EJ in the KAC Service Dept. did a great job with my Jeep. EJ got the new shock absorbers ordered, replaced and got my Jeep back on the road the day after the parts came in. Thanks EJ read more

The manager a woman between two jeep dealership on island is dishonest . My jeep was rolled off the top of a ramp by kau towing - and hit the jeep dealership , they had cameras of the event but wouldn't show me the footage because they know John masters the owner of kau towing. Workers said oh yeah he a friend? So they won't show me footage .. you dirty swine looking fools LOL Even though it was obviously kau towing fault . I got the driver of the tow truck to admit fault by recording him myself . My car was totaled, no one at jeep would give me the footage of my car being totaled . John masters of kau towing is a scammer and tried not to pay me even threatening and yelling at insurance agents . And the manager of jeep would not give me the footage and I figured out why because the workers at jeep said john masters was a "friend ". I guess low life scammers be friends with low life scammers . I secretly recorded the worker who rolled it off the ramp admitting fault and got my insurance to cover it and got a new car for proof John masters is a liar and dishonest and an angry person screaming at insurance agents. And trying not to pay me I had to threaten to take him to court before he pay me . Jeep and John masters ka'u towing are awful get hexed and yes I got my money after metaphorically putting John masters in a literal choke hold and threatened court and to sue him . Small town crack head behavior read more

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Toby amazing!!!! They fixed our SUV quickly and were so helpful!!'The office manager was great too!!! All very friendly!!

Didn't buy anything, but Leonard was very nice and very helpful and honest. That's all you can ask for in a cars salesman. Mahalo Leonard.

Absolutely the worst service dealership in Kona. They book appointments then don't even start work until 2 hours later but then the person working on your car has to take a long lunch break and then after 5 hours, still no idea of what is wrong with the car. Either I find another mechanic or I sell this and buy a Honda. read more

If you're into bigotry, this place is for you. I just moved here from the mainland and was looking to purchase a car. While salesman, Stan Kanai was working out the details with me, I heard the bigots, Charles Reign and Leonard Jose having a laugh about the following: " let's go to Egypt and tear down the statues since they're tearing down our confederate statues and the Egyptians owned slaves too." I got up and stared them down and went back to work with Stan, at which point he asked, "Can we move on from this?" When I asked for a manager, he informed me that that was the manager. At this point, the two men continued on with their inappropriate conversation, and I informed Stan that I could not continue on with my purchase. As I approached the door, I told the men that their conversation was inappropriate and made me feel very uncomfortable and that they had cost Stan a sale. One of them tried to justify his horrible behavior by claiming to have a black brother-in- law and the other preceded to lie about what I clearly heard him say. I spoke to the General Manager, Cory Pulluaim. He listened, but gave me a dead stare when I asked him if he was going to do anything about it. Is this the Aloha spirit? I feel that this type of behavior should not be tolerated! If you care about social justice and equality, you might be better off spending your hard earned cash somewhere where they teach their managers how to value ALL customers. I bought a new car from Big Island Motors. My salesperson, Myya Auld was amazing and offered me top notch professional service! read more

This is the worst dealership ever you'd think they would keep some basic parts on the shelf like a thermostat for a run of the mill jeep wrangler but no. They can't get a thermostat for 2 1/2 months? I realize this is Hawaii and it takes a while to get parts, which is why they should keep some basic stuff in stock. Offer to go get one at autozone but they refuse to use it. This dealership sucks balls. read more

Went to just Test Drive with my visiting sister from Hilö. We test drove A Nissan Rogue Sport___ nice ride but a bit too small _space for my liken. Jumped into a SL Rogue AWD, now this was an awesome ride, moonroof and leather seats, front_rear AC climate control. Wow. The Lane Detection System was awesome too. Great people Great Service. Thank you Robert Carmelo... Reese you too.. Robert Carmelo 5 Star SalesMan.!! Awêsomê n Friendly. read more

