Steve's Automotive

I was a regular customer of Steve's until late last year. Just before Christmas, I took my car in for an issue with the heater. Steve's told me the radiator needed replacing, which cost over $1,000 with some other minor repairs included. I asked them to proceed with the radiator replacement to address the heating issue at hand. Less than a week after radiator replacement, I was back in the shop due to the same exact heating issue, plus my car overheated on the way to the shop. After more diagnosis, I was told that, actually, the coolant and heater issue was from a fatal flaw in the engine block which was functionally irreparable (more than the car is worth). I was out $1,000 already for a new radiator, and now being told the issue I came to them for cannot be fixed and my car is, for all intents and purposes, toast. Despite this, I decided I wouldn't dispute the matter, giving Steve's considerable benefit of the doubt in their explanation for why they did not find the issue in the first go-round of diagnostics. When I went to pick up my car, Steve's told me that they were charging me an additional $90 for the second diagnostic which led them to conclude the $1,000 radiator was not the issue. Like I said, I had not disputed the radiator matter, chalking it up to a loss; losses happen. But I did think that the least Steve's could do was waive or share in this relatively small additional fee, as a courtesy, and because the issue I originally came to them for was not fully diagnosed, let alone repaired. I was very surprised this wasn't proactively offered, under the circumstances, and I politely asked Bob (the owner, I believe) to help me out on the matter. This request was met with immediate and outsized hostility. Bob took a highly aggressive stance, squaring up physically, and telling me repeatedly that he didn't like what I was insinuating. I felt purposely intimidated and threatened by Bob's posture and tone from the get-go. After trying to explain my reasoning, I realized Bob's temper was only escalating and I relented and said I would simply pay the $90. This inexplicably seemed to make Bob more angry and he initially refused to take my payment. After some additional fuming, Bob abruptly told me he would charge me $50, and that we were "done", meaning I was banned for life from the shop. I paid his $50, took my car, and exited the shop being carefully watched as if I were going to damage his shop on the way out or something. I am small of stature and meek in attitude, and I could not for the life of me understand what provoked this aggressive treatment. I was subjected to open hostility, humiliated, and made to feel like a criminal because I asked for a minor concession under extraordinary circumstances. None of this behavior was typical of my experiences at Steve's to this point, and I was shocked and extremely disheartened. This all happened a couple of weeks before Christmas, of all times, and I could scarcely believe this was the same shop I had been taking my car to for so long. Steve's was great for me until something went wrong, and then I could not possibly have had a worse or more inexplicable experience. I was dramatically banned for life (?!) over asking for a $90 concession, but that's no loss: I would never have brought my car back to this shop after this experience, for my own safety in addition to everything else, and I recommend you look elsewhere too.

My boyfriend has gone to this shop on and off for over 10 years, and I’ve brought my car in a few times in recent years. Our last experience was so upsetting that neither of us will ever go back. After paying over $1,000 for a radiator replacement to fix a heating issue, the same problem returned within a week and the car overheated on the way back to the shop. This time, they said the real issue was a cracked engine block, meaning the car was beyond repair. Despite that, they still wanted to charge another $90 diagnostic fee just to pick up a now-undrivable vehicle. I was the one who encouraged him to ask if they could reduce or waive the fee, given the circumstances. He really didn’t want to-he’s the type who avoids confrontation entirely and would rather just accept the loss. I told him he should at least ask because it didn’t seem fair after spending over $1,000 for a repair that didn’t fix the issue. He’s polite, calm, and genuinely mild-mannered, the kind of person who wouldn’t even mention it if a server got his order wrong. When he finally did ask, and did so politely, the owner immediately jumped down his throat, turning defensive and confrontational almost instantly. He barely let him finish a sentence before suggesting that my boyfriend was implying something serious or threatening toward the business. It was bizarre, aggressive, and completely unprovoked. He left shaken, humiliated, and banned from the shop for calmly asking about a $90 fee. He talked about it for weeks afterward because he just couldn’t make sense of how someone could react that way over such a simple conversation. It wasn’t even about the money at that point; it was about the owner’s hostility and lack of basic respect. I told him we wouldn’t have gone back regardless, but it was still absolutely shocking. Their public response calling his review “misleading” is completely false. We both had fine experiences here in the past, but this showed how they treat customers when something goes wrong with defensiveness, aggression, and zero accountability. Writing a one-star review isn’t something I take lightly, but this experience was serious enough that it felt important to speak up. I recommend anyone considering this shop go to Yelp or Google and sort by one-star reviews to see how they respond whenever a customer tries to advocate for themselves.

