Auto repair shop · Santa Monica, CA · reviewed since 2014
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 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%97+25.3Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 98Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.98SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#64 of 170 car detailing servicesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 63%
5.0★★★★★136 Google reviews · 24 photos
99%five-star reviews
4.99★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%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 Santa Monica Autoworks five stars based on 136 reviews, with the owner responding to 99 percent of them. Customers frequently cite punctuality, fair pricing, and clear communication as key strengths, noting that repairs are completed on schedule and estimates are met. The shop is often recommended for European vehicles, with staff described as knowledgeable and honest. One low-star review mentions a past instance of incorrect diagnosis and unnecessary work, though this appears isolated among the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 136 reviews (99% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 136 Google reviews (116 with written comments, 4 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 99% of reviews.
Most recent review: November 10, 2026.
Service: Car Detailing Service serving Santa Monica, California.
Data from Google, last updated November 11, 2026.
Score profile vs other car detailing 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: value and momentum; weakest: reliability.
Santa Monica AutoworksCar Detailing 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.Santa Monica Autoworks: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
98
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.Santa Monica Autoworks: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
97
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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
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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.Santa Monica Autoworks: 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.Santa Monica Autoworks: 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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
136 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars13499%
4 stars11%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star11%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 116 written reviews
100%praise
Praise239100%
Complaints00%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price1429%
Reasonable3267%
Overpriced00%
Not sure24%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude5222%
Honesty & trust3916%
Quality & results3414%
Price & value3414%
Would recommend3113%
Communication2812%
Speed & response219%
What customers talk about
We read 116 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“All the employees are friendly, communicative, and well-informed.”
“Needless to say, we highly recommend them and trust them immensely.”
“I had an outstanding experience at Santa Monica Autoworks.”
“…eded, answered all my questions with patience, and provided a clear, fair estimate before beginning any work.…”
“If you’re looking for reliable, efficient, and professional automotive care in the area, I highly recommend Santa Monica Autoworks!”
“They took the time to thoroughly explain what my car needed, answered all my questions with patience, and provided a clear, fair estimate before begin…”
“Very professional, kind, knowledgeable, and efficient.”
People customers mention
Brian16 reviews
Brett10 reviews
Ozzie7 reviews
German7 reviews
Audi5 reviews
Porsche4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Santa Monica Autoworks for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Johanna2 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 hours ago★★★★★
This entire shop is excellent. Brian operates it with exceptional integrity. All the employees are friendly, communicative, and well-informed. Work is done on time. Estimates are met. I could not recommend it more highly!
Reasonable priceAuto body & trim repair
Rosa1 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. · 7 hours ago★★★★★
This is the second time we have had my parent's vehicle repaired as Santa Monica Autoworks. They are an amazing shop with great personnel. Very professional, kind, knowledgeable, and efficient. No surprises and good for their word. This is the type of business you want to deal with.
Needless to say, we highly…
Regina4 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 day ago★★★★★
I had an outstanding experience at Santa Monica Autoworks. From the moment I arrived, the team was professional, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. They took the time to thoroughly explain what my car needed, answered all my questions with patience, and provided a clear, fair estimate before beginning any…
Barbara11 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. · 5 days ago★★★★★
We had exceptional seevice experience for my daughter’s Audi Q3. She is at college out of town, so I was careful to find a service shop I could trust. Brian was incredibly helpful, thorough, and kind. The team took extra time troubleshooting to make sure they identified the issue and that her car was properly…
Great price
Liz10 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★★★★★
Love this place, My mini cooper countryman is 7 years h old and is in great condition thanks to these wonderful gentlemen who run the business . I never feel as if I'm being sold a service i don't need and i love the fact they go home on Friday and don't return until Monday Real people with family lives !! Highly recommend....
Great priceElectricalAuto engine diagnosticVehicle safety inspection
HLocal Guide · 157 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★★★★★
These guys are very professional and family friendly! They cost,but you will not have to worry about the problem they fix. They know their stuff! I’ve been dealing with Brian and Brett for over 15 years. These guys stand on their work! From a Mini Cooper clubman to a Benz. I trust them.
Auto battery replacementAuto A/C rechargeElectrical
This entire shop is excellent. Brian operates it with exceptional integrity. All the employees are friendly, communicative, and well-informed. Work is done on time. Estimates are met. I could not recommend it more highly!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Auto body & trim repair
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Very very very much appreciate the kind words..
Thank YOU for continuing to support us!!!!
Rosa Sciarappa1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Rosa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This is the second time we have had my parent's vehicle repaired as Santa Monica Autoworks. They are an amazing shop with great personnel. Very professional, kind, knowledgeable, and efficient. No surprises and good for their word. This is the type of business you want to deal with.
