was fine so only the front needed repair.
They now have me forever. They could have charged me for additional services but did not, Their honesty was a complete shock and I greatly appreciate it, Plus, they detailed the car!!!. Washed it, cleaned the windows and vacuumed. OMG……..customer service is not dead. As a consumer, I intend to sing their car repair praises to all I know. This level of service and integrity needs to be rewarded.
Response from the owner · a year ago
It's wonderful to hear that your experience with us was so positive! It sounds like you’ve found the automotive equivalent of a hidden gem. We're glad we could save you some cash while keeping your Prius on the road in tip-top shape—because who doesn't love a good deal, right?
Honesty is indeed the best policy, especially when it comes to repairs, and we’re grateful that you noticed our commitment to integrity. And yes, a clean car can feel like a breath of fresh air! If we could bottle that feeling up, we’d be in the business of magic!
We're delighted you've joined our family of happy customers and that you'll be spreading the word. Your support means the world to us!
