Honda Auto Repair: Customer Reviews

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After about a half hour of speaking with him [Steve Summers, Owner] I must say that I am absolutely floored that someone, anyone in this day and age actually cares that much about the reputation of their business for just one customer.

He took the time to give me a very detailed, articulate explanation of what had happened, and answered any other concerns or questions which I had to my complete satisfaction. The problem with my car seems to be purely coincidental, and that comment only comes from a very clear explanation of what the problem(s) could be. That is all I ever really wanted from the other shop in Woodland Hills, and that is what spurned my one star review of Automotive Instincts.

Long story short, Steve from the Northridge location has redeemed my faith in not just people but this particular business. I am going to take my car back into his location and see if we can't find the problem and fix it once and for all.

If a business owner goes out of their way to try to salvage your business then I think it's completely reasonable to meet them half way and see what they're all about. People just don't do this anymore, so it's refreshing to see it. I've got a Honda and an Acura and if Steve is as genuine as he seems I will probably be taking both my cars back to the Northridge location.
Gary C.
Sherman Oaks, CA
Updated - 4/7/2009

I've actually been to this location three times now, but this is my first/only review - and I'm giving them 5 very deserved stars. I have a 2001 Honda Accord with 120k miles - everything is beginning to fall apart. I recently moved to LA, and found this shop on Yelp, and decided it was absolutely worth trying anyone outside of the local Honda dealership circle, and I was not disappointed :-)

I worked with Steve Summers and Al, both of whom were very professional and generally nice, laid-back guys. The first time I was in, I had a full tune-up before a long road trip, and had a few additional diagnostics done. All-in-all, the price was totally reasonable, the service was fast, and I felt comfortable throughout the process that I wasn't being "sold" on anything.

The second time, my check engine light was on, which they helped diagnose and reset - and Steve even drove my car over to the smog station to have it smogged for me - since I mentioned I needed that done before I left on my trip, and that I was new to town and had no idea where to find a smog-only station. He just added it to my bill overall, and saved me the time and effort of finding a smog station, waiting in line, etc. Way above and beyond expectations!

My most recent trip I was in for more serious matters. My transmission had been missing shifts and acting weird. Steve put me in touch with his transmission guys and I had a quote within an hour, with several different pricing and warranty options. I drove it over and got it back the same afternoon. The price was LESS than originally quoted, and again I felt super comfortable with the whole process. It's been 6,000 miles with no hiccups...

I now live in Huntington Beach, and work in Hollywood - and I'm still planning on driving ~30 minutes (North) out of my way to go up to this shop, rather than settle for the overpriced, impersonal service at my local Honda dealership.
Brandon M.
Huntington Beach, CA
9/1/2009

I can't put into words how amazing it is to feel totally confident in the integrity and quality of the service you receive, and that is exactly how you feel when you bring your car to Automotive Instincts. Thanks guys!
Joe M.
Los Angeles, CA
12/13/2009

Specializing in Honda, but also maintaining and repairing other Japanese cars, this facility is:
* Honest * Competent * Prompt * Fairly priced * Friendly * Clean

Victoria owns a '92 Honda Accord and I own an '89 Toyota Celica. They still run like tops and it is in no small part because we take them to Automotive Instincts for regular service. My Toyota has over 200k miles on it. Vic's Honda has 190k.

Whenever repairs are required, they perform them in a timely manner and get it right the first time. If they discover a hidden malady, they will call us and keep us informed. They don't jack you around, try to upsell you or try to convince you to repair something that doesn't really need to be fixed. When they say it will be ready by Tuesday... it's ready by Tuesday.

In other words: These are the guys you've been looking for to maintain and repair your Japanese car.

Don't take it to the dealer. Don't take it to the local gas station. Don't take it anywhere else. TAKE IT HERE!

If Al is on the counter, tell him Tom & Vic sent you.
Tom C.
Woodland Hills, CA
12/17/2007

These guys have a lot of integrity, and the work is AWESOME (the mechanic that I've had experience with - I always forget his name, sorry - is of Latino heritage, about 5'8" or thereabouts, a great guy, very thorough, very helpful, very astute, and an AMAZING mechanic -- really, for what he brings to the business, the owner should make him a partner).

For the work alone, I would give Automotive Instincts 5 stars
T. K.
Porter Ranch, CA
12/29/2007

The folks at AI have always done a good job at servicing my Honda. I've been bringing my cars here for the past 20 years. They are very honest and professional, and I have never had any problems with their work.
Will D.
Los Angeles, CA
9/12/2009

My entire family owns Hondas...always have, always will. We all have been using Automotive Instincts (Northridge) for as long as I can remember. Automotive Instincts used to be Steve's Independent - but the service remains stellar. Their service goes above and beyond. They also work on other Japanese makes, such as Toyota.

During my last service, the mechanic noticed a leak in the oil pan. Told me to take it to the dealership to get it fixed because it was still under warranty. Instead of charging me to fix it, they saved me major $$$ by sending me to the dealer instead.
Kimberly S.
Los Angeles, CA
7/10/2009

I love this place. this is the only place i have ever felt comfortable as a woman to bring my car in for services and not get the feeling that i am being scammed. before i found this place, i used to drag my husband with me to get my car serviced because i usually have to deal with mechanics that totally lie to my face (i have been told all sorts of crap like my flux capacitor needs to be replaced, or that my car needs a special $200 battery because i have air conditioning- what?!?!?). they are honest and charge much less than the dealer. plus my husband is a happier guy because i don't drag him with me every time i need an oil change.
Karen Y.
Philadelphia, PA
3/12/2007

I have compared their services and prices with others and they are very honest about what your car requires. I feel very comfortable with them and love their warranty service!
B B.
Los Angeles, CA
10/4/2008

I am 20 and don't have my dad in town to make sure my car is working properly and that I'm not getting screwed by mechanics. I drive a 98 Honda Civic and its reached the point where maintenance is required more often than before. I have searched around for mechanics with integrity and have run into my share of abuse due to my age and lack of knowledge when it comes to cars. Then I found Automotive Instincts after reading a review. Thank goodness. I took my car to Mike and he was extremely helpful and so sweet. He really made me feel like he cared. I needed a lot of work done and he did it all wonderfully. He calls and gives you updates and he was very specific on what was wrong and how to fix it. Then he would give me a basic run down so I could understand. I feel like you definitely get what you pay for because i noticed that there were a few reviews about the price being a little steep but its definitely worth it. They know what they are doing and they do it well. I am completely confident in their work and will be taking my car here and only here from now on. Thanks Mike!!!
Shannan M.
Northridge, CA
9/6/2008