A long, long, long overdue review for Matt and American Auto Clinic. I have had two of my older vehicles repaired a total of 4 times over the past 12 years. I was kinda down and out for a time and Matt did what he could to help ease the pain (financially) in getting my car repaired. He actually cares about his customers and wellbeing. Sure, he needs to make a profit but, hey, it was surely refreshing when I first came across him 12 years ago. I have saved hundreds of dollars more than I would have had I went with another company. My adult son, when the need arises, takes his truck there as well. This is Richard M with the old red 4 door chevy. read more

John and the team at American Auto Clinic are the best in the business. I brought in my 2013 Honda Accord which wouldn't start and they were able to diagnose it and resolve the issue for $100. I had troubleshooted it myself for two days prior to taking it in and was confident it was the alternator, or worse. Can't explain how grateful for I am for John and the team at the shop. I will send all my friends and family here and my dad has been using them for some time now. THANK YOU! read more

I was recommended to American Auto Clinic by a friend whose family has used them for years, and I'm really glad I followed that advice. I live in Texas, but my daughter goes to school in San Diego, so having a trustworthy shop from afar was important to me. They were extremely accommodating, communicative, and transparent throughout the entire process. They clearly explained what was needed, didn't try to upsell, and took great care of my daughter's car. It's a huge relief knowing there's an honest and reliable shop I can count on even when I'm not local. Highly recommend. ~Eddie read more

Very honest and accommodating service. John is very reliable, patient and knowledgable.

I've had a great experience every time I brought my car in. They don't try to up sell you on things you don't need which is much appreciated. Everyone was so welcoming and I will definitely be going back!! read more

I came in for a diagnosis on my car a couple of months ago and John was so helpful and got me a diagnosis on my car within a couple of hours, he was able to fix my engine mounts the next week and its a night and day difference! The cost was lower than other quotes we had gotten and the quality of service made it all so worth it! Will be returning and recommending to friends and family! read more

Top notch service and vary to the point they dont beat around the bush i will be continuing on going here for the rest of my life. John is very respectful and listens to your issues and gets them resolved right away. read more

I trust these guys with every single car I've had. I always feel like their prices are super reasonable. The honesty from them is the main reason I'm writing this. I know they'll find the problem and fix it. They'll tell me if it's not worth it to fix it. Always kind and quick read more

Great mechanic shop very reasonably priced and do outstanding work ya really need to try it out the best Auto Shop in all So Calif

Finally found myself a quality mechanic! Never have I felt so confidant and relaxed leaving an auto shop. John quoted a price over the phone and I walked out paying half! If you want honest and quick service American Auto Clinic is the place to go! read more

Matt and his crew always do a great job. Very friendly people. Prices are awesome, and they never over price or try to make me pay for unnecessary work. Every time I call, they get me in the same day. Good people and I highly recommend this place. Thanks guys read more

I am a very untrusting when it comes to mechanics and shops. But Matt and his shop have earned my business and trust . I have had an issue with car that other places either couldn't figure out or didnt want to take the time. He was straight with me the whole way thru and ultimately fixed the problem. And for those that are reading reviews to gauge price, he was very fair. read more

I had an emergency issue with my work truck. I pushed the clutch to shift gears and it didn't come back up! I had to get it checked out ASAP so I called American Auto Clinic and they assured me it could get diagnosed by the end of the day. That was awesome since it was already 2pm on a Thursday. I got the call, they got the parts next day, and by mid afternoon I was back to work. I highly recommend American Auto Clinic Matt and his crew are honest, professional, and I assure anyone trustworthy. read more

I took my truck to a guy near me in Poway to get a quote because the mechanic shop had an asstounding 5 star reviews which I had never seen before. He told me I needed both valve covers replaced and hoses to power steering. He quoted me $750 to fix everything. I decided to take it to Matt because I use to live in Escondido and Matt has worked on my cars for 20 years. I'm glad I did because Matt was able to save me 20% of the cost the five star shop would have charged me and I know it's quality work. read more

Hands down the most honest and competent auto repair shop I've ever done business with. These guys know cars and you can trust that not only will they fix the problem, they won't overcharge you for a bunch of unneeded work. You have to go here for car maintenance and repair. Matt and his team did a simple fix on my car that another Escondido transmission shop had screwed up. I recommended my dad go them for his pickup with a check engine light. For 4 years, and a couple thousand in attempted repairs, the dealer never permanently fixed the problem. These guys figured it out and fixed it for far less than the dealer. read more

