Hawthorne Auto Clinic in
Portland (OR)

Very friendly service, and convenient online platform for electing desired services. However, I got charged $200 to diagnose a battery issue, another $290 to replace the battery, and in the end the primary issue was the alternator. Ended up taking it to another shop that would do it for cheaper. If you've got the money, this is probably a great shop, but unfortunatley I had a bad experience.

I've been getting work done on my very old Chevy Cobalt here for years, and I am always impressed with their speed and quality of service. They help me understand what I need and why, and work within my budget to accommodate repairs to keep my car on the road in a way I can afford. They are really communicative and you can text them! They send a detailed prioritized report of the work needed and you can approve or deny what you want done in that service. I will always come back here, I really trust their work and feel good about bringing my car here.

I brought my car to Hawthorne Auto Clinic on the advice of a trusted friend. I'm happy to say I'll be bringing our family's cars here from now on. The level of service and clear communication outshines other shops I've tried. The warm and knowledgeable office staff made sure I understand the issues they discovered. I appreciate the detailed report of findings they provided. I feel confident I'm getting expert advice and the best care for my car. Thank you to Hawthorne Auto Clinic for maintaining such a high standard of service in automobile maintenance. Melissa N, southeast Portland

Took car in with concerns about tires, motor, sound, and squealing breaks. Told my front wipers were good (they were streaky and needed to be replaced), all my tires were the same psi (they obviously were not) and the noise I described did not exist. About a month later my transmission light is on and the sound I was telling them about was a symptom. I was also hoping that a woman I felt comfortable talking to and would be more detailed-inclined would test drive and work on my car but a man did. In the end I was overcharged and my brakes still squealed. Tried to schedule another appointment amd bring this up but the person answering the phone came off rude so I decided to cancel and go elsewhere. If you come here, be sure to be in your car during the test drive and price comparison shop the cost.

I have had two cars serviced here. This is my go to auto shop. They have the best communication of any repair shop I've been to in Portland. The quality of the the repairs have been outstanding. The labor fee they're charging is well worth it. I recommend if you get a hefty quote call the shop and talk to them. My recent visit was to tune up a car I bought in a private sale. Kelly sat and listen to ping pong between grieving the lost of my prior car to collision while parked to my many questions about what was essential to get this car in better shape. Because I had them do a full inspection their quote had many reccomendations, at first glace you'd think the worse. But Kelly laid out what they saw essential and was forthright with information that help me reach my goal. I'm not sure what more a customer could ask. Plus the front desk area isn't a stygen heap.

Wow, what a revelation! To go into an auto service center and not feel talked down to nor “mansplained”. My car was serviced quicker than expected, for less money than other places, and the communication throughout the process was excellent. Clearly, I highly recommend this business?!

This shop is amazing ! They helped me advocate for myself/car with other shops. If you know the feeling of relief when someone suddenly starts speaking your language, you will appreciate their their unparalleled customer service.

Love this shop. They took good care of my older car. Plus they gave me good recommendations on where to get other services done (paint and headlight repair).

This place is the BEST! The staff are so helpful, knowledgeable, and transparent, they really make you feel like your car is in good hands. I want to especially shout out Kelly, who walked me through what was going on with my car and answered all my questions thoroughly and honestly to help me understand everything. I am never taking my car anywhere else!

I’m really happy I was recommended to come here! This is my second time brining my car here (separate issues). As a woman, I not only feel physically safe being here, but I feel confident in their diagnosis and work. Sarah checked on me a week after the work was done. Which was lovely because it gave me time to drive around in my car and make sure nothing felt out of sorts. She answered my follow up questions and made me feel confident in the process. Thank you!!

Went in because our check engine light was on and the dealership told us we should replace our engine mount bushings. $3k later, the check engine light is still on and they didn't replace the bushings. If you really need your car fixed in town I guess they're okay for basic service but they are extremely pricey and I got the impression that they couldn't really be bothered to actually fix what we took our car in for. Instead it seemed like they decided to find some easier expensive stuff to do that may or may not have been necessary.

I cannot say enough good things about this place! I took my 2018 chevy volt in for a problem that was keeping me from being able to charge my car. It was the first time I had ever had any electric issues so I was anxious about finding the right place to service it and how much it was going to cost me. Hawthorne auto clinic was great from start to finish! Super communicative, really friendly staff and they did my repair in a day! They even offer you a city bus pass while they have your car in the shop. Truly excellent service, great prices and lovely staff. Thanks for all the help Hawthorne Auto Clinic team!

These ladies have special powers! I drive an older car, and a mysterious problem came up. I got a huge bill to working on it in another shop, but it did not get fixed. I got my car to Hawthorne Auto and they diagnosed it - capacitor issues in the engine controller. The controller is not being made. The first replacement failed. More delays with holidays and snowstorms. But the stuck with it. For a reasonable rate, I have my car back and it runs perfectly, I have brought cars to nearly every shop on inner eastside but it is Hawthorne Auto that I trust.

This place is amazing! I’ve gone here twice now and they are quick, efficient, nice, honest, etc etc! Both times I knew that my car was in great hands and I have never felt so taken care of!! I NEVER review places, but this place is so amazing, that I have to let everyone know. If you are new to the area and don’t know where to go to get your car looked at; go here! Seriously the staff is incredible, and I don’t think I’ll ever go anywhere else as long as I live in the Portland area. Good mechanics are hard to come by I’m just so happy that I found this place!

I’ve been taking my vehicles here for years, since before they changed ownership. I remain just as happy with the services as I was before this change. I’ve always received top quality service. I like patronizing a business that is woman owned, and appreciate their thorough communication. I used to bring my ancient car in for check ups to see if it could handle long trips. They provided thorough exam, then a very user friendly list of what was recommended and why. I could accept, decline, or ask more questions. Yesterday my car handle broke off in my hand. I called, brought it in, and within a couple of hours they had sourced the part and fixed it. I was amazed. I never feel like they are talking down to me, as they willingly explain any recommendations. I highly recommend Hawthorne Auto Clinic.

