Cowden Automotive

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  El Rafa
a month ago
If you want to be treated in a condescending manner, this is the place.I don t know what this Squidilly Diddlilly looking dude problem was, but he did make it obvious that the customer don t know what we are talking about,, even though i have a bunch replacement parts in trunk well I m sure someone besides Cowden will appreciates some business.

  Johnny Botts
4 months ago
This was the 3rd time we have brought our car to Cowden for general service over the past 10 years. Always friendly and great service. They explained everything they were going to do and called to let us know what additional service was needed. We felt totally comfortable working with them (never felt like they were taking advantage of us like we have felt with other repair services). We highly recommend them.

  Harry Breaux
4 months ago
There are many choices in auto repair and I'm so glad I continued to trust Cowden with my choice. Having an older car can be a bit of a mystical journey but utilizing Mike and Justin's expertise they've gather over the years has given me the confidence that when I turn the key....no worries is what I get. Reasonable in price and personable in treatment. I'll choose them over and over again. I recommend.

  RY KOMP
4 months ago
Completely disrespectful, rude and condescending from the second I showed up. It was the WORST customer service I've ever encountered on top of which I am now working with Bureau of Automotive Repair filing a complaint due to missing items from my car!!!! I l do not like to air dirty laundry out and post negative things but this place is horrible. I asked them about missing items and they completely blew me off and didn't even return my call. When I called them back she he answered me with "isn't my problem, we didn't do anything with it" and hung up. I like to give people benefit of doubt but not this place. My service would be take your requests ANYWHERE other than here.

  Talon Villacres
2 months ago
Great staff with lots of experience and really good communication. This shop and their mechanics have fixed me and my sisters vehicles a couple times now and I am always very happy with the results!

  Andrew K
3 weeks ago
Great experience, super helpful, clear and honest. I'd recommend you go again. I needed some expensive work, or so I thought, and they told me to hold off. Would absolutely go again!

  adrian perez
3 months ago
I love this place this is going to be my new mechanic spot. They were very polite and helpful the prices were reasonable and they also told me what I should get fixed in the future. It was a great experience

  Raphael Whelan
9 months ago
A few friends recommended Cowden Automotive to me about a year and a half ago, and I have been a grateful and loyal customer ever since. I am always given very detailed and helpful explanations of repairs and maintenance work done on my car, and I always feel that my car is in the best of hands. This past week I had an issue with my car which needed immediate attention. I contacted Cowden Automotive when I got home from work--thinking I would probably have to wait to get an appointment, but I received a quick message back to bring my car in first thing the following morning as it was seen as an "emergency" which they were quick to want to help me with. As my car is 18 years old, I was concerned that it might be difficult to get the parts needed to repair my problem, but they were able to get the parts quickly and all is well now! I am so grateful to have found such a terrific auto repair service where they truly care about you and your car. Regular checkups and oil changes are very thorough, and so I always feel confident that my car is truly good to go after being serviced. I'm sticking with them!!!Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Tires, Auto battery replacement, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection, Wheel alignment, Brakes, Auto battery maintenance, A/C installation & repair, Vehicle safety inspection, Wiper blade installation, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Battery, Oil change

  sEAN. Kelly Donoghue (s E A N. D o n o g h u e)
9 months ago
Cowden Automotive is my new mechanic! I took my older van in for some AC work, which they performed quite well.I knew there was some other work that needed to be done on the van, but I wanted to see how the did on the AC before I committed to deeper work. Justin did a diagnostic and confirmed the work I knew needed done. I appreciated that.He worked up a plan to do all the work at once to save in labor costs. The turnaround was fast, service was top notch, and the van runs so much better! I m getting at least another hundred miles per tank now!Thank you Justin and Cowden Automotive, a job well done!Services: Auto exhaust system repair, Auto A/C recharge, Air conditioning, Oil change

  Arnie Frelix
3 months ago
Another excellent visit. Justin and team serviced my vehicle while I waited in their clean waiting area. Will recommend to others.