I came in today 1/2/17 from a referral from some members from my church who've been going here for years and have all said Matt is very affordable and nice/honest. I was previously quoted on new brake pads/rotors from many auto shops for about $350-600. Not even including the back ones. So when I came to American Auto Clinic Matt took care of me right away as a walk in and told me the total was $350(after looking at it) with an oil change included. To me, it was a bit more than I expected but I ended up staying since I was already there with my toddler and didn't want to risk keep driving it as it was in horrible driving condition. After a few calls while waiting, I ended up figuring out it was cheaper just to buy my own parts and get it done by a mechanic. The mechanic I called who I was referred to by another church member said he would only charge me $70 to change brake pads/rotors if I had my own parts. Then I told Matt that I would like them to stop working on my vehicle and he was really concerned w/me and my daughter leaving his shop with the brakes in bad condition so he ended up lowering the job down to $275 w/oil change included! I was so thankful and appreciated his kindness and honesty. He seemed to really care about the safety of me and my daughter and even though he lowered it he also told me I could take my van to his shop to check on oil regularly. What a great honest guy who deserves 5stars. read more

Awesome group of guys. Came here based on YELP reviews and the guys at the shop did not disappoint. Needed a pre-purchase inspection for an ML350 and these guys were great. They test drove it, put the car on the rack, did a thorough search for leaks, checked for anything unusual, ran codes--the whole shebang. I did some research on my own about common issues and these guys were spot on with what they knew about the cars and what to look for. Definitely a good shop. read more

My experience on Yelp has been that a lot of Yelpers really don't know what they are talking about. They have one good meal or one good business transaction and they end up blinded by love for the restaurant or business. I'm not that person. So hear me clearly when I say that Matt and his crew at American Auto Clinic are tops at what they do and are good guys all around. I took my dear Civic in for an oil change and had a friendly conversation about my car. Turns out if neglecting the maintenance of your car was a crime, I'd be doing hard time somewhere in the California Penitentiary System. Matt informed me, without scolding, that if i didn't do much needed and overdue work on the Civic, I was in for a nasty surprise and would be shopping for a new car. Matt: He's honest, upfront, and doesn't have a dishonest or greedy cell in his entire being! He is also one heck of a nice guy. I am very satisfied with AAC and will be recommending AAC highly and often. read more

Matt has been taking care of my cars for about thirty years. He and his mechanics absolutely know what they're doing. And just as important, Matt is honest in his assessments and reasonable in his pricing. Trust your cars to Matt and you won't ever be disappointed. read more

These guys are one of the best in town, they are honest and fair in how they do business. They fixed my issue right and got me back on the road in no time. I Highly recommend Matt and the team. they've solved some tough car troubles and fixed what another shop couldn't. Quality work and treated fairly, couldn't ask for better service. This shop is an easy 5 stars. read more

Service: replaced all brake pads and rotors. Unfortunately two hours into my 8 hour trip my car did not want to move anymore. After a tow to a repair shop I find out that a bolt came lose on my brake pads. The mechanic mentioned that no thread glue was used when they put everything back. They do offer a 3 year warranty but how would I use that in my circumstance. Few hundred dollars later and a bent rim I was back on the road luckily. Due to the negligence I will never come back here again. read more

American Auto Clinic is rated highly for a reason. I've had a vibration in my car when idling for a while. It finally got to the point it became very noticeable and annoying. So I was ready to get it fixed. I also was advised I had a bad negative batter cable a few months ago. I looked for a small shop mechanic to support during the state-wide shutdown. American Auto Clinic was close and had good reviews. I walked in, no appointment, never been there before. I was greeted by Matt who asked what he could do. Told him about the mount and the negative battery cable. He took my information and my key and said I'll get it looked at and called you. Called me within a reasonable amount of time and told me yup, bad mount and cable. This is the price. Very very reasonable price. I said go ahead. Now some people fear auto shops because they try to "up-sell" and get you do do extra services. All Matt asked was if I've ever had anything else done to it(70k miles) and I've never been there before so he didn't have service records. I said yes, I've had everything done and maintained. And that was the end of it. I could tell he wasn't trying to push anything, but was genuinely looking out for my car and wanted to make sure I wasn't over do for anything. Matt called me later in the afternoon and said I was good to go. Came in slightly under what was quoted which is always good. I showed up, had a good conversation, paid, and was on my way. I must've had a bad mount forever. I always thought my car just had a small vibration. Car is perfect and smooth now I couldn't be happier. read more