When I first moved to Portland in 2003, an old-school taxi driver mentioned to me that he'd never take a car anywhere other than Steve's Automotive - the best and most trustworthy mechanics in town. More than 20 years and more than a few family cars later, I still wouldn't go anywhere else. We've taken an old and a new Subaru, a Honda, an old Volvo, new Audis, an old pickup truck, a minivan. Kind, honest and professional service every time.

I found out about Steve's Automotive by word of mouth from the place I bought my tires at. I had work done here on my 2007 Beetle earlier this month. They replaced the break booster, communicated the repair plan and 2 business days later I was able to pick up my car, and this came right after the 4th of July holiday closures. The cost was a bit out of my price range but it is my understanding that this type of repair with the parts needed is costly. I did some research but ultimately I'm in no way knowledgeable about cars whatsoever so this took a bit of trust and a little leap of faith, even with the word of mouth referral. The owners wife helped me right on day one meeting my tow truck driver and I and even offering to stay a bit past close of business if needed to make sure my vehicle made it into the shop. She has amazing customer service that felt extremely genuine. I knew I was in good hands from there. Fast forward to today, I've had a few issues since the repair was completed and I was offered to bring it in tomorrow for them to investigate the problem. It's unknown at this point if it's in anyway related to the repair work or something completely unrelated for example, one of the issues now is with my air-conditioning system and another is likely break pad related. When I called to inform them of these issues, they offered full support in helping me figure out the issues with a new diagnosis. I did see someone reviewed with a very costly diagnostic. On day one I was informed the diagnosis can range in price depending on the issues itself and the depth of investigating needed. My diagnostic report was much closer to the lower end of the price range given and I was actually shocked that it wasn't closer to the higher end. The inside of this place is clean and well kept. I encountered 3 staff members here and every single one were professional and polite. It's a smaller building than I was thinking it would be and the way they parked other customers cars in here is honestly impressive! Lol there were a lot! I want to close this review by saying I do not personally know anyone who works here and I do not work here. I was not asked to leave a review and I don't usually review places unless I'm absolutely blown away or trying to offer feedback due to other reviews that seem unfair or inaccurate. I will circle back with an updated review once my 2nd diagnostics is completed, hopefully tomorrow. I will also update my review once any additional repairs if needed are completed. If you're looking for an up to date reassurance on choosing these guys, I currently would send my friends and family here without question. You're in good hands.

I've taken at least two family cars to Steve's, more than once, because these vehicles are 30 yrs old, and 24 yrs old, respectively, and their repairs have always been done quickly, and for a reasonable cost. The latest was yesterday, when my starter motor gave out. Steve's took the car in to their shop without a prior appointment, and it was fixed within 24 hrs. Friendly, professional, and honest repair business. I'll always use Steve's if I can, even though I live in another part of town now!

I have had multiple, very positive experiences at Steve's Automotive over the past several months. They have done my front and rear differentials, changed my spark plugs, put back an incorrectly installed anti rattle clamp, and fixed an issue with water coming into my front passenger side floor. Great, efficient service and such a better value then going to my dealership. Wish I had started coming here sooner.

I took my 2001 Chevy Corvette to them to have a common problem with that car addressed. The problem causes the car to die at traffic lights and intersections, a serious safety problem. I had already done some research and found out the problem was likely electrical in nature, causing the car to spit out codes suggesting I replace the column lock. I shared all of this information with them... They said that I was wrong; their mechanic was sure it's the column lock. They insisted replacing it should fix my problem, and fix all of the codes I was getting. I reluctantly agreed despite everything I read online to the contrary. The repair required purchasing a new lock and having a locksmith key it. Hundreds of dollars later, nothing has been fixed. The middle-aged mechanic even yelled at me, several times. I guess it was my fault that he didn't fix my car. How could he expect me to be happy with no result? After being berated, talked-down to, and scolded by the mechanic, the very nice office manager gave a small break on labor. Still, I cannot recommend anyone take a car with a safety or electrical issue here. Her suggestion, after I paid for unnecessary work, was "Maybe take it to a Chevy dealer. They have specialized equipment we don't have. They can see stuff we can't." It would have been nice to know that a few hundred dollars earlier.