  K Dyer
a year ago
Wow! These guys at All Pro/Cowden are just FANTASTIC. There's a reason they get all these 5-star reviews! I came to them on a friend's recommendation and will never go anywhere else. My driver's seat froze on my 2004 Honda and the dealer told me the motor was broken and no longer available so they couldn't help me. Justin took the seat apart, figured out it was only the (much less expensive) switch, ordered me a new one and installed it immediately. The seat is now as-good-as new, and it cost a fraction of what dealer would have charged me. He was knowledgeable, friendly and totally straightforward. I will be back and will send all my friends!Services: Electrical repair, General repairs & maintenance

  Elissa Karasik
7 months ago
I love this place! Mike was so incredibly helpful, patient, and kind. He made sure it was safe for me to drive my car on a long road trip after my coolant alert turned on, and also took the time to teach me how to refill coolant on my own. Best automotive spot in SF :)

  Ryan Gonzalez
9 months ago
The smartest, most professional, capable mechanic I ve ever found. I was bringing my vintage Land Rover to a Land Rover specialist in SF, and then found Cowden - they re the best. I wouldn t bring my cars anywhere else.

  Laura Limon
a year ago
We were visiting San Francisco and leaving back to LA when the car started to have brake problems due to the battery. Almost every mechanic shop there requires appointments and I m glad Justin was able to help us. He gave me a price before starting any work and gave us an approximate time of when vehicle would be ready. Definitely would recommend this mechanic shop. Thank you!!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto battery maintenance, Vehicle safety inspection

  Mary Morris
8 months ago
Justin was very helpful, straightforward, friendly, and honest about the timing and possible expense of the work. He fit me in at the last minute (unexpected repair needed) and delivered as promised.It was all very easy peasy for me.Services: Auto battery replacement, Auto engine diagnosticServices: Auto battery replacement, Auto engine diagnostic

  Mike Broermann
2 months ago
Thank you Justin - appreciate the quick turn around, professionalism and most of all the stellar work!

  Bill Parker
4 months ago
notch"Always fair and truthful, Cowden has taken care of my '88 Mazda pickup for over 20 years. They are not the cheapest but are the most reasonable and give a full backing to their work. My truck still running well after 110k speaks volumes.Now after 120KMuch thanks to Justin and the crew, when the brakes on my truck (1988 Mazda) began to fail. I was able to immediately have the truck towed to Cowden and it was fixed a day later. Wishing everyone at Cowden a Happy Thanksgiving.

  Jason Donahoe
2 years ago
They are one of kind! I have had my engine and transmission rebuilt from these guys about a year ago and now they just replaced my whole wiring system in my classic 1964 1/2 Mustang while upgrading my brakes. They not only had the best prices but they share their knowledge openly helping you to decide which course of action is best for your specific situation. Turn around on each project was no more than two weeks. I will be back guys, thanks for making my dream car a reality!Services: Transmission, Electrical, Engine repair, Brakes, Brake service & repair

  gary nance jr
4 years ago
Awesome placeI was referred by a friend of mines. I can totally understand why. A family owned business that treats you like a relative. The guestroom is always open for your vehicle. The amount of beautiful classics being restored let's you know they mean business. Justin is great guy more than helpful. The type of customer service you can appreciate. Definitely going back found my car a home.

  Marcus Wonacott
2 years ago
I brought my Jeep in for its annual service and inspection. They performed this service as outlined and got the job done within the time stated. Their work is thorough, thoughtful and they never add unnecessary adjustments or repairs that were not included in the initial quote. I have been coming to Cowden for over 25 years and never have been dissatisfied with the results. This is one San Francisco automotive repair shop you can totally trust!Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Fredrick Anderson
6 months ago
i LOVE this place they always treat you with honesty and will only fix what needs to be fix and will be upfront on all repairs i take my car to no one elseServices: Auto windshield repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, Exhaust, Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Wheel alignment, Brakes, Oil changeServices: Auto windshield repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, Exhaust, Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Wheel alignment, Brakes, Oil change