I've been a customer of Matt the Owner of American Auto Clinic for many years. Just recently had my car in for some service and as always, he is very reputable! You can depend on him to do the right thing for you and your Car! Plus at the right price ...Really can't go wrong! read more

If I could give these guys 6 stars, I would. I came to these guys for a pre-purchase inspection about 4 weeks ago, and had the cash in hand to buy the car had everything checked out okay. Matt and his guys found several bug problems with the car and cautioned me to keep looking. I brought in another car shortly there after, all the way up from a dealer in El Cajon, which he told me was 10x worse than the last. He told me he wouldn't charge me for the inspection until we brought him a car that was worth buying and he's been the kindest, most helpful, most unmechanic-like mechanic I've ever met! I'm so happy we happened upon these guys. I'm never taking any of my cars anywhere else in San Diego. read more

I have wanted to take my car in to this shop for awhile after reading the reviews. I went in today not knowing an appointment was needed, and it was around noon. I was told by one of the guys there that they did not have time today and they may not have enough time for the rest of the week. Just now at 3:24 pm on 03-13-2012 I called and ask for an appointment on saturday, I was told they also did not have enough time to do the work I needed done because they close early, and I was going to leave my car there after work around 9:30am. To me this sounds like they take on a heavier workload than they can handle, and this also make me think twice about going here for anything. read more

Matt and his guys are the only ones I trust with my car. I've been going to him for eight years and I always carry his business cards to pass on to people. I recommend him to everyone I know and still go to him even now that I live in Carlsbad. They are some of the nicest, genuine, honest and most helpful people I've ever met. Check them out! read more

I drive from Temecula to American Auto Clinic to get both mine and my wife's car worked on. Matt the owner is very nice and up front. If your looking for an honest and trustworthy mechanic shop i would recommended American Auto Clinic. read more

I went with my son to have his (new-ish) car looked at before a long trip. Matt gave suggestions on what needed to be fixed right away and what could wait. As the costs mounted, he felt sorry for my son and I think he threw in an air filter or something! Matt was also able to get the part and do the repair in one day! I couldn't believe the speed and the fair cost. I then took my husband's car in for an oil change on a whim, and he was able to complete that within 40 minutes -- and patched a tire where he found a nail! Nice waiting room too, with tables to work and plenty of magazines. Thanks, we will be back. read more

It's been a bad week for my house, air conditioner and car. But a bad week is turned around with the help of this company. Was originally recommended to them by my neighbor. I've taken my 02 Envoy several times to them in the past few years and they've always fixed the problem straight away. They don't upsell you and dont do unnecessary repairs. In and out in one day. I would recommend to anyone. read more

I found AAC when I needed a huge & costly repair on my car. They got the job done & at a fair price. They were honest & straight to the point about everything, lets juss say they get shit done ! I now go to them for every minor or major repairs & recommend them to everyone I know. read more

I've been having a slowly deepening problem with the clutch on my old beater car that I've been avoiding because of the hassle of dealing with another pricey repair. So, that didn't work out so well, as I was completely without a clutch in rush hour traffic on the 15 Friday morning. I managed to get to work and immediately hit Yelp to find a good mechanic in Escondido. I'm really glad to have met Matt - he knocked out the repair in no time at all. I have another good mechanic closer to where I work, but American Auto clinic is closer to home, and so far I'm really impressed. The repeat business from other reviewers made a big difference in calling them. Yelp really did me right, and so did Matt. read more

Great service. Best i have ever had! An honest group of guys. It certainly showed that they cared and wanted to get me back on the road without spending too much money. Thanks guys i will for sure come here for my auto repair needs. read more

I had been using another independent mechanic, but got feed up with making appts, showing up to only hear..... can you come back another time. Brought the Tundra to Matt - all I can say is he and his team are honest, trustworthy, provide fair and reasonable repair costs, AND go beyond that is needed - they pretty much check out the whole vehicle. This place is highly recommended - for repairs or general maintenance. As noted by others, he is busy, so appts. need to be made..but well worth the delay... read more

