Google Reviews
Brandon Witmer

★★★★★
5 years ago
If you don't want to be treated like just another number, this is the shop for you. From my very first experience with this shop, they have made me feel like part of their community. Myself and my car were given good personalized attention that never left me feeling like I was somehow let down. They have exceeded my exceptions in every way. I had a vision for my Subaru and they helped make a plan for it that took into account years of experience with proven methods to help me reach my goals. As my car is a work in progress, I continue to see them for adjustments, regular maintenance, upgrades and advice. I 100% recommend this shop weather you are just getting an oil change or looking to add some power to your ride.
Jessica Whelpley

★★★★★
2 years ago
I found this place after I became dissatisfied with the local Subaru dealership. They are amazing and I wish I found them sooner! Fair, knowledgeable and quick service. They replaced the clutch on my Subaru forester and it feels AMAZING. I highly recommend Brown’s Performance!
Ian Daulton

★★★★★
3 years ago
Darnell sold me a 2002 Subaru Forester a couple days ago. He spent so much time explaining all the work that was put into the vehicle through showing me the service history. He also advised me on additional work and provided a discounted price through reasonable negotiations. He then reimbursed money back that I overpaid, no questions asked when He found out that I was exempt from fees as an active duty service member on orders. I highly recommend Browns Performance to anyone looking for a stand up honest Subaru mechanic in Gainesville, FL.
Jake Wolf

★★★★★
3 years ago
Brown's Performance replaced the clutch, the wheel bearings, and brakes on my 2017 Subaru Forester. They took me in same day when my clutch went out and were able to repair my vehicle very rapidly. They were thorough, empathetic, and reasonably priced. I was impressed at how quickly they were able to fit me in and take care of my vehicle. Not only that, but they did a test drive with me after to make sure it was repaired to my level of satisfaction. EXCELLENT customer service and individualized care.
Malec McCarthy

★★★★★
a year ago
Friendly and Knowledgeable staff! Highly recommended Brown's performance staff's expertise is truly commendable, creating a positive and effective training environment. Their dedication to individualized programs ensures impressive results. The facility itself is well-equipped and meticulously maintained, offering a comfortable and motivating atmosphere. Every aspect reflects a commitment to excellence and client success. It's a place where achieving peak performance feels within reach.
Charla Markesteyn

★★★★★
2 years ago
In 2016, I was driving a Subaru STi that kept overheating because I couldn’t afford to maintain it properly. I called the Subaru Specialist and Darnell offered to tow the car in for me, which I thought was suspiciously nice. He came to pick up the car and from the moment I met him, I knew he was the only mechanic for me. Darnell helped out with a used part that time and since then I’ve been a customer, a friend, and even a part-time employee for a bit during the pandemic. Darnell Brown is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but he is savant-level good at all things Subaru. I saw multiple customers come in with issues that other shops, including the dealership, either caused or couldn’t figure out…and Darnell was able to diagnose and solve them. Since establishing Brown’s Performance, Darnell’s business has grown to include an all-wheel drive dyno and an engine build facility, which recently culminated in his setting the record for world’s fastest Forester in his Brown’s Performance-built, 1,000 hp Subaru Forester. All this while continuing to operate one of the best and most trusted Subie repair shops in Florida. Full disclosure I am very much biased, but in my experience Darnell Brown is the best in the business. If you have a Subaru, bring it to Brown’s Performance!

Lauren Agliano

★★★★★
3 years ago
I've been meaning to review for a while now-- When I bought my first Subaru (used 2010 Forester) I wanted to give it the best care possible by taking it to a shop that specializes in Subies. Brown's Performance gave my car a thorough inspection and a quote on all of the things it would need done from most urgent to least. Over the years we have slowly checked off the repairs needed and my Subaru has never once had an issue since the day I got it, I believe this is all due to the impeccable work that Brown's Performance has done. Excellent communication, excellent work, and with a crew of mechanics that are passionate about what they do. I wouldn't take my car anywhere else.
Brian Block

★★★★★
Edited a year ago
I have been using Darnell ever since I had him replace my 2008 Outback's motor, which I accidentally ran for WAY too long between oil changes (long story, I'm not an idiot) and ruined it. He's become a good friend and I bought my wife a Forester from him as well. I will likely purchase more cars from him as my kids are soon be old enough to drive (shudder the thought). We get personalized service and always leave feeling that we're being well taken care of. He's honest, knowledgeable. and fair. Know the expression "Good, fast, and cheap: choose any two"? Well, this shop just might qualify for the rare status as defying that rule. I recommend him without reservation, provided that you drive a Subaru.
Brian Holbrook