I have been taking my car to Kona Nissan for 6 years .in the past not so impress with service I only take my car in if some work that relate of my extend warranty , But this time I feel very welcome and received fantastic service from Cassie , Cassie proform her work make me feel that she will make sure my car will be in good hand. in the past that I took my car in there is one manager that she is not friendly to me she was kinda lazy , I hope some one in Kona Nissan can see how Cassie work and promote her she will be really good manager trust me I am old enough to see how people care for the customer that bring business to company and Cassie is one of that person that care. Mahalo Nui Cassie and all mechanical team read more

Mahalo to the Service Center, Sierra for getting me the appointment and being so understanding. Paulette you rock for being so knowledgeable of the car and your services, the mechanic that looked at my son's Sentra you rock for providing education on what prob happen! Thank you all for your help today! I appreciate your honesty and great service! We will now be bringing our cars for service to you guys! Your waiting area is so awesome too it feels like home! read more

Recently we had a REcall our car, not only was it difficult to make a appt but we were treated with extremely poor customer service the entire time. When we arrived to drop our car off, which we had a appt for, we were still made to wait 45 mins after our scheduled appt time just to drop the car off! We found out a few days later after we got home, an hours drive away, that the battery cables and terminal had just been left sitting on the battery. We could literally pick up the battery terminal off the battery. We're surprised the car even started. We had problems with it for a couple days but luckily after looking under the hood we discovered the battery terminal not tightened down. Shoddy workmanship. read more

Service Department Review only: We just moved to Hawaii in August & scheduled our 2018 Jeep Cherokee for the last pre-paid oil change service we purchased from the mainland at Kona Auto Group for 10/25/2022. We showed up 15 minutes early for our 830am service time. After 1 hour, our Jeep was still in the parking lot. When I asked why our Jeep has not been started yet after 1 hour, I was told that our 830am scheduled service was just a "show up" time and not really a time to start service. I have never heard of this business practice and told the Service Agent this makes no sense as any other business uses the scheduled time as an acttual start time (doctors, dentists, car services, excursions, et al). After almost 3 hours, our Jeep was finally done. We booked our next service for today (5/11/23) assuming the October fiasco was due to some type of scheduling issue or staff shortage at 1045am and showed up 15 minutes early. The Service Agent advised that the oil change service will be a few hours (what???). I was once again shocked & advised him that our scheduled service time was 1045am, which we were early for. He said that, same as in October, that our time is when we need to "show up." I told him this was ridiculous and that no one else on the island has this business practice. Who in their right mind would plan on 3+ hours for an oil change service? He said this is the way it is. As you could expect from a normal Customer, we told him to forget our business & went to Lex Brodies Fast Lube (they were awsome by the way!). I really do not want a robo-answer from Kona Auto Group trying to explain they are short staffed and apologize for any inconvenience. This is a pure & simple lack of how to manage and schedule a service shop. The Ownership should be ashamed of themselves to allow this type of business practice to happen. I would definitely spend your hard-earned money elsewhere until Kona Auto Group has a major change in management practices. read more

Fast and friendly service dept. Cassie was very helpful and understanding of my service needs. Mahalo read more

Purchased a used vehicle and I will say it was was a great experience. All the information I was given before hand was accurate. Everyone was very knowledgeable. My sales person Tony was very thorough. I would not hesitate to purchase a vehicle from them if you are in the market! read more

