About Business
AUTO RESEARCH CENTER OF CALIFORNIA brings expert Car Repair solutions to the local community in Garden Grove, CA, Garden Grove. From Smog inspection station to complex Car Repair projects, they maintain high standards of service quality. Local residents in Garden Grove, CA appreciate their attention to detail, leading to a consistent 4.1/5 rating from 39 reviewers. By focusing on the specific requirements of the Garden Grove, CA area, they have built a loyal following among local Car Repair customers. Explore their full range of Car Repair services and see why they are a preferred choice for customers across Garden Grove, CA and beyond.
Google Reviews
J J
★★★★★
4 years ago
Visited this location for a smog check. Excellent service. Good price.
JD Rinde
★★★★★
9 years ago
Only one person ahead of me. The owner recognized me from prior visits and he gave me discount. Very fast I was done in 15m
Robert Blakely
★★★★★
2 years ago
Been going here for many years very good service no nonsense! Nice gentleman works here.
Dan Jackobs
★★★★
☆
5 years ago
Not sure how many times I've been to Auto Research over the years, but not much has changed; from the same building, to the same technician to the same service.
John Cheever
★★★★★
3 years ago
Been returning here for many years. Always got good service and helpful advice when vehicle didn't pass.
Kenneth Wood
★
☆☆☆☆
5 years ago
I'm pretty sure this guy broke my gas cap just so he could fail me and charge 40 dollars for a replacement. Won't ever come back here.
Jeanie S
★★★
☆☆
6 years ago
Had gone here for years but now wants $78 to smog my 05 Ford Ranger. Way too much, so I took it to a smog station for $58.
Dean “VNR” Nguyen
★
☆☆☆☆
8 years ago
If there is a minus star, I'm going to give this place -5 star! The owner is a cheating guy! Don't bring your car to this place unless you want to be his victim.
Benny “Fugetabotet” Chavez
★★★★★
2 years ago
Great service 😉 / Very friendly 😏 / I have been bringing our cars here for many years😎☝️ / Very honest 🧐 / Come on in today 😲👋
Daniel Timmerman
★★★★
☆
5 years ago
Been getting my RV smog checked here for a long time. By and large no issues however owner stated I was missing some type of valve but after taking it go my repair people they said there was no issue with this valve.
Evon Ramirez
★★★★★
4 years ago
Pretty legit guy I go here for my smogs test and he has let me know of mechanic issues that I have been told by my original mechanic so I believe he is honest.
Legend Entertainment
★★★★★
4 years ago
Been using him for decades. Always helpful.. there was a problem he let me know exactly so that I could get it fixed. Otherwise anytime I go it's very quick and professional very nice gentleman great service.
S J
★★★★★
4 years ago
This place is awesome!!! Very professional! Fast service!! Really nice guy to deal with. I would definitely recommend anyone who needs to get their smog done to go to Auto Research Center. The best smog in town!!!
Michael Tran
★★★★★
5 years ago
Always outstanding service. Same guy/owner who's been at this location for years. No nonsense kinda guy, very friendly. If it doesn't pass he'll tell you why and the retest is free of charge within 30 days. There's never a line since that's all he does is smog & hours are very convenient.
David McNeill
★★★
☆☆
3 years ago
Guy was nice, a bit of a communication hurdle. More importantly he told me that one the internal tests was 'incomplete' 🟡, but the car still passed. Specifically the O2 test. I went directly home and hooked up my obd scanner and everything was green 🟢. That, and he is a bit on the expensive side ($98). I'm still looking for a good smog guy.........
Debbie Winkler
★★★★★
4 years ago
The owner of this facility is always so nice! My car did not pass the first smog test so he repaired the part and retested it and it passed! I didn't make an appointment and was able to be served right away. The facility is no frills, but always clean and service is quick!!! I love that he remembered I brought my car in before and gave me a little extra help so I can renew my registration :) I would definitely recommend this smog test location to anyone!
Kevin Lewis (Bulldogg)
★★★★
☆
11 months ago
Got smogged quickly without much an issue. Prices noted to be about 95 for a 4cyl Camry. Don't know if that's high but seems pricey to me.
Ryan Nguyen
★★★
☆☆
a year ago
He charged me $100 for smog check. It's definitely not cheap. The work was done very quick which is nice. I wish he would have charged reasonably, then I would have come back again.
Tam Nguyen
★
☆☆☆☆
a year ago
I brought my van for a smog check, and decided just to trust in pricing one day rather than do my research and I grossly overpaid. I paid $200 for a smog check which others were quoting $70-$100 on. The work was done very quickly. I would not advise against going here, but I would advise to make sure to call around. There are plenty of options around town.
R
★★★★★
11 months ago
I had a great experience at The Smog check center — this place is a hidden gem in Garden Grove. Don is the real deal. Super chill, honest, and knows his stuff inside out. You can tell he’s been doing this a long time and takes pride in running a legit, no-BS shop. The whole vibe was relaxed, no pressure, and the smog check was quick and smooth.