Fantastic service, great people. No one else I’d trust my car with.

We have been taking our cars (Honda and Chevy) for years. They've fixed our air condition, wheel bearing, oil loss but no drip, general maintenance, tires, and more. They know us and we know them. Even though we no longer work close to their shop, it's worth the trip to know someone we trust is handling it. Thank you, Stephanie, Bob, and Ed.

Made an appointment for our college daughter to get a headlight replaced in her VW Golf. They had great availability for her busy schedule and got her in quickly. They quoted a great price for the repair and were quick (15 min) and friendly when she arrived. So happy she got great, honest and reliable service! Thank you Steve's Auto for providing excellent service!

Stay away from this place - they are scammers. Not only is their services extremely expensive (I have receipts for anyone interested in seeing) these people are extremely dishonest and won't fix your issue. They will keep misdiagnosing you so they can ask for more money. Also, they argue with their customers here. They will write back telling you how they were right and that you as the customer are wrong. Take your money elsewhere

Whole team is great! Had a problem with our Toyota and they were able to diagnose the problem and replaced all the hoses for us. They are great we have used them for a couple of our other vehicles and things have always worked out well. Took in one of our vans and they told us not to do the repair because they didn't think it was worth it because of the age of the engine. They could have easily just taken our money and done the repair but they are honest and I appreciate their candor.

Came into here two weeks ago. The AC stopped blowing cold air in the middle of a heat wave and coming from out of state. Brought it to Ed where we were charged over $100 to inspect and totaled over $260 to also recharge it. He also offered to look deeper and apply another fix that would have totaled everything to over $600. We were told that there was still an issue and the fix won't last long because he couldn't confirm where the issue exactly was but had an idea. He did promise that it would last for a short time and allow us to get to our next destination. We decided just to recharge because of how ridiculously expensive it already was. The next day the AC already started blowing hot air. We went back to have him actually fix it just to be told it's going to be over $300 with no guarantee it'll be fixed and costs could go up. They essentially told us they didn't care and to kick rocks. Despite how desperate we needed it fixed, we couldn't take how they were extremely rude they were to us and overpriced their services were. We dealt with the drive in the heat wave and took it out of state (to a more expensive area than Portland). Was able to get it inspected and fixed for about the price of what it cost him to inspect it. Do yourself a favor and go anywhere else.

I wrote my initial review on Google after taking my SUV here for a high pressure hose repair. They did a quick job and got me in the next day, the fellow on the phone gave me a ballpark so I would not be caught off guard at the expense at pick up. Wheb I picked up my car, that is a different story. My vehicle was still making the noise indicating an issue, and the power steering reservoir was still bubbling when turning the wheel. The sound was not as bad, and would come up occasionally at a hard turn. I asked about the pump and was told it was good. He did mention the lower hose could be leaking, but that would require another appointment. This upset me for a few reasons. Number one, the shop had one other vehicle in the bay being worked on. Two, where the heck was the phone call telling me about this? Why was I not given an estimate for the additional repair? Clearly I need this issue taken care of, so why the lack of communicating this other potential issue? Not trying to have the high pressure line go AGAIN. So I was told to drive it and call about another appointment for the lower hose. Two days later my issue got progressively worse, much louder, escpially on the highway. So I called and left a message. No reply, no call back whatsoever. Long story short, I called multiple times, even had my wife call when I was at work. No reply. To add, I received a bunch of random cut up metal pieces ans part of the part of the old hose which was left in a zip lock baggy, tucked into my glove box. Having old cut up parts left in my vehicle was a first. Usually that material gets thrown out. Either way, it's shady and upsetting to drop half a grand for work to be left with a persistent issue and old parts. At least they should pick up the phone and return a call. Originally this would have been a great shop, better prices compared to other shops. Guess I know why it's cheaper... sad too.

