Auto repair shop · Novato, CA · reviewed since 2016
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%99+58.1Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not 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.99SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#1 of 78 tire shopsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 100%
5.0★★★★★111 Google reviews · 3 photos
99%five-star reviews
5.00★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 Steve's Auto Care five stars based on 111 reviews, highlighting consistent themes of honesty, fair pricing, and transparent communication. Customers frequently describe the shop as punctual and efficient, noting that staff clearly explain necessary repairs while distinguishing between immediate needs and deferred maintenance. The service covers various vehicle systems, including brakes, engines, and electrical components, with many patrons citing long-term loyalty and trust in the shop's ethical business practices.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 111 reviews (99% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 111 Google reviews (86 with written comments, 1 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 13% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 1, 2026.
Service: Tire Shop serving Novato, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other tire 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: reliability.
Steve's Auto CareTire 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.Steve's Auto Care: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
99
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.Steve's Auto Care: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 81.A
98
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.Steve's Auto Care: 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.Steve's Auto Care: 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.Steve's Auto Care: 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: 34.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
111 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars11099%
4 stars11%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 86 written reviews
99%praise
Praise17999%
Complaints11%
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 price1192%
Reasonable18%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Honesty & trust5128%
Staff & attitude3620%
Price & value2916%
Would recommend2212%
Quality & results2011%
Speed & response179%
Communication53%
What customers talk about
We read 86 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Steve is one of the most honest mechanics I have ever met.”
“His expertise is unmatched, and I have never had a reason to question his skills or pricing policies.”
“He charges a fair price, and will be up front as to the work that needs to be done presently and what can wait.”
“I would definitely recommend this shop to anyone looking for reliable auto repair.”
“Steve was honest and his shop did great work on my mazda 5.”
“Fast, reliable, honest, trustworthy and very reasonable.”
“Steve explained everything clearly about the brake repair and what I should keep an eye on in the future.”
People customers mention
Japanese7 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Steve's Auto Care for 5 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Demetry3 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. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
Steve is one of the most honest mechanics I have ever met. I have been taking my cars to him for well over ten years. He charges a fair price, and will be up front as to the work that needs to be done presently and what can wait.
Great priceGeneral repairs & maintenanceAuto maintenanceOil change
ThomasLocal Guide · 16 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★★★★★
Steve's Auto Repair is hands down the best auto shop I've ever visited. Steve is honest, trustworthy, and incredibly fair. His expertise is unmatched, and I have never had a reason to question his skills or pricing policies. It's rare to find a mechanic who genuinely prioritizes their customers, but Steve exceeds…
JudyLocal Guide · 14 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 months ago★★★★★
I've been taking my car to Steve's for many years. He is a gem...professional, personable and trustworthy. I will be moving soon but will return to Novato to Steve's for car maintenance.
Reasonable priceGeneral repairs & maintenance
Aaron3 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. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Fast, reliable, honest, trustworthy and very reasonable. The only place I would consider to service and repair my Japanese cars. A rarity among auto shops.
Matt3 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. · 3 months ago★★★★★
I love this place. Dude does what he says he'll do, on time, and at fair prices. Takes the time to discuss options and provides clear-eyed recommendations that put the customer's long term interests above his desire to make an extra buck today. I've generally had pretty good experiences with the local dealer but feel like Steve is a cut above.
SusannahLocal Guide · 13 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 months ago★★★★★
As always, exemplary service
I've been going to Steve since 2010, and each visit is smooth and pleasant. From scheduling, to dropping my car off after hours, to getting a text notification that my car is ready, to checkout, it couldn't be easier.
Steve has been my family's trusted mechanic for over 15 years,…
Steve is one of the most honest mechanics I have ever met. I have been taking my cars to him for well over ten years. He charges a fair price, and will be up front as to the work that needs to be done presently and what can wait.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto maintenance, Oil change
Emily Ayres Hargreaves2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Emily has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Steve's Auto Repair is hands down the best auto shop I've ever visited. Steve is honest, trustworthy, and incredibly fair. His expertise is unmatched, and I have never had a reason to question his skills or pricing policies. It's rare to find a mechanic who genuinely prioritizes their customers, but Steve exceeds all expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend his shop to anyone looking for reliable and top-quality auto service
Response from the owner · a year ago
Tom, thanks for the kind words, really appreciated and I respect your knowledge of the working of cars and my business.
Steve
Judy LoringLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Judy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I've been taking my car to Steve's for many years. He is a gem...professional, personable and trustworthy. I will be moving soon but will return to Novato to Steve's for car maintenance.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: General repairs & maintenance
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thanks Judy
Aaron Goldstein3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Aaron has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Fast, reliable, honest, trustworthy and very reasonable. The only place I would consider to service and repair my Japanese cars. A rarity among auto shops.
Matt Stanley3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Matt has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I love this place. Dude does what he says he'll do, on time, and at fair prices. Takes the time to discuss options and provides clear-eyed recommendations that put the customer's long term interests above his desire to make an extra buck today. I've generally had pretty good experiences with the local dealer but feel like Steve is a cut above.
Susannah NationLocal Guide · 13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Susannah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
As always, exemplary service
I've been going to Steve since 2010, and each visit is smooth and pleasant. From scheduling, to dropping my car off after hours, to getting a text notification that my car is ready, to checkout, it couldn't be easier.
Steve has been my family's trusted mechanic for over 15 years, through 4 Japanese cars. His integrity shines. He's always been straightforward, kind, helpful, and personable. I trust him completely, and know my car is receiving the best possible service, by someone who knows more about Japanese cars than literally anyone around. I couldn't be happier.
We're in the market for a new car, and it'll definitely be a Japanese car, just so we can stick with Steve.
GAYLE DAVIS3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews GAYLE has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.