Are Online Reviews Accurate? Houston’s Highest Online Customer Rated Body Shops

by Alana Quartuccio

When someone gets into an auto accident, the first thing they usually do is call their insurance company who then, of course, tells them the collision shop they should take their vehicle to. An educated customer does their research and if they’re smart, they choose an ABAT shop.

Unfortunately not everyone is informed (but we’re trying) so in today’s online centric world, many turn to sites like Yelp, Carwise and Google and make their choice based on online reviews. Of course online reviews can be easily skewed. What makes a highly rated shop online may not have anything to do with the quality of the work. But that’s what makes this interesting, right? 

For this month’s cover story, we did a deep dive into shops that have the best online reviews (we’re happy to report that almost half are ABAT members!) in the Houston area. Are these reviews accurate? How much do they impact your business? You tell us. Email us at alana@grecopublishing.com.  

Publisher’s Note: Please keep in mind this article is representative of online reviews and for entertainment only. ABAT has had no input in the selection of the shops on this list.

Bates Collision Center – Established in 1990

3219 N. Main Street, Baytown 

Bates Collision was founded on the vision of Lee Bates whose love for vehicles began as a young technician who started out sweeping floors in a body shop. Since he and his wife Leila opened the shop in 1990, they have built success based on treating customers like family. Hundreds of reviews on Google alone back up the business’ good quality service. One writer says, “I had a bad accident on I-10 vehicle shutdown due to my cut wiring harness, and my front was caved in. Bates Collision Center took care of everything, and Sonia is amazing; she kept up with my truck’s progress and would inform me with any changes or repair. Awesome customer service and awesome people that work at Bates Collision Center!!!” Another five-star reviewer says, “Team [is] very customer service oriented. There wasn’t one person who I came in contact with who didn’t smile and greet me. Now let’s talk about the work that was completed. Nothing short of beautiful. From the time I left my baby with them, to the time I picked her up, the team was in communication with me regarding updates. I have nothing but accolades for the entire process.”

Texan Auto Repair & Collision – Established in 2004

10011 S. Texas 6, Sugar Land

This repair facility specializes in both collision and automotive repair. The team strives to provide quality repair and is committed to customer satisfaction. Texan Auto Repair & Collision wants their customers to feel at home in their stylish waiting room which features wi-fi, snacks and refreshments. Customers are singing their praises on social sites, such as a Facebook user who says, “Terry Salamat and his team have been nothing but professional and caring to me and my family since 2016. I have had three unfortunate accidents since then, and Terry has been nothing but helpful, patient and always had my best interest throughout the ordeal. Thank you for everything you guys do.” A Google writer shares, “I really can’t begin to say how thankful I am to Terry and his team. From the moment I walked through their doors because my truck had been in an accident, to when I got my truck back, they have been the best! Terry worked with me and my insurance company to make sure I got the best parts needed and at the best cost. They made my truck look brand new! Honest, dependable, set the right expectations and the best customer service hands down.”

Helfman Collision Center – Established in 1959 – ABAT Member

7720 Katy Freeway, Houston

This repair facility specializes in both collision and automotive repair. The team strives to provide quality repair and is committed to customer satisfaction. Texan Auto Repair & Collision wants their customers to feel at home in their stylish waiting room which features wi-fi, snacks and refreshments. Customers are singing their praises on social sites, such as a Facebook user who says, “Terry Salamat and his team have been nothing but professional and caring to me and my family since 2016. I have had three unfortunate accidents since then, and Terry has been nothing but helpful, patient and always had my best interest throughout the ordeal. Thank you for everything you guys do.” A Google writer shares, “I really can’t begin to say how thankful I am to Terry and his team. From the moment I walked through their doors because my truck had been in an accident, to when I got my truck back, they have been the best! Terry worked with me and my insurance company to make sure I got the best parts needed and at the best cost. They made my truck look brand new! Honest, dependable, set the right expectations and the best customer service hands down.”

Uptown Automotive – Established in 2018 – ABAT Member 

1212 E. 28th Street, Houston 

Uptown Automotive thrives in the need of their customers, bringing them the best services they can find in the area in both auto body and mechanical repairs. They consider their business to be “no ordinary body shop” as they care about every detail of the repair from paint right down to the delivery of the car. A customer took to Google to share her experience with her Toyota. “Have taken my Camry and previous cars here for a couple of dings in the past. Zameer and his team always do an excellent job. This last time, my car was ready in under two weeks, which isn’t bad considering they had to order a new door. They coordinated my rental car and all the communications with the insurance company. I’ve also had oil changes here, no problems from that either. Highly recommend!” A Yelp writer says, “I had a small parking accident with a pole that put a dent in the driver side, front fender. This was self pay. Tim Xiong was terrific to work with. When I arrived, he immediately assessed the situation and gave me some options. I felt he took the time to listen to my concerns and explained the pros and cons to each approach.”

Finest Auto Body and Paint – Established in 2015 – ABAT Member

7702 Irving Boulevard, Houston

Like its name suggests, this team works to provide nothing but the finest in quality and customer service. They specialize in all areas of collision repair and share more than 52 years of combined experience in the body shop world. Customers are boasting online about the great work (and showing photos) and are giving them major pats on the back for being open with communication. One writer shared before and after photos on Google, sharing the following recommendation: “If you need trustworthy quality body/paint work, this is your place. Not only did they exceed our expectations; they also were amazing at communicating with us when working with the insurance adjusters (the process was seamless). Highly recommend! Just look at the before and after!” Another writes, “I definitely recommend this place 100 percent. The quality of work is amazing; my car looks great! Their communication goes above and beyond.”  

