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%67+36.5Reliability 24%54+13.1Value 14%61+8.6Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Craft & service penalty85−1.5Momentum penalty92−0.8Experts Score= 63Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.63SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#52 of 60 towing servicesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 14%
4.6★★★★★635 Google reviews · 23 photos
86%five-star reviews
4.59★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
6.6%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.
Google reviewers rate Ron's Auto Repair Center 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 635 reviews. Customers frequently praise the shop for thorough inspections, clear communication, friendly staff, and prompt service for issues like brakes, electrical systems, and emergency repairs. The owner responds to 99% of feedback. However, some lower-rated reviews criticize high repair costs, unexpected price increases compared to initial quotes, and instances where repairs required multiple visits to resolve the underlying problem.
Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 635 reviews (86% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 635 Google reviews (441 with written comments, 4 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 99% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 22, 2026.
Service: Towing Service serving Ames, Iowa.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Score profile vs other towing services
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: replies to reviews and momentum; weakest: reliability.
Ron's Auto Repair CenterTowing Services 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.Ron's Auto Repair Center: 67/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.B
67
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.Ron's Auto Repair Center: 54/100 on this factor. Category median: 89.C
54
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.Ron's Auto Repair Center: 85/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
85
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.Ron's Auto Repair Center: 61/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
61
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.Ron's Auto Repair Center: 92/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
92
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.Ron's Auto Repair Center: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 67.A
100
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
635 Google reviews we collected
4.6of 5
5 stars54786%
4 stars274%
3 stars122%
2 stars122%
1 star376%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 441 written reviews
92%praise
Praise75192%
Complaints648%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
88%fair
Great price2025%
Reasonable4758%
Overpriced911%
Not sure56%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude16420%
Speed & response15018%
Quality & results13416%
Price & value12515%
Honesty & trust8410%
Communication7910%
Would recommend7910%
What customers talk about
We read 441 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Always helpful, follow up, checks to make sure satisfied.”
“While they did eventually replace the radiator, the attitude I received and the way the technician handled returning my keys was extremely unprofessional.”
“They were responsive and prompt - especially with servicing my daughter’s car in short notice.”
“I am not even sure it's even possible to go that slow to remove and put back the lock ring.”
“They did a great job with the repairs my car needed!”
“se I have had to go back to them 7 times now for my air conditioner, not working every other repair shop, I have called said that if I paid as much mo…”
“Repair was done fast and reasonable cost would recommend them.”
“Terrible costumer service and tried to over charge me”
“One of the most valuable things in life as an adult is having a reliable mechanic you can rely on!”
“…at with another $100 for "inspection charges" which we felt was very dishonest and incompetent on their part.…”
“All the workers there were kind and explained everything in great detail.”
“Highly recommend and we’ll be back for any automotive needs in the future.”
“Never again and I'll go so far as to dissuade anybody getting auto repairs down there.”
People customers mention
Keith6 reviews
Richard6 reviews
State5 reviews
Jason4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Ron's Auto Repair Center for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Kristy7 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 3 days ago★★★★★
Always helpful, follow up, checks to make sure satisfied. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable.
Great priceService not listed
Alexis5 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. · 6 days ago★★★★★
So happy to have my car back in top shape! They did a great job with the repairs my car needed! One of the most valuable things in life as an adult is having a reliable mechanic you can rely on! I took it to Honda originally and they quoted me waaaaaay more and did not put the care or love my car needed so when I…
Guy2 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 have taken cars to Ron's Auto Repair Center on several occasions going back to when the battery conked out in my dad's car. Ron's had us back on the road by closing time, although we had no appointment. In the last year-and-a-half I have had my car in for replacing parts and oil changes and general maintenance.…
Not sureAir & cabin filter replacementAuto water leak repairSteering & suspension replacement
The1 reviewiTotal 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★★★★★
Their inspection and inspection report a very thorough and easy to read. Ames is lucky to have them.
skyhammer231 reviewiTotal 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★★★★★
We are from out of town and needed to have an emergency inspection done. Ron's got us right in and made sure that our vehicle was safe to drive home. They were amazing and highly recommend! 10/10
Auto maintenance
Corey1 reviewiTotal 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★★★★★
Stopped in quick for a headlight repair. Service was wonderful and they got me in and out quickly
Always helpful, follow up, checks to make sure satisfied. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Kristy Lane, thank you for choosing Ron's Auto Repair Center. We take great pride in our work, and we are delighted to know that you had a positive experience. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we truly appreciate your valuable feedback. We're glad that you left feeling happy and fulfilled.
Alexis Rios5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alexis has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
So happy to have my car back in top shape! They did a great job with the repairs my car needed! One of the most valuable things in life as an adult is having a reliable mechanic you can rely on! I took it to Honda originally and they quoted me waaaaaay more and did not put the care or love my car needed so when I found this shop and saw the amazing reviews and care they provide! I was so relieved and now I’m beyond happy to have a trusted shop I can bring my car too! I drove all the way from Des Monies for the repair and I would do it again and recommend it to anyone looking for a trustworthy and reliable shop!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Exhaust, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, Vehicle safety inspection, Auto maintenance, Oil change
matt boeckmann2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews matt has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have taken cars to Ron's Auto Repair Center on several occasions going back to when the battery conked out in my dad's car. Ron's had us back on the road by closing time, although we had no appointment. In the last year-and-a-half I have had my car in for replacing parts and oil changes and general maintenance. I've found the staff to be friendly and accommodating. They explain what their findings are, and I think the technicians do good work. In my experience, when they give an estimate or price, they stick to it. And the customer waiting area is quite clean. In some shops that isn't so.
Price assessment: Not sure
Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Auto water leak repair, Steering & suspension replacement, Auto engine tuning, Tire rotations, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Oil change
The Kellens1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews The has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We went to Ron's Auto Repair Center with our 2012 Honda CRV with a check engine light code for the crankshaft position sensor. After the 212 dollar "full diagnostic", they recommended a list of repairs that totaled to $4,500. Who in their right mind would do $4500 worth of repairs on a 14 year old car with 185k miles? They pinpointed our problem to be our starter (which was replaced 3 months prior to coming into the shop). This alone was a $1000 quoted fix. In person, they were very helpful in explaining in why they believed it was the starter despite my qualms. They offered a free pico scan, however we decided to take it somewhere else. At the other location, it was diagnosed as a battery/battery connection issue. After replacing the battery and fixing the connection, the starter turned up to speed and passed their tests. This entire repair, INCLUDING diagnosis was only $280 at the second repair shop. I'm sure Ron's does fantastic work. However I do not find them at all trustworthy enough to work on my car in the future.
Price assessment: Overpriced
Services: Auto engine diagnostic
skyhammer231 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews skyhammer23 has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We are from out of town and needed to have an emergency inspection done. Ron's got us right in and made sure that our vehicle was safe to drive home. They were amazing and highly recommend! 10/10
Services: Auto maintenance
Response from the owner · a month ago
skyhammer23, thank you for trusting us during your emergency inspection. We’re glad we could get you in quickly and make sure your vehicle was safe for the trip home!
Corey Matson1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Corey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