Needless to say, we highly recommend them and trust them immensely. In today's world, it is very difficult to find the honesty and reliability in service.
Thank you, Ozzie, Brian and crew!
Regina Olivas4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Regina has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I had an outstanding experience at Santa Monica Autoworks. From the moment I arrived, the team was professional, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. They took the time to thoroughly explain what my car needed, answered all my questions with patience, and provided a clear, fair estimate before beginning any work.
The repairs were completed on time, and my car is running better than ever. I especially appreciated their honesty — there was no pressure or unnecessary add-ons, just straightforward, high-quality service.
It’s such a relief to find an auto shop you can truly trust. If you’re looking for reliable, efficient, and professional automotive care in the area, I highly recommend Santa Monica Autoworks!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Electrical, Auto maintenance
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Regina!! We are SO glad you are happy and that the car is running so well..
It wasn't exactly a straight line to get to the end of this particular repair.. but you took everything in stride, and were super patient throughout the process.
Thank youuuuuuuuu!!!!
Barbara Terry11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Barbara has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had exceptional seevice experience for my daughter’s Audi Q3. She is at college out of town, so I was careful to find a service shop I could trust. Brian was incredibly helpful, thorough, and kind. The team took extra time troubleshooting to make sure they identified the issue and that her car was properly serviced. Brian kept me updated throughout the process and took the time to explain everything clearly. I felt he went above and beyond to ensure her car was repaired completely. I really appreciated his communication and transparency in pricing and felt I could trust him. Highly recommend!
Price assessment: Great price
Response from the owner · 4 days ago
Barbaba.. thank you 🙏🏼
As I love to say.. we aren't here for everyone that needs us, we are here for those who WANT us :)
I'm so happy to be able to provide the service you WANTED. We believe it's what you (all) deserve!!
Best,
Brian
Alex Ranarivelo2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alex has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Love this place, My mini cooper countryman is 7 years h old and is in great condition thanks to these wonderful gentlemen who run the business . I never feel as if I'm being sold a service i don't need and i love the fact they go home on Friday and don't return until Monday Real people with family lives !! Highly recommend....
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Vehicle safety inspection
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Oh Liz :)
You have been a five star addition to our family !!!
You always bring such good energy into our shop and we want to acknowledge you for that too. You get what you give right??? :)
H CrittendonLocal Guide · 157 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews H has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
These guys are very professional and family friendly! They cost,but you will not have to worry about the problem they fix. They know their stuff! I’ve been dealing with Brian and Brett for over 15 years. These guys stand on their work! From a Mini Cooper clubman to a Benz. I trust them.
Services: Auto battery replacement, Auto A/C recharge, Electrical, Auto battery maintenance, Battery
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you for trusting us with your car, we appreciate the positive feed back.
Andrea Alexa2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Andrea has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Brian and his excellent team - Brett, Ozzie, Jamie and more - at Santa Monica Autoworks are fantastic!
They are knowledgeable, dedicated, super helpful and friendly and have been taking care of my car for more than 11 years.
Beside the normal work related tasks they go out of their way to come up with suggestions, solutions and recommendations and I trust them implicitly in keeping my 28 year old BMW Z3 in great shape.
I recommend them highly and thank them for all their great work, expertise and dedication!
Alexa
Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto engine tuning, Vehicle Inspection, Auto A/C replacement, Brakes, A/C installation & repair, Vehicle safety inspection, Wiper blade installation, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Oil change, Service not listed
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you for ALWAYS bringing that good energy with you :)
As always.. it is our pleasure !
Ramin S. Renner10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ramin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
First time here . I have 2 Touareg TDI , 2016 and LOVE them. One of them started leaking oil. Took to mechanic shop in Santa Monica, I took it 3 times after repair and they gave my $ back cause they couldn’t find the issue.
I took my car here and it’s like checking in a hotel !! Everyone greeted me and offered water or coffee…. !! They took my car and I got a call from Ozzie and he thoroughly explained what he and his team will do . I got the car back after few days and they did a ABSOLUTELY GREAT JOB. Worth every penny.
I do not BS at all . They are polite/ friendly/ professional and know what the hell they are doing, specially with my DIESEL engine.
I am grateful .
THANK YOU OZZIE AND BRIAN AND THE ENTIRE TEAM.
GOD BLESS . 🙌
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: General repairs & maintenance
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, Ramin. Ozzie, Brian, and the team take pride in delivering precise, professional service — especially with diesel engines.
Mark Fleischer6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mark has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Santa Monica Autoworks contunues to amaze us. They are able to fix any problem, completely stand behind their work, and make every effort to meet our availability needs. You can't go wrong with them!
Services: Transmission, General repairs & maintenance
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Thanks for the shout out Mark!
Brett took extra time to re adapt the shift points till it was butter smooth!
Glad you can feel it!!
Brian