Xclusive Collision – Established in 2004

514 Mill Avenue, Conroe

Xclusive Collision (also known as Mill Avenue Auto Works) boasts its commitment to providing 100 percent customer satisfaction. They pride themselves on understanding how inconvenient and unpleasant having a motor vehicle accident can be and therefore do their best to make the experience as convenient as they possibly can. One Google writer points out how she especially liked not having to drop off her rental car at a separate location. “Brought my 2014 Honda Accord to Mill Auto a few days after someone ran into me. The paperwork process was simple, and customer service was on point. I was smiling when I showed up because my car looked like it just came from the factory. This repair shop definitely knows what they’re doing. You also have the option to leave your rental there when you’re done if you’re renting through Enterprise which is pretty sweet. Thank you again for making my car look brand new.” Another states, “Melody is the best at Xclusive Collision! The guys do five star work on your car or truck. I’ve had work done here three times now on three different vehicles! They bring them back to life y’all! Check them out!”

Stowe’s Collision Repair – Established in 2000

21587 Eva Street, Montgomery

It’s Stowe’s Collision Repair’s mission to put their customers at ease and make the process as easy as possible. They use the latest auto body technology and also provide towing, inspection and general auto repair services. All those services definitely provide convenience and care to their clientele. One Facebook user shared her tale about the help she got from Stowe’s after her wreck. “Stowe’s towed my car last week. This was my first personal experience with a major accident. They answered all my calls and questions kindly and with patience. Although the entire week was stressful, Stowe’s definitely made things flow more smoothly. Thank you!” Another happy customer tells Google, “Very happy that I brought my car to Stowe’s. At first, I was not sure where to get my car repaired after my wreck…Stowe’s was close to home and I had a good feeling…So I gave it a try. It was a great choice! They were very helpful and went above and beyond to help me. Real nice people. Not only that, but the work done was amazing! Every detail, even the small ones, were fixed perfectly, and it was done quickly. My expectations were totally exceeded.”

JJ Auto Body – Established in 2002

340 Erin Street, Houston

This body shop wants their customers to trust them with their family’s safety, and they come through by way of state-of-the art repairs, quality technicians and painters who provide nothing less than excellent service. Customer service is also priority, and proof of that shows in what customers are saying online. One customer took to Facebook to report, “Jimmy and his team did an absolutely PHENOMENAL job on my car. I was hit and was told this was the best place to get bodywork done by reddit, and boy did his team not disappoint at all. You literally can’t even tell my car got hit. I have a relatively tough car to blend (metallic red/orange), and when I saw it, it immediately put a huge smile on my face. Myra was super helpful keeping me posted – dropped my car off on a monday and picked it up Friday afternoon exactly as initially estimated.” Another praises their customer service. “This place is a rare find. Customer service is top notch, and their work is impeccable. I’m so glad I found this place and decided to do business with them. Quality and service can’t be beat. Having a place you can trust is paramount. This place checks all the boxes!”

Manriquez Collision & Mechanic Shop – Established in 1947

2411 Center Street, Houston

This five-star rated shop has been serving Houstonians for more than six decades. A family business founded by Merced Manriquez, it is now run by its third generation. One Google review reports, “After my recent accident, I had the pleasure of working with Manriquez Collision & Mechanic Shop, and I can’t recommend them enough! From the moment I walked in, the team was incredibly understanding, especially when my insurance was slow with updates. They kindly allowed me to keep my car in the shop without any hassle. I appreciated how they walked me through the entire post-accident process, ensuring I understood each step. At no point did I feel pressured into purchasing anything I didn’t need, and they made a genuine effort to explain everything to me in detail. Their consistent updates on both my car’s status and any insurance news were truly the cherry on top. Plus, my car looks like new!” A Facebook user states, “Best collision center/body shop I have ever used. As a female, it was important to me to find a place that would treat me with respect and not ask me where my husband was when I walked in or try to scam me. Quality people and quality work done on my Infiniti.”

Corona Paint & Body – Established in 1984 – ABAT Member

11120 Bissonnet St, Houston

Corona Paint and Body’s mission is to get you back to your journey quickly and safely.  With over 100 combined years of experience, the shop always stays up with the latest repair procedures, equipment, certifications, and requirements and strives to be as detailed and accurate as possible in diagnosis, estimation of damage, and repair planning to set up a high-quality repair.  “I’ve been here twice to get my truck fixed and they have done AMAZING work both times!” says a Google user. Another recent reviewer adds “Amazing service and fantastic family run repair shop. Extremely happy with the results. I was kept updated on the progress and the staff was extremely helpful making the repair process go as smooth as possible. 110% recommended and if I ever need body work repairs again, I would definitely come back.” A Yelp user commented “A pleasure working with this business. They were very kind and stayed in contact with me throughout the process. You would’ve never even made the guess that my car was damaged before because the work done was flawlessly. Wouldn’t hesitate working with them again!”

AGREE OR DISAGREE? Email Alana@grecopublishing.com to tell us why!

Want more? Check out the October 2023 issue of Texas Automotive!