Had dropped my car off bc it was shaking and emitting rotten eggs smells. They couldn’t initially find the issue and didn’t charge me, since they weren’t able to diagnose anything. That’s good morals and investment in their regular clients. I drove my car home, same issues. Texted and let them know. Sarah texted back with me (after 5pm), asked me further questions and scheduled me for the next day. Then when I arrived Sarah personally jumped in my vehicle with me to make sure we could find the issue (a misfire). We did, parked back at shop, Sarah took the keys and said “we’ll get this fixed in about an hour.” Top tier communication, integrity, speed. I felt prioritized and very well cared for. Thanks Sarah, and thanks Hawthorne Auto. Y’all already know I’ll be back.

Some of the best communication I have ever had! Really love that they have the text message communication since I was working most of the time while I was waiting for my cars diagnostic (sadly, she didn't make it ? blown head gasket) But the staff at Hawthorne were so accommodating and helpful when I asked for pictures of my car, my VIN, etc etc. They were extremely prompt in their responses as I arranged to have my car sold for scraps. They are very up front and honest about their prices and I deeply appreciate that. Also love that they are woman owned and operated! Badass. Will definitely be coming here again (but hopefully not too soon!) ?

Scheduled an oil change and 10/10 will definitely come back for future services! Communication via email with Kelly was extremely quick prior to my appointment. Drop off was convenient and for anyone who is looking to wait onsite, there is a nice cafe next door which made the waiting process very pleasant. Once my oil change was done, I was informed that there were a couple services that my car required. While I decided to hold off scheduling anything immediate with them, Natalie still went above and beyond by helping me understand and prioritize the future services that my car would need. She also taught me how to open my car hood and made sure my coolant was filled prior to leaving upon realizing that it wasn't right before I was heading out. My favorite experience by far with an Auto clinic :)

I had to get my fuel tank replaced after it had been vandalized. Natalie and the crew at Hawthorne Auto Clinic were so helpful in getting my car in quickly, dealing with insurance and communicating with me along the way. My out of pocket cost was also under the estimate which is always a wonderful surprise. I really appreciate them and would recommend Hawthorne Auto Clinic to anybody!!

As a woman and someone who knows next to nothing about cars, I can't recommend this place enough. The staff there are always exceedingly helpful and kind. They plainly explain what they're doing. Their service is quick and effective. When I felt overwhelmed by their service recommendations last year, they so kindly walked me through what was necessary for my safety and what could wait until I could afford it, all without condescending to me. Who does that?! I would give them 6/5 stars if I could!

Love these guys! They are incredibly helpful, friendly, and very honest. They always go above and beyond and make me feel like a valued customer. I totally trust them with my car and have never had any problems. Highly recommend!

UPDATE TO PREVIOUS REVIEW - Still the best auto shop (in my opinion) in the city. Great service, wonderful safety protocols in this day and age of COVID, and the service was done to my satisfaction. Highly recommend. I started bringing our cars to Hawthorne Auto after a bad experience at a dealer. Both my Mazda and two Subaru's have received service from Hawthorne Auto. My most recent experience, a simple oil change was done promptly and was reasonable, considering the attention to detail Jim and his staff provide to each customer. Each of my vehicles have been gone over with a fine tooth comb by this amazing group of people and I will continue to bring my car to what is, in my opinion, the best auto shop in the city of Portland.

We have gone here twice (with two different Prius models) over the past 6 months, and had excellent experiences both times. One thing I really like is that all of their charges are written out and easy to comprehend online, which you can review before you pay for them (also online). They've been good communicators, timely, and prices seem reasonable. Had a lot of trouble finding an acceptable mechanic in town, happy to have found Hawthorne.

The best of the best. Been taking my car there for 23 years. Even my father who is an excellent mechanic himself recommends that I always go back here just because they are so knowledgeable and keep such great records. Always friendly and good with fitting people in for appointments. Every time I come here I always leave feeling completely satisfied with process and have renewed assurance in my vehicle. Thanks for all the great years!

Friendly staff, easy and convenient scheduling, low prices, no scare tactics, and great service. I can't remember how long they've been taking care of our cars--at least 25 years. And only two cars in that time as they take such good care of them, our first lasted 21 years with their superior service. Jim and his team give you helpful advice to help stretch your car's life and the parts that wear.

I brought in my 14 year old Civic with a clicking noise in the steering column to find out if it was a dangerous or merely annoying issue. One of the technicians sat with me in the car to listen and confirmed that it's just annoying. He didn't attempt to up-sell me or get me to leave the car for a checkup. He even patted the dashboard and said they're a good old model of car. :) I left with peace of mind and no money spent. I really appreciate their integrity and friendliness. --- I recently brought my car back to Hawthorne to replace a headlight, which was done on time, of course, and for a great price. I also got a quote to repair my windshield wipers which don't work on intermittent mode. The motor was replaced twice by another repair place and it failed both times just past their warranty expiration. Very frustrating. I'll be scheduling an appointment with Hawthorne to get it fixed because I'm sure they'll use good replacement parts and because of their really great warranty. :)

The people at Hawthorne Auto Clinic have been the most professional, honest and courteous mechanical service I've ever known... and my Dad was in the auto business. I trust them completely to give me accurate and fair advice and treatment about my vehicle. I have gotten valuable information from them concerning both repairs to a current car and conditions of cars I consider buying. Plus, they are extremely pleasant to deal with and punctual to boot. Thank you Hawthorne Auto Clinic. Yours In Tune, Ray Mann