Auto repair shop · Des Moines, IA · reviewed since 2008
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%90+49.1Reliability 24%88+21.3Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%21+1.5Craft & service penalty89−1.1Experts Score= 85Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.85SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#353 of 687 auto repair shopsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 49%
4.8★★★★★970 Google reviews · 13 photos
93%five-star reviews
4.95★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0.9%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 rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 970 reviews (93% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 970 Google reviews (604 with written comments, 5 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 24% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 26, 2026.
Service: Auto Repair Shop serving Des Moines, Iowa.
Data from Google, last updated November 3, 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: value and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
This companyAuto 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.Ultimate Automotive Service Center: 90/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
90
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.Ultimate Automotive Service Center: 88/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.A
88
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.Ultimate Automotive Service Center: 89/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
89
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.Ultimate Automotive Service Center: 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.Ultimate Automotive Service Center: 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.Ultimate Automotive Service Center: 21/100 on this factor. Category median: 56.D
21
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
970 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars89993%
4 stars384%
3 stars20%
2 stars30%
1 star283%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 604 written reviews
97%praise
Praise91697%
Complaints303%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
99%fair
Great price7636%
Reasonable12459%
Overpriced31%
Not sure84%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Quality & results19721%
Staff & attitude16918%
Speed & response16918%
Price & value13214%
Honesty & trust11012%
Would recommend9010%
Communication798%
What customers talk about
We read 604 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“They always do an amazing job and no shady business.”
“Worst customer service I ever experienced at an auto shop.”
“Had an appointment and they were friendly and got me in right away and out.”
“Very unorganized and workers are not friendly, did not give diagnosis of car and the problems it had, and failed to give an update when called for a s…”
“I had a major oil leak took my car in on a Sunday afternoon for an oil change and they diagnosed it right away.”
“Always the best and most affordable option for car service.”
“Very racist if you are a foreigner I would advise you to not come here and get ripped off.”
“Communicated well, fixed my problem fast and charged me honestly.”
“They lied straight to my face several different times.”
“I highly recommend Ultimate Automotive in Urbandale, Iowa.”
“…nd will hide that from you until you go pick up your vehicle wouldn’t recommend this place to anybody…”
“Service was timely & professional with excellent communication keeping me update and aware throughout the process.”
“This in addition to the lack of communication the last few times my car has been in and the sense that my business was not really wanted the last time…”
People customers mention
Mark28 reviews
Nick13 reviews
Dennis7 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Ultimate Automotive Service Center for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
JJennifer5 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★★★★★
I had a major oil leak took my car in on a Sunday afternoon for an oil change and they diagnosed it right away. They called the extended warranty company and started work on Monday. My car was done by Tuesday and ready to pick up. I’m very pleased. I would definitely recommend this company.
Reasonable priceAuto brake repair
JJohn5 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★★★★★
Always a good experience. Been trusting our vehicles to Ultimate Automotive for over 20 years.
JJill1 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 week ago★★★★★
It was unexpected issue. You expedited service so I could get up and running quickly!
Reasonable priceBattery
SSandra2 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★★★★★
We needed a quick repair before leaving town and they were able to get us in quickly, and the work was completed in a short period of time!
Great priceService not listed
KKenneth2 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★★★★★
Thank you to the mechanics and staff for getting me in quick and making sure I made it home safe. It’s extremely rare for any shop to take care of a customer that well. I highly recommend Ultimate Automotive in Urbandale, Iowa.
Great priceService not listed
MmikeLocal Guide · 12 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★★★★★
Had an appointment and they were friendly and got me in right away and out. Explained what might be coming up.
I had a major oil leak took my car in on a Sunday afternoon for an oil change and they diagnosed it right away. They called the extended warranty company and started work on Monday. My car was done by Tuesday and ready to pick up. I’m very pleased. I would definitely recommend this company.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Auto brake repair
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you for choosing Ultimate Automotive Service Center for your Oil Change and Auto Repair Service in West Des Moines, IA, proudly serving West Des Moines and surrounding areas within 20 miles. We're also here to help with Engine Repair, Tire Services, and Emergency Locksmith Services whenever you need us.
