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.

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!!!

After not being able to find anyone to take on my carburated 84 CJ for longer than I'd hoped, I finally found Mike and Justin. I came to them just hoping for a fine tuning of the carb and maybe a transmission service. When I sat down and presented a wish list of thing I would like completed, they didn't say no to anything. It's refreshing to find a shop that will take on work like most shops used to. They installed a new radiator, new steering box, and mount, new steering pump, an aftermarket fuel injection system as well as bodywork, paint, a new front windshield frame, and a transmission service. Everything was done to perfection. They were easy to work with, used all the parts I had chosen, gave good feedback but didn't steer me in a direction I didn't want to go(pun intended). They were communicative and responsive throughout the process with an extremely thorough walkthrough when I picked the jeep up. I won't take my jeep anywhere else and will be bringing my other vehicles there as well. I can't recommend them highly enough.

This was my first experience with Cowden Automotive and it was so great that I wanted to write a review. My 2006 Volvo V50, Inga, was getting close to her big, expensive timing belt replacement service interval. I knew from getting quotes and perusing forums that this would not be cheap, and the quote I got from Paul seemed right in the ball park, plus there were such good reviews, I had just done my taxes and knew what I could spend so I said: "Bada Bing!" and scheduled the work. Wow, are they pleasant to work with, warm and friendly! Also the service went off without a hitch, it was pretty major work and it was done on time for the amount quoted! The shop has a nice vibe and I'm very glad I had the work done at Cowden! The reviews are right, they are a great shop!

i did not call ahead of time...just showed up having had walked down to Cowden Automotive from Market street to drop off an old Car Battery... i wait just inside Driveway for about 1 minute and someone is honking at me with much impatience, liken unto {as if I would have been blocking his way with purpose} similar to the Critical Mass event, i mean he honked at least 12 times consecutivvely, exclaiming "don't block the driveway", which I was not "blocking", but anyway...i stand aside the wall as closely as possible when the guy starts motioning at me to go outside....so I wait there till he parks the Mustang and gets close enough I am able to yell over traffic, "I want to leave this Battery with you". Man in charge says ..."don't need it".

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.

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.

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!

Awesome service all around! 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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 120K Much 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.

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!

Knowledgeable, and honest. I have a 68' mustang which is in a category of vehicles this shop has an interest and focus to service. New cars, too, but I see many classic autos there, and most are more complicated that Ford Mustangs. I"ve had older cars for years, and they are by far a bigger, more professional operation. Their hourly rate is within the range of other 'higher end" full service mechanics. And a nice father and son running the place.

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!

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.

My friend Don C. has been going to Cowden's for 10++ years so I already knew I'd be treated fairly. I was able to get an appointment quickly and the work on my car was done within a couple of hours. I was able to wait at Peet's coffee around the corner so I didn't have to go home and come back. Mike was professional, friendly, informative and fun. I'm thrilled to have found an auto mechanic shop I can trust.

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.

Awesome place I 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.

The image shows a bunch of tires.... But they don't repair tires... At least not for a reasonable price (the guy wanted to charge me $130 just to take a look at the tire + $120 for replacing it, because he said he doesn't do repairs, only replacement). At least he was honest saying that he wasn't a tire shop, and recommended a few places nearby. Please change the picture of the ad at least!

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!!

I was visiting from out of town and Cowden was the only place I could find that was willing to look at my van and get the work done in time for me to drive back to LA. They were very understanding of my circumstances. In addition, they made sure the repairs were done well and when they discovered the new part they installed was faulty immediately remedied the situation.

I love this place. Personally I'm from Sacramento and had car trouble while in the city. Mike and Jared took great care of us on our one year anniversary. The day started horrible when we had break issues and they saved the day! Their price was fair and they are very trustworthy people. I would highly recommend this place! Thanks again guys.

I’ve been a customer of Cowden Automotive for several years now, and have very pleased with the services they provide - they’re professional, fairly priced, honest and very nice folks to work with. I’ve recommended them to numerous friends and neighbors when they’re looking for quality automotive services in San Francisco.

Friendly, efficient, reliable and professional -Everyone I've met at Cowden Automotive is friendly and professional. I feel that my car is in good hands. I'd like to add that as a woman, I've never been talked down to, which happens often in male-dominated industries, but not at Cowden Automotive.

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 :)

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.

A regular customer for years, I think the world of Paul Cowden and his automobile service team. The Cowden folks are extremely courteous, skillful, conscientious, and attentive to preventative maintenance. I rate them as excellent, and I highly recommend them.

They gave me an appointment right away, and finished quickly and under projected costs. Never have to worry about them 'padding' the work. They are always willing to explain what is going on in my car if I ask. Super pleasant people, who really love cars.

As always the work was done perfectly. And they always go a step further, whether it be some other repair (in this case), or warning me about something that will need to be addressed next visit. After 40 years here why would I go anywhere else.

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.

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.

Top notch facility. This is a quality/honest mechanic. Paul and his crew are great. If you look at how well they maintain their shop (super clean and organized) you can be sure they treat your car the same way.

I worked with Justin when my Subaru was having trouble starting. Just was great, talked me through the fixes and was incredibly helpful but also never tried to up sell me. Really great experience.

I always love bringing my car here. They like working on it, and it shows. Plus they take great care of me, explain everything thoroughly and have good communication cadence throughout.

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!

These guys are professionals. I had a VW Jetta at the time that needed repair, and they did work on my car like no others, plus with promptitude and courtesy.

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 else

Im leaving no stars because Justin told me there was nothing wrong with my car when I picked it up I drove two blocks and the car caught on fire

Always a pleasure to have them service my vehicles. Competitively priced, top quality service and friendly people. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Cowden Automotive is the best auto shop in San Francisco. They are always super helpful. There is no place else I would take my car.

True father and son business. You not only get honest, good, satisfactory service but lots of smiles and jokes from the owner.

Justin and the crew at Cowden are skilled, fair and respectful. Their work is worth every penny. I highly recommend them.

Fantastic place! Courteous, honest, and reliable. I wish more businesses were this good! I will always take my car there.

Justin was clear in describing what service my car needed. Work was performed on time as promised. Very satisfied.

I have been going to Cowden on and off for about 25 years. They never dissapoint and I trust them completely!

Friendly and reasonable price. I went there just before they closed to patch my tire and they were so nice.

I had a GREAT experience. They were very professional and I appreciated their flexibility. Great shop!

Stay away from this shady business, these guys shouldn't be let anywhere near a classic car.

We trusted them and that is what it is about when they match your expectations.

Great service and detail to attention from Justin

Quick turnaround, friendly and informative staff.

Love Cowden, keep up the great work!

Always great service with a smile.

Car is running great! Thank you!

Excellent service as always.

Buen servicio …

Fantastic mechanic

Very fast service

Best shop