★★★★★
3 weeks ago
Best experience ever buying a car new or used …would highly recommend and will for sure be buying the next car here
Judson Graham

★★★★★
5 years ago
Brought my 2011 forester xt to get a downpipe and Accessport installed, as well as a cam position sensor replaced. Top notch customer service, knowledge, and work all done in a timely fashion. Cannot recommend enough if you need anything from an oil change to power mods done on your Subaru!
Mary Doyle

★★★★★
a year ago
I was so impressed with how personable Darnell Brown was. He replaced our engine in 2 days and brought her back to life. He was generous with his knowledge and expertise of Subarus and spent over an hour just explaining how he works on each car with the future of the car in mind and why he spends the extra time and money to increase the performance and longevity of each car. He must have answered a hundred questions today and enjoyed and answered each one. Thank you so much. If you want a Subaru expert. This is the place.
Stephanie Mariee

★★★★★
7 years ago
Highly recommend all Subaru owners to come to this shop rather than the Dealership. The overall cost is usually less expensive than the Dealership and you can also have the comfort of knowing your car is getting fixed correctly. The staff is very friendly and highly qualified!
Joseph Tijerino

★★★★★
3 months ago
Darnell cares. He will take care of you like family. No matter what, he puts the customer first. I can’t express enough my gratitude for him and his business.
Dorian Rittenhouse

★★★★★
7 months ago
Finished in timely manner. Had no issues except my backup camera wasn't working on my aftermarket head unit when I picked it up but came outside with me and we figured out the OBD2 port wasn't plugged back in. Will be back in 60000 miles for another trans fluid change.
Lulu Na

★★★★★
2 months ago
Good man with all good things. The car we purchased was the best car we found in town, and from an amazing person. Always helpful, always honest. Thank you Darnell :)
MR VEGA

★★★★★
6 years ago
Darnell and his crew are Subaru experts! Not only that, they really try to help when you car is not working. I also bought a used Subi and I love it. I bring it here for service and it runs like a charm. Last but not least, they use hi quality products not cheap stuff that can ruin your car. I highly recommend this place.
Chris Hernandez

★★★★★
2 years ago
I reached out to Browns Performance inquiring about a few specific aftermarket performance parts and also a tune for my 2021 STI. Darnell immediately earned my business by being able to provide me everything I needed which included a base map tune to allow me to drive to his shop from Savannah GA, all exactly within my budget. Darnell and his team of Subaru specialist all went above and beyond to help me achieve my goal every phone call (many) and question (also many) were all answered with the same promptness, and professionalism that anyone could ever expect. All this said Brown's Performance has earned a customer and supporter for sure.
Alicia Mahoney

★★★★★
Edited a month ago
After taking my car to two different Subaru dealers in Gainesville and NY, I was frustrated that they could not diagnose why my car wouldn't start. NY Subaru said it was the battery and charged $461 for a new battery (which was not needed) and $180 for diagnosis that was unable to find that my fuel pump was bad. Seems like a basic diagnosis. Brown's diagnosed the problem within one hour of having my car and replaced the fuel pump. Car drives great now. Have had repeated problems with Gainesville Subaru and will never go there again, although I bought my car there. Darnell will be the only one getting my business now. Thank you so much for taking care of me. Customer Service on the phone and at the front counter were exceptional as well. Will recommend you to everyone I know!
Gabe Pineiro

★★★★★
2 months ago
It’s refreshing to do business with a shop that is honest, transparent, and willing to empower their customers with knowledge of how their cars work. They want your car to run for you and to help you know how to keep your car running for a very long time. Worth the drive to experience this level of top-tier expertise, and pay patronage to the Subaru gurus!こだわる スバル
Stephen Forguson

★★★★★
3 months ago
Really the only place to take your Subaru if you want quality service. They also sell used Subarus. I've bought 4 over the years and have sent numerous people there to get theirs. If you want performance, this is also they place. They have their own all wheel drive dyno, and they put together their own motors. Darnell happens to hold the world record for the fastest Forester. Highly recommended.