M
M0r4HeiZ “M0r4” La'Don2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews M0r4HeiZ has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Services: Transmission, Carburetor cleaning, Auto body & trim repair, Auto windshield repair, Electrical repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, Exhaust, Tires, Auto battery replacement, Auto power window repair, Steering & suspension repair, Auto exhaust system repair, Painting, Auto glass repair, Auto water leak repair, Auto side window replacement, General repairs & maintenance, Steering & suspension replacement, Auto A/C recharge, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto engine tuning, Body & Trim, Auto brake repair, Tire rotations, Auto rear window replacement, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection, Transmission replacement, Side view mirror repair, Auto detailing, Auto A/C replacement, Auto exhaust system replacement, Wheel alignment, Auto sunroof glass replacement, Transmission repair, Brakes, Auto battery maintenance, Auto tire replacement, A/C installation & repair, Auto emissions testing, Auto windshield replacement, Air conditioning, Vehicle safety inspection, Wiper blade installation, Auto interior vacuuming, Auto body & trim replacement, Auto glass replacement, Car waxing, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Battery, Oil change, Service not listed
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for the great review! We appreciate your kind words about Mark and the team, and we're glad you had a positive experience with our pricing and services. Thank you for choosing Ultimate Automotive Service Center. We appreciate your support!
D
Donnie Williams1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Donnie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Always a good experience. Been trusting our vehicles to Ultimate Automotive for over 20 years.
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you, John! Knowing you've trusted Ultimate Automotive with your vehicles for over 20 years means so much to Mark and our entire team. We're grateful for your loyalty and the opportunity to continue taking care of your vehicles. We truly appreciate your support!
J
Jill Noordhoek1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Jill has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
It was unexpected issue. You expedited service so I could get up and running quickly!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Battery
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you, Jill! Unexpected battery problems are never convenient, so we're glad our team could get you in quickly and back on the road. We appreciate you trusting Ultimate Automotive Service Center and taking the time to share your experience!
S
Sandra Stone2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sandra has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We needed a quick repair before leaving town and they were able to get us in quickly, and the work was completed in a short period of time!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for the great review, Sandra! We know how important it is to have your vehicle ready when you’re heading out of town. We’re glad our team could get you in quickly, complete the repairs and get you back on the road. We appreciate you choosing Ultimate Automotive Service Center and hope you had a wonderful trip!
K
Kenneth Reed2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kenneth has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you to the mechanics and staff for getting me in quick and making sure I made it home safe. It’s extremely rare for any shop to take care of a customer that well. I highly recommend Ultimate Automotive in Urbandale, Iowa.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Kenneth! We're glad our team could get you in quickly and help you get home safely. We know how stressful unexpected car trouble can be, and taking good care of our customers is always our priority. Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to our entire team. Thank you for trusting Ultimate Automotive!
M
mike snyderLocal Guide · 12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews mike has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Had an appointment and they were friendly and got me in right away and out. Explained what might be coming up.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thanks Mike for your feedback we are glad to have provide you good services. We aim to provide the most efficient and reliable service in all over Urbandale. Feel free to contact us for future services.
S
SimpleLife90Local Guide · 48 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews SimpleLife90 has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
These guys really go above and beyond to make sure your car is working right. They always do an amazing job and no shady business. This is the only shop in Des Moines I trust. Thanks Ultimate!
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for the amazing review and for continuing to trust Ultimate Automotive Service Center! Hearing that we're the only shop in Des Moines you trust means a great deal to our entire team. We believe in honest recommendations, quality repairs and treating our customers right. We truly appreciate your loyalty and kind words!
M
Mark Larson3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mark has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
They pointed out that the brakes looked okay. But there is still some noise’s coming when you apply the brakes. Will wait see after a couple of weeks.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Tires, Brakes
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Thank you for your review, Mark! We're glad you were pleased with our pricing and appreciate you trusting us with your vehicle. While your brakes appeared to be in good condition during our inspection, we understand your concern about the remaining noise. If it continues, please give us a call so we can take another look. Your safety and satisfaction are important to us!
