The Best in the Business: NJ’s Top 10 Body Shops

by Alana Quartuccio Bonillo

What does it take to be among the best collision repair facilities in the state?

Recently, New Jersey Automotive polled various members of the industry, checked out a slew of online reviews and read numerous consumer comments to answer this question. Here are the top 10 body shops in New Jersey that our research revealed, listed in no particular order:

New Saddle Brook Auto Body
508 Market Street, Saddle Brook – Established in 2006

This family-owned shop has become quite the go-to place for collision repair in the Saddle Brook area. New Saddle Brook Auto Body takes “great pride and excellence when performing every repair, big or small.” And as many can attest all across the web, “the quality of our work is shown as a reflection of our great reputation throughout Northern New Jersey.” One Yelp reviewer claims, “This shop, run by its owner Jose, is so professionally run that you practically look forward to returning here.” A Google reviewer boasts, “Will recommend to family and friends. Very professional and organized, and I’m very happy with the final results. You can’t see where my car was damaged. Great work!!!”

Champion CARSTAR Collision
1405 US-130, Hightstown – Established in 2004

This well-respected establishment with more than 30 years of experience attributes its success to “a simple philosophy that’s focused on honesty and respect.” With more than 366 reviews on Google alone, customers are singing their praises with comments such as: “After an accident, CARSTAR did the repairs, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. They did really well with communication and getting things done in a timely manner; super helpful and pleasant whenever I called with questions.” Another boasts: “Super efficient, super nice. They made the experience totally painless. Highly recommend!”

Golden Touch Auto Body
402 Broadway, Newark  – Established in 1993

More than 150 Google reviews alone support this family-owned business’ claim of “delivering the best end-to-end customer service experience” as per their company website. One Google reviewer left a five-star rating, but “If I could, I would give them an even higher rating! They were super friendly and professional and very helpful in making sure my car was taken care of with the utmost priority. I would highly recommend them to anyone!” A Yelp user reports, “So, I was in need of some passenger side damage repair. Had a few estimates done, but Golden Touch had the best price. Caesar was very nice and was able to complete the job within the timeframe I requested. He even repaired a small scratch at no additional charge after the work was done. My car looks beautiful, and I am so very happy with the results.”

Anthony’s Auto Body
195 Newman Springs Road, Shrewsbury – Established in 2005

The team at Anthony’s Auto Body (which has a second location in Toms River) prides itself on putting safety first, always working to ensure their customers’ vehicles will be repaired properly upfront. One driver shares his experience with fellow Google users, “My Mazda was involved in an accident affecting both passenger side doors, trimming and everything that comes with it. We worked with Jimmy who was very personable and able to answer all of our questions. Jimmy and the rest of the team were able to get our car fixed up in a timely manner even sooner than they originally estimated (huge plus!), and we were given frequent updates through email. We were very impressed with our experience with Anthony’s Auto! If needed, we would definitely use them again and would recommend them to anyone in the area.” A Facebook writer states, “Just picked up our daughter’s car from being repaired. From the minute we called for an estimate to the pick up, everyone was knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend!”

Five Points Auto Body Shop
1415 US 130, Burlington – Established in 2000

This Burlington-based shop prides itself on attracting and maintaining its customers by repeats and referrals, according to its website. Proof lies in the many voices championing the shop on the web. One Google writer proclaims, “If you need body work done in the Burlington area, don’t walk to Five Points…RUN!!! Fran, Jimmy and the team did such a fabulous job on my plum crazy purple Challenger that had white paint splattered all over it by an irresponsible driver. The whole team was so professional. Fran has such pride in the work his shop produces, and it truly shows. I couldn’t be happier!!!” A Yelp user agrees, “Just picked up my Mercedes (and my BMW two days ago). Unfortunately, people love hitting my vehicles. Fortunately, I know the best body shop in South Jersey! Fran Dungo and his team have been exclusively taking care of my vehicles ever since 2003 when the local Ford dealer referred him to me. His work is excellent, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my repairs!”

