Reliable Auto Repair

Auto repair shop · San Jose, CA · reviewed since 2012

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%86+20.8Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%57+4Experts Score= 89Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.89SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#188 of 482 auto repair shopsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 61%
4.9 ★★★★★ 717 Google reviews · 15 photos
94%five-star reviews
4.91★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
1.7%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.
85%reviews answered by the owner
Nov 2026latest review

Reliable Auto Repair at a glance

Customers frequently praise the shop for honest communication, transparent pricing, and the ability to distinguish urgent repairs from optional ones. Reviewers note that staff often provide detailed updates and avoid pressuring clients into unnecessary work. However, some lower-rated reviews criticize the business for declining complex mechanical repairs, charging high diagnostic fees without completing work, and displaying unfriendly attitudes during customer interactions.

  • Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 717 reviews (94% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 717 Google reviews (635 with written comments, 8 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 85% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: November 2, 2026.
  • Service: Auto Repair Shop serving San Jose, California.

Data from Google, last updated November 3, 2026.

Score profile vs other auto repair shops

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.

Satisfaction91Reliability86Craft & service100Value100Momentum100Replies to reviews57Satisfaction: 91 (median 88)Reliability: 86 (median 85)Craft & service: 100 (median 99)Value: 100 (median 100)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 57 (median 56)
Reliable Auto RepairAuto Repair Shops 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.Reliable Auto Repair: 91/100 on this factor. Category median: 88.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.Reliable Auto Repair: 86/100 on this factor. Category median: 85.A
86
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.Reliable Auto Repair: 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.Reliable Auto Repair: 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.Reliable Auto Repair: 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.Reliable Auto Repair: 57/100 on this factor. Category median: 56.C
57

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

717 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars67794%
  • 4 stars172%
  • 3 stars30%
  • 2 stars41%
  • 1 star162%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 635 written reviews

  • Praise1,49598%
  • Complaints262%

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

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price9338%
  • Reasonable14359%
  • Overpriced31%
  • Not sure52%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Honesty & trust36424%
  • Staff & attitude25917%
  • Price & value22014%
  • Quality & results21814%
  • Speed & response19813%
  • Would recommend16111%
  • Communication1017%

What customers talk about

We read 635 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “super honest easy to talk to and always great service.”
  • “Each individual at Relisble were professional , honest and gave great communication.”
    “When I yelled for him to slow down and jumped back onto the curb, he just stared at me with this confused, almost guilty look.”
  • “…ed me when they received the car, assessed the problem, provided a reasonable quote for the repair and had the problem fixed the same day.…”
    “Very expensive.”
  • “Michael, the owner of Reliable Auto repair provided excellent service from start to finish.”
    “He took pictures of each damaged part, explained their functions, & helped me order the repairs by importance.”
  • “…ded a reasonable quote for the repair and had the problem fixed the same day.…”
    “For my experience there was a delay in service due to the repairs taking longer than expected which unfortunately meant I did not have my car for 2 ex…”
  • “I highly Recommend them for all vehicle mechanical repairs.”
    “Cannot recommend enough.”
  • “I really appreciated how Michael kept us informed and updated on the progress of a cooling system issue.”

People customers mention

  • Michael 101 reviews
  • Eric 22 reviews
  • Alex 7 reviews
  • Mike 7 reviews
  • Costco 6 reviews

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

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Reliable Auto Repair for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

Mike6 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 9 hours ago★★★★★

These guys are really good! super honest easy to talk to and always great service. They stay in constant contact and don’t pressure you to do recommend work if you’re not ready. I highly recommend them. I’ve used them multiple times over the last 3 or 4 years.

TimLocal Guide · 12 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 days ago★★★★★

Michael, the owner of Reliable Auto repair provided excellent service from start to finish. The work on our grandson’s Ford Mustang was outstanding. I really appreciated how Michael kept us informed and updated on the progress of a cooling system issue. He looked over the car completely and told us what was an…

Reasonable priceElectrical repairGeneral repairs & maintenanceVehicle Inspection
Janie8 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 week ago★★★★★

This place is one of the good ones for sure. It’s so easy for an auto shop to exploit your time and money because they know you can’t fix your own vehicle. So when you find a shop that is honest and respectful, you stick with them. Not only did they help me to know if I truly needed the service I was coming in for,…

Reasonable priceBrakes
Preston2 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★★★★★

Fast and pinpoint service. My car is running well, thank you for the reliable service!

Great priceOil change
Nancy2 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 week ago★★★★★

I had the car towed to Reliable Auto Care after having it break down a couple of days prior. Both Michael and Alex listened to my concerns, called me when they received the car, assessed the problem, provided a reasonable quote for the repair and had the problem fixed the same day. Professional, polite and…

Liz11 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★★★★★

Great service, honest and reliable. Good mechanics are hard to find but we have found ours at reliable.

Photos

Customer reviews

4.9 ★★★★★ 717 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
Mike Dobson6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Mike has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

These guys are really good! super honest easy to talk to and always great service. They stay in constant contact and don’t pressure you to do recommend work if you’re not ready. I highly recommend them. I’ve used them multiple times over the last 3 or 4 years.