Stay away! Pros: -None Cons: -They don't tell you the approximate charges for service(s) before hand. -Prices for minute/simple service are EXTREMELY high. Dealership service prices are cheaper/more reasonable than this shop. -Labor fee grossly and unreasonable high to check out vehicle. -Expertise is limited. Would never recommend. Wate of time and money only to still need to take my vehicle to a shop that has the expertise to fix my car.

Won't ever return. I've been going here for years. My car's thermostat was sticking. They replaced it. Starting sticking again so I took it back. Ed ran some tests and sent me on my merry way.Told me of all things to turn my heater on when it gets hot. I expressed my dismay and was ignored. Guess what...I blew a head gasket. Instead of replacing the faulty thermostat I'm out $1500. Oh is this how you make money! I will never give you guys my money again. This happened a few years ago and it's taken me this long to express myself.

I take my car here to get serviced after a recommendation from my boyfriend and being tired of the shady dealerships. They always do a great job and do what's needed and don't try and push me to do extra unneeded repairs like the dealership does. Good honest mechanics!

I took my Nissan Frontier here for a new clutch and a few other repairs. The price was very affordable and a lot better than other shops. I talked to a few of their service writers over the course of the repair and they always kept me updated. I expected it to take quite some time to get the repairs done but they were finished with a week. My vehicle what's just as clean as when I dropped it off. Thanks Steve's automotive!!!

So I can't start my car recently and These guys are the closest auto repair shop. I said ok go ahead check my car after they promise the diagnose will be no longer than a hour and 100 dollar (100 for just find out the problem) I waited 2 hours for them to get started to look at my car and then they just simply pluged in pcm code reader and tell me that "oh, there are few problems going on" and after like another half hour they told me that they might need extra time to find out the problem, which is gonna ask me for more money. To be clear here, all these money are just for finding the problem! I also found out they have ridiculous labor fees here. So even you got lucky they didn't charge you over 100 for checking, they gonna make sure to take your money in the next step. Take my recommend: Save your money, save your time, skip this shitty shop.

Went here after having multiple bad experiences with another mechanic downtown. They fit me in and diagnosed the problem and got me ready to go quickly. Seemed more familiar with the quirks of my vehicles make/model. Definitely will be returning here for future service needs.

My car had an oil leak that we discovered while on a short visit in Portland. Bob was amazing- quick diagnosis and fix - we are so grateful!

I recently moved to Portland and was looking for a place to get an oil change. I brought my car into Steve's and Bob helped me right away! He also let me know that there were a few other things that needed to be changed (I know nothing about cars), like my air filter. I definitely didn't feel like he was doing it to get more money from me - he gave me the option to postpone it. All in all - great service. Thanks Bob!

I called Steve's from a recommendation after having my car broken into last night. The kindly gentleman who answered my call was helpful, honest and sincere. A rare treat in the auto industry. Harsh but true. Steve's Auto (Bob) -- was kind enough to recommend a specialized glass repair shop who will be driving out to my car this afternoon. What otherwise was a unpleasant experience, has turned into many helping hands to get my car back into proper shape, and that deserves 5 stars from me. Thanks again!

I have been a customer of Steve's for almost 2 years now and always had good/reasonable service. Recently I convinced my husband (who uses another mechanic) to bring his car in for service after his mechanic couldn't take a look at the issue for a few days. Steve's broke a piece while trying to fix the problem which was no biggie we just wanted them to replace the piece they had broken. When my husband (who is the kindest most mild mannered man in the world!!) was explaining what happened Bob interrupted him several times to state that they couldn't have broken the piece because what he was describing wasn't how the issue we had would have been solved. I was taken aback because he has NEVER spoken to me this way and has always been very kind. Then when my husband stated that he didn't know about the repair all he knew was this piece wasn't broken before and its in the same location as the repair Bob again interrupted and said "Sir I don't want to fight with you" which shocked me because NOTHING coming out of my husbands mouth was in an aggressive tone at all. I found Bob to be very hostile and unkind to my husband. Now back to me, I spent almost $1,200 on brake repair, a 90,000 mile checkup and an oil change for my BMW and only 1,000 miles later got an "oil at minimum level" notification. I brought it to Steve's to top it off since they did the most recent oil change even though my husband and I vowed to not go there again after the last time! But I didn't want to pay anyone else to do it. Upon arriving Ed told me that he would not top it off for free because my car was probably using the oil (I have had this car for over 3 years and never had this issue before). Then he told me that they didn't even have my oil in stock that it was a special order. I questioned him because I have MANY times over the years dropped my car off unannounced and walked to the gym (24 in the pearl is around the corner) and come back to get it. They can usually always fit you in for an oil change on Saturday morning. He proceeded to tell me that they always have some type of synthetic oil in stock and maybe they used a different kind on those days, no one ever alerted me to that fact... Anyway, they replaced the piece for my husbands car and I took my car to Jiffy Lube on 13325 SW Canyon Rd. in Beaverton who topped it off for FREE even though I'm not even a customer there shout out to them! We won't return to Steve's...