The BEST experience I've had purchasing a new vehicle happened for me on Friday 9 July. My wife and I had been in earlier in the week and met with Shayne Johnson while looking at RAM Trucks. We found him extremely knowledgeable about every vehicle he showed us. We test drove one, but by then I had spotted the Laramie Sport. It was beautiful but wasn't in our budget plans as we stood there, so Shayne gave us his card and answered a few more questions and we left. We came back on Friday after texting him and he pulled the Laramie around. We were bringing a trade-in and going for their best financing. In minutes Shayne brought the first offer, we counter-offered and had a meeting of the minds and purchased the vehicle. Tony in financing walked us through everything as far as extended care warranties, etc. (with ZERO hard sell) and we found one portion that we felt we could use. The paperwork was updated and we were out of the finance office in record time feeling VERY secure in our decisions, thanks to Tony. After going back out to the truck Shayne hopped in the back seat and by MEMORY talked us through the entire instrument panel and settings to get us on our way. ROCKSTAR is the only word we have for this young man. (BTW, we were in and out in 3 hours from start to finish and it would have been less but WE actually had a glitch in the flow that we caused). I've used KAC to service my Jeep Renegade and I look forward to years of professional interaction with them as it pertains to my RAM. I name all of my vehicles and because of its color it has earned the name "Momi". Mahalo KAC! read more

Kona Auto Center - Car Dealers Near Me - Kailua Kona, Hawaii

To begin with, if you're looking for reviews of this business, you should actually visit this Yelp profile: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kona-auto-center-kailua-kona?osq=kona+auto+center I would give the sales side of the dealership five stars. We've purchased two vehicles from Kona Auto Center -- a Dodge Challenger and a Ram 1500. We dealt with Gary for both purchases, and will deal with him again. However, due to complications on the Challenger (not their fault), I've had the opportunity to deal with a lot of the staff at the dealership. Everyone is pleasant and helpful, and we will continue to purchase our vehicles from Kona Auto Center. We're actually headed there tonight to look at trading the Ram 1500 in on a 2500. The previous negative review is about the service center...While I wouldn't rate them one star, any type of update or repair does seem to take an inordinate amount of time. However, the staff is generally pleasant, and since our vehicles are under warranty, we will continue to have the warranty work done through the dealership. read more

Went in to get tire repair done on my spare. Did this on 3/23/20 in the middle of the pandemic. These guys were wonderful. Appointment time was prompt but spaced out to be able to keep social distance. They also had plastic seat covers and steering wheel covers. Staff wore black gloves. read more

I was looking at several vehicles at this dealership, when I decided on one we began negotiations. We were not able to reach an agreeable number so we went out separate ways. What I didn't know is this dealer went and applied for loans on my behalf without my knowledge or approval. When I brought this issue to the managers attention, all he had to say was that since I signed the approval for a credit pull it gave them permission to apply for loans. This was not conveyed verbally or in writing on the agreement I signed. Why would a dealer apply for loans without an agreed upon amount for the vehicle? All the manager did was give a half hearted apology then try and sell me on another vehicle when I explained the reason for not buying the original car. Awful experience, Never giving them my buisness again! read more

Yesterday, I just took home my first truck and it was more exciting than taking home a puppy. I named my new Frontier Bianca. My sales rep was Allen Crocker. I am in sales as well and he pushed all the right buttons. His communication and follow-up was superb. He matched me up with the perfect vehicle on par with your aunty setting you up on a blind date and being pleasantly surprised she looks like Jennifer Lopez. I highly recommend Allen as his salesmanship is second to none. Nathan Coulombe assisted with the paperwork and financing options, and is also as professional as they come. My hat goes off to Kona Auto Center for making the experience of buying a vehicle easier than consuming a sweet piece of lilikoi cheesecake. read more

This place consistently has the worst customer service with parts and service. Every time we go in, employees are all sitting around as if on a break and we're interrupting them. I wish I could take my vehicle elsewhere without voiding the warranty. Awful experiences. read more

I've never left a review before but my jeep has been in the shop since mid may. it's now august 26th. they keep pushing back the day my car will be done. i've never experienced this before with car repairs. id avoid going to this place, it's now probably on my list of absolute dead last resort for a car fix. i don't even know what else to say other than holy sh** i just want my car back. read more