Response from the owner · 2 years ago

Hi Mike, thank you for your amazing review. Providing honest and attentive service is our top priority, and it's fantastic that you've found us reliable and respectful every time you have dealt with us. We appreciate your trust in Reliable Auto Repair. Take care

Tim JohnsonLocal Guide · 12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Tim has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Michael, the owner of Reliable Auto repair provided excellent service from start to finish. The work on our grandson’s Ford Mustang was outstanding. I really appreciated how Michael kept us informed and updated on the progress of a cooling system issue. He looked over the car completely and told us what was an immediate and what could wait. Each individual at Relisble were professional , honest and gave great communication. First time in years of car repairs where we didn’t feel taken advantage of!! I highly Recommend them for all vehicle mechanical repairs. We have referred family and friends to Michael at Reliable Auto.. Thanks Michael!!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Electrical repair, General repairs & maintenance, Vehicle Inspection
Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Hi Tim, Thank you for the wonderful 5-star rating! We're delighted to hear that you experienced excellent service and great communication during the electrical repair on your Acura. Providing honest, high-quality work and keeping our customers informed is always our top priority at Reliable Auto Repair, and your kind words mean a lot to our team. We look forward to welcoming you back again.

Janie Cordova8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Janie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This place is one of the good ones for sure. It’s so easy for an auto shop to exploit your time and money because they know you can’t fix your own vehicle. So when you find a shop that is honest and respectful, you stick with them. Not only did they help me to know if I truly needed the service I was coming in for, they accommodated my busy working mom schedule and got my car done even before the promised time. As long as they are in business, I will bring them mine.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Brakes
Response from the owner · a week ago

Hi Janie, we really appreciate your thoughtful 5-star review and trust in Reliable Auto Repair. It means a lot to know our team's honesty, flexibility with your schedule, and timely work made such a difference for you. Thank you for sticking with us and for taking the time to share your experience. We're grateful for your support and will be here whenever you need us.

Preston North2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Preston has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Fast and pinpoint service. My car is running well, thank you for the reliable service!

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Oil change
Response from the owner · 2 years ago

Hi Preston, thank you for your kind review of Reliable Auto Repair. We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with our staff and found our work of good quality. Take care!

Nancy Snyder2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Nancy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I had the car towed to Reliable Auto Care after having it break down a couple of days prior. Both Michael and Alex listened to my concerns, called me when they received the car, assessed the problem, provided a reasonable quote for the repair and had the problem fixed the same day. Professional, polite and friendly. I will definitely use their services in the future.

Response from the owner · a week ago

Hi Nancy, we really appreciate you sharing your experience and for trusting Reliable Auto Repair with your vehicle after it broke down. It's wonderful to hear our team took the time to communicate with you, provide a clear quote, and complete the repair so quickly. Thanks for your 5-star review and kind words about our professionalism and service. We'd be happy to help you again whenever you need us!

Liz C11 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Liz has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great service, honest and reliable. Good mechanics are hard to find but we have found ours at reliable.

Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago

Hi Liz, we're thrilled to see your 5-star review and your trust in Reliable Auto Repair for keeping things honest and dependable. It means a lot to know you've found your go-to place for car care and appreciate our team's hard work. Thank you for sharing your experience and for choosing us—we look forward to being here any time you need us!

Vijay Boddu8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Vijay has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

No hassle service and reasonable price. I will go back for next service including major service. I came to know about this business via Costco.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Oil change
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago

Hi Vijay, we appreciate you sharing your experience and are glad to hear the service was straightforward and pricing worked out well. Thank you for trusting Reliable Auto Repair, and it means a lot that you plan to return for both routine and major work. It’s great to know Costco led you to us. We look forward to seeing you again for your next service!

Terrie Graff12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Terrie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

From the moment I arrived at the shop everyone was really nice and friendly they helped me right away very efficient I was very pleased with all their services and prices I recommend it to everyone

  • Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Auto exhaust system replacement, Auto water leak repair, Auto engine diagnostic, Electrical repair, General repairs & maintenance, Oil change, Steering & suspension repair, Tire rotations, Vehicle Inspection, Wheel alignment
Craig2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Craig has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Owner was very polite respectful informed me every step of the way of the work that was needed. Work was done in a timely fashion very good price. My wife and I have been taking our vehicles there for years.

Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago

Hi Craig, we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and thank you for your continued trust over the years. Knowing that you found our communication clear, pricing fair, and the work completed promptly means a lot to us at Reliable Auto Repair. We're grateful for loyal customers like you and look forward to helping keep your vehicles running smoothly in the future!

Debra Morris1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Debra has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Their service was excellent. They went above and beyond to help me out. They were very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend them.

  • Price assessment: Great price
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago

Hi Debra, we really appreciate you taking the time to recommend us and let others know about your 5-star experience. Hearing that our team could go above and beyond and provide the knowledgeable service you needed at Reliable Auto Repair means a lot to us. Thank you for your trust, and we’re always here if you need anything in the future!

Reliable Auto Repair on Google Maps →

Business details