I didn't get the luck to make it into Steve's but I called this morning because my rearview mirror fell off and I had no idea what to do. They couldn't get me in for a couple of days but referred me to a glass company that I became really pleased with. Thanks so much for the excellent customer service! I will definitely keep you in mind!

Top notch service, painless and prompt. They fixed my car fast, didn't BS me and treated me like a person even though I have an old car...and am female. Highly recommended!

Steve's Automotive is doing twice a year full check-up on my FORD Mustang 1966 + repair when I need since 3 years. When it come to classic car some shop tend to take advantage of the fact that it's an old car to justify changing more parts than needed. With Bob I always have a clear estimate most of the time a few hours after I bring the car in and he always take the time to explain me what is going on and what need to happen. Two year ago I had to swap the engine, an Inline 6 200 for the Mustang. Steve's Automotive did the entire swap + painted the engine (as it came unpainted from manufacturer) within a week ! I had experience with other shop were they dont plan and just tell you to bring the car in and then it takes weeks sometime even months just to get a carburetor tuned. The shop is also very well located downtown Portland. I m now also bringing to them a FORD Econoline 1974 I highly recommend Steve's Automotive !

$105 per hour. Wanted nearly $600 labor for what two different mechanics considered to be 3 hours work. This is without parts which at least they would allow me to provide minus a warranty of course. I felt I was being charged twice for labor because part of the job already was being half way done once the wheels and brakes where removed from the front of the car to service the brakes. Another nearby shop quoted me labor cost about half those quoted by Steve's automotive. I even explained to the person working at the counter who I don't think was involved with the estimate that I knew one of the jobs (replacing the front bearings) is half way done when the front brakes are serviced so wouldn't expect to be charged twice for that labor. Would not recommend to anyone I know.

If I could give more stars, I would! I wholeheartedly (and then some) agree with the statement "these guys are amazing". I pulled off I-405 on my way to Washington as I heard a "pop". It turns out I had a flat tire (right rear) caused by glass slicing the side of the tire. Luckily for me, I was directly across from Steve's. Not only were they kind enough to help me (they obviously had full activity in the bays) at such short notice, they inspected my other tires and found a nail in the left rear. They helped me get on the road safely (with a tire that matched the treads of the one sliced with the glass that couldn't be repaired) plus fixed the "nail" tire. Bob was wonderful at explaining my options "no pressure" and Jason was wonderful at taking care of both tires (and even making sure the other tires were okay). Unbelievable customer service, friendly and professional, affordable, honest. Highly recommended! And thank you guys....Claire

Steve's is the the only place I take my car. They are honest and kind and I never feel like I'm being ripped off.

I cannot say enough excellent things about Steve's Automotive. I've taken my car there twice and the second time I didn't even have an appointment. But Bob still took his time and was kind and patient with me even though it was a busy Monday morning. He even figured out the problem but then was honest with me telling me it should be covered by the warranty and I can take it into the dealer. Amazing service! He even said I can call him if I have any problems! WOW! I will be taking my car to Bob forever! Everyone should go here! HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended!

Steve's automotive is fantastic. I've had two cars serviced here multiple times and with both vehicles, they listened, were knowledgable about the problem and have great customer service. They never try to upsell you but rather inform you about what's going on with your car and why - then, if there are multiple issues, they lay out the problems in order of priority. I appreciate their quick service and the fact that they talk you without an appointment. Each time I've brought my car in, I have it back by the end of the day. They will call you with an update and an estimate on parts and labor which has always been right on. HIGHLY recommend them.