By far, the most honest and reasonable shop/mechanic I have ever had. I am female and you know the deal. Well not here! Matt's policy is treat the customer fairly and they will come back. He is in for the long haul and so am I. My go to guy for all my car's needs. Thank you Matt and staff!!! read more

Matt knows whats wrong with your car, when other mechanics have no idea! He personally drives your car to pinpoint any noise or issue with your vehicle. Stop going go the dealer or other inferior mechanics. American Auto Clinic does it better and at a more reasonable cost than the competition! Its a pretty busy place for good reason, honest, quality workmanship! read more

Ive been meaning to leave a review. WORST Place ever!!! Went in due to my car making a clicking noise and 5 hours later after dropping it off I called since no one took the time to call me back.I was told that both topper/lower ball joints in the front of my car were bad and they were causing the noise.@ 350.00 a side I told them to go ahead and fix it.I came to pick up my car and the lights were out and a young guy was chilling in the back office rocking to music.I get in my car and leave after paying,the guy who charged me out didn't even have my keys they were left on my car seat with the windows down,mind you my car was parked at the next business no where close to eye sight. I drive off and I hear the damn noise again,I called the place of course they were closed.I call them the next morning and the manager tells me to bring my car in again and drop it off,Wth really they had my car from 7:30am to 5pm and I spend all that money for nothing! I refused to take my car back there,2 days later I took my car to another Mechanic and said I would wait,I was standing outside the stall as he put my car in the lift to raise it.half way up he noticed something and stopped the life. He came back to me and said " where did you take your car"? He said that the clicking noise was from a crack in my body frame rear end above the tire,he showed it to me.another 250 for welding and the noise was GONE! I called American Auto again and spoke to the manger,again he says we didn't notice that and anyways the other parts that we thought were bad are trashed and that he could refund me anything,now mind you I never said anything to him about a refund! I have told everyone I know to NEVER go to this shop!!! read more

Maybe they've had a change of staff, but If there was any minus options, I'd certainly give this shop a -25. They appear to be friendly, but have a way with producing things that are not valid, as far as repairs are concerned. I took my car there for a pre-sale inspection, only to suddenly find a list of items that discouraged the buyer from completing the sale. However, I had taken the car to 2 dealerships in the Los Angeles area the day before and got a detailed inspection...with absolutely NO flaws. So, here's how it went at American Auto Criminals. When I pulled into the shop, all the mechanics were busy on other vehicles. After I said that I was there for a pre-sale inspection, all 3 of the mechanics stopped what they were doing to focus on my car. One did the inspection, another wrote down notes from their inspector, and the last one simply plugged in the diagnostic tool for readings. This took all of 10 minutes, but they all had a dodo eating grin on their faces. At that point, I told them to take it off the rack because if I was going to be paying the $75 inspection fee...I was not going to be insulted any further. Needless to mention that my personal mechanic in LA had completed a thorough inspection only 5 days earlier. I wish I had contacted What Would You Do, or some investigative agency that specializes in catching shops like this one in their misconduct by was of dishonest business practices. The bottom line is, if you have money to throw away, you may as well go across the street and treat yourself to a nice juicy steak. At least you'll have some type of satisfaction afterwards. read more

I've been going to Matt at American Auto Clinic for years - I wouldn't go anywhere else. I trust them and they've always told me what needed to be done and what could wait. read more

This has been my go to repair shop for the past 2 years and I'm very pleased with the work they do. Matt is honest and gives fair estimates. He gives you options and doesn't try to sell you on things you don't need. I have never had issues with their work. read more

Wow This is the best shop that I have ever had the pleasure of using. I shopped around for an alternator replacement for my infiniti and was quoted $550+ wherever I asked. I was surprised to get a quote of only $400 from Matt. He took the time to verify that my alternator was the problem, keeping me in the loop at all times. Then got the work done and got me out the door as quickly as possible. The best part? He didn't charge me the ridiculous diagnostic fee that every other shop charges. He charges only $75/ hr on labor (most other shops charge $90+) and he doesn't go "by the book" on the labor hours for a job, he charges the actual time it takes to get the repair done and handles his billing without greed. Very good place to go. You won't get ripped of and you'll get the best service you've ever had. The only ethical and trustworthy shop in SD. read more