Kreans Auto Body Inc.
301 W. Water Street, Toms River – Established in 1946

Kreans Auto Body has been around for 77 years and counting. The shop’s success can be attributed to stellar customer service and care which the longtime business always strives to provide. As one customer wrote on Facebook: “You won’t find a better place for vehicle repair. Chad and Ty are friendly, honest and most importantly do an amazing job. My car looked like it did the day I bought it and the dealership just detailed it. Ty also made things super easy with the rental process. I will 100 percent go back if any of my vehicles need work.” In fact, their reputation is what has been keeping them going for so long as one Google reviewer proves by writing, “Kreans Auto Body is the best around! Professional. They do outstanding work, and they are so nice to deal with! I went to them based on their excellent reviews and just had to add my own five-star review to the list!”

Secaucus Auto Body
1620 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus – Established in 1990

For more than 30 years, Secaucus Auto Body has been serving its community and surrounding area with reliable service in a relaxed environment that includes their team of friendly dogs who are there to keep customers company while they wait. “Richie did such a great job on my scrape and dents that you would never know that any work was done. The car was ready on time and at the price he quoted. I wouldn’t go to anybody else,” says one five-star reviewer on Facebook. Another customer sings the shop’s praises on Google: “Rick, the owner, is the most responsive human being. He is KIND. He worked with me, and he assured me everything would be okay. (I was freaking out about my fender bender.) The parts came immediately, and the work was done so fast. He exceeded all of my expectations, and I know if I am ever in another bind, Rick is getting my call.”

Dale’s Custom Auto
108 East Avenue, Hackettstown – Established in 1983

As its motto affirms, Dale’s has been delivering “showroom-quality collision repair since 1983.” They strive to be the neighborhood’s trusted source for putting drivers back on the roads safely. A happy customer shared before and after photos with fellow Google reviewers stating, “Honestly, I rarely leave reviews, but Dale’s Custom Auto did such an amazing job fixing my Kia Forte from a deer hit, I had to. Super nice and helpful the entire process. They exceeded my expectations, and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this auto body shop to anyone I know.” A longtime customer went to Yelp to share her experience: “I have been going to Dale’s for many years, and he has always done first class body work and painting. I would not go anywhere else.”

Town II Auto Body & Towing
97 Highway 23, Hamburg – Established in 1989

This longtime family establishment prides itself on producing quality work with its state-of-the art shop and top-notch team of certified technicians. As one Google reviewer shares, “Excellent service. Beautiful work done on my car. Sent text messages daily to keep you informed on the progress of your car. Completed job exactly as and when advised.” Once again, an online reputation is key in helping this business achieve its success as this writer boasts on Yelp: “Quality, efficient and professional repair done in a minimum amount of time. Their website convinced me to try them, and I’m glad I did! Randy and the crew did outstanding body repair on my Chrysler. By far, the best auto experience I’ve had in Jersey!”

Union Collision
640 Rahway Avenue, Union – Established in 1982

Union Collision proudly boasts on its website that it has been treating its customers “with a sense of respect and compassion” since it first opened its doors. Success has led to many expansions over the years, and the family-owned business continues to “make the unfortunate occurrence of a car accident as painless and hassle free as we possibly can.” More than 200 customers sang their praises on Google. “Mike and his team are absolutely fantastic. Great attitude about the work and life in general. Our car was badly damaged at a time when parts are hard to come by – and wait times for deliveries are long. Creative problem solving made it possible for Union Collision to get our car back to us within the original time frame and in perfect condition! I will always recommend Union Collision to anyone who asks!” writes one reviewer. Another states, “It’s inevitable that one day your car will need help. Of course, it wasn’t your fault. That said, I would only trust Union Collision to come to the rescue. They are fair, efficient and very nice to work with!”

Want more? Check out the January 2023 issue of New Jersey Automotive!