  Abbas Hooshmand
3 years ago
Tl;dr This place lacks professionalism, has poor communication and I don't think is a trustworthy entity. If you look closely, most of 5 start reviews come from people with 1-2 reviews! Look elsewhere if you value professionalism and proper communication in a business.When it comes to choosing the right mechanic for vehicle maintenance, I would be looking for three things: skill, honesty and communication. I saw a lack of proper communication and dishonesty and therefore would not recommend this place.I called Cowden Automotive and after expressing the issues with my vehicle, Justin got my email and told me he would sent an email to me and I can reply on that email with the vehicle issues. I never got an email and after calling again, I got their email and sent the email so that they can schedule me for coming in. I never got a response from Justin and after two days sent a reminder to the email with no response. All I wanted was to confirm a date so I could plan accordingly.I decided to call and follow up as Justin did not answer to my email. Nobody was answering my calls. I tried morning and afternoon and still no answer even after leaving a voice mail. They had promised me to inform me by Thursday / Friday which they didn't.Overall, if they lack professionalism to keep their words, I would not want to trust them with my vehicle as there is not guarantee they would not overcharge me.

  William Bill Owen
4 years ago
First time customer. I decided to try Cowden Automotive based on its very good ratings and reviews posted on the Bay Area Consumer Checkbook site.The garage's location on Folsom Street is convenient to two Muni bus routes that pass not far from where I live. It was easy to get a next day appointment for a routine annual inspection of my 1997 European sedan, which had not been serviced for two years.Justin discussed options for parts requiring immediate service vs those for which maintenance could be deferred. The total price for all of the repairs I agreed to, while not inexpensive, seemed less than what the authorized dealer's service center charged me over the course of 15 years for similar services.

  Ken Yang
7 months ago
Justin was clear in describing what service my car needed. Work was performed on time as promised. Very satisfied.

  Eli Wadley
5 years ago
very friendly and honest and competent shop. I dropped in at the end of the day to see if they could help me with a turn signal problem and I asked if they had time to do other work. They graciously took the truck and did some much needed maintenance and got it back to me the next day.The shop is large and clean and quiet and the owners are very friendly and welcoming. My mechanic of 20 years closed up shop a few months ago and I am so happy to have found this place. I feel confident I'll be going to them for the next 20 years.

  Michael Lerner
a year ago
The friendliest, most honest and capable shop in San Francisco. These guys know their stuff and also go above and beyond. I recommend Cowden for all your service needs!Service: Auto maintenanceService: Auto maintenance

  David Bronner
2 years ago
Everyone at Cowden is always super professional. They're great at explaining in detail anything that's wrong, options for fixing it, and what can be put off until future visits. I have complete trust that they're taking good care of my car and me as a customer.Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  Floyd FloydJ
5 years ago
I almost forgot why I took my car to Cowden Automotive. It had been a while because I moved across the Bay to Oakland. But I needed servicing and I know that they knew my car. Well the moment I drove in and engaged with Mike and Justine it came back to me. These are two of the most engaging, professional people that you would want to meet. Gave me an excellent estimate and when I got my 1994 Nissan 300zx back it ran like a clock. Drove home with a big smile. If you need your car serviced, don't hesitate.....Cowden is the place.

  Greg C
6 years ago
I have used Cowden Automotive for all of my car repair and maintenance, including new car services, since 1981. I cannot overstate the peace of mind I experienced knowing that the original owner, Paul Cowden, and his crew were caring for my vehicles. I now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the new owner Mike Masarweh, Jared, and the rest of the crew continue in this fine tradition. I would recommend Cowden Automotive to anyone seeking stellar quality of work and extraordinary honesty. I wouldn't take my cars to any other service.

  Tareq Mirza
6 years ago
I used to take my Toyota Corolla to Cowden Auto years ago. They were always honest with great service. I got rid of the car back in 2010 so hadn't been there in over six years. Recently, I bought a used CRV and when I had trouble with the car I decided to take it to Cowden again. The new owner Mike greeted me and I found out that Paul had sold the business to Mike over a year ago. But, I had nothing to worry about, Mike and his crew did a great job in diagnosing and explaining the situation and my car was repaired with just the replacement of the battery. I'll keep going to Cowden and tell everyone I know to do the same!