Scheduled airbag recall replacement. I was specific about I can't leave my car and need the work done timely as I have a busy day ahead. They suggested I come at 7 am and be first in line. I did this. The intake guy alluded that it could take quite some time did I need a ride ? I reminded what I was told when I made the appointment. He kind of balked and had a bit of an attitude. I expected a 90 minute wait. It took them less than 30 minutes I was on the road by 8 am. So they can do these quickly. Just be more respectful to customers needs. When I spoke up about the need to be done quick they could have been more helpful instead of defensive. But overall it was an unexpected easy thing to do. read more

I've been to this dealership numerous times and bought 3 trucks from Robert Carmelo. He has always been a fantastic person to work with and has worked extremely hard to get me the best deal possible. Last time he found me a beautiful pre-owned Nissan Frontier Pro-4x. I love the truck and would recommend working with Robert for all your used and new Nissan or Dodges. 10/10 every time! read more

I purchased a brand new 2012 Dodge Durango from Kamaaina Motors in Hilo, but ended up having to work with Kona Auto Center due to the proximity to where I live. Within the first 2 months of owning it I starting having issues. It has had to be towed in twice and I have been to the dealership over a dozen times within my first 18 months of owning the vehicle. I was given a similar comment that I have read in other reviews. Among all the issues they have had to repair there is an issue with the transmission. I have not experienced this issue with any other vehicle nor the 2014 Durango. When I showed them the issue I was told, "That is normal for a 2012 Dodge Durango". Bottom line is I was sold a vehicle that calling it a lemon would be a compliment and every time I have to get it towed in and repaired or go down there and get it repaired I feel like they think they are doing me a favor rather than understanding how much of an inconvenience it is to have to constantly deal with issues on a new vehicle. Worth one star because my recent dealings with Jeff, their service manager, has been pleasant. read more

Made an offer on a used car and it was sold before I got to the dealer. Do not trust the sales team.

I took my jeep to Kona auto center for repairs, I was told 7-10 days. They arranged a rental for 10 days. Repairs took 17 days, of which I was charged for the additional 7 days it took to fix my car totaling an extra $300 in rental fees. When I received my bill I was charged $260 to diagnose the problem, and informed that it would not go against the $2400 bill I received. I've never heard of a mechanic not working the diagnostic fee into the bill when you have the work done. I repeatedly had to call to check on the status of my car and I was not informed it was finished until I called Again at closing time and had to rush to get the rental car back in time so I wouldn't be charged another day. All in all, terrible, expensive, no customer service, no accountability, slow. I will be reporting to jeep headquarters. read more

If you're looking for a new (or used) car, definitely ask for Gary. I spoke with him on the phone about a truck on their website and he told me it was a keeper for sure and to head over and check it out, and of course ask for him. So we did. Gary was super nice and very into the truck we were checking out, so he knew everything about it. I have been to dealerships before and know how these sales people work, but I never doubted him - he was very genuine in showing us the "rough spots" (it was a 1995 model) and let us take it out for an hour-long cruise. When we got back to the dealership, he managed to get us a HUGE deal, and since we just moved here, set us up with car insurance so we could drive it out of the lot (he used to be a State Farm agent). This was the best car buying experience! read more

Just purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon and was very pleased to work with Allen Crocker. He was easy to work with and patient with my busy schedule. A pleasant experience all around! read more

We put our full trust in Kona Auto Center! We made our second purchase here and couldn't be more happy! We always recommend Kona Auto Center for sales and service. They service pretty much any type of vehicle! Very friendly service and family based values! read more

Nice guys but when my 2006 Nissan Frontier had the engine go out at 59,000 miles, and all service was done at their shop, they didnt want to help, and they sent out the newest salesman to sell me a used truck......... The service manager didnt want to help or talk, and neither did the general manager... An overall bad experience with an unreliable company.... No More NISSAN for me- Should Have bought a TACOMA. Aloha read more

There is no better guy to deal with than Leonard Jose. Have bought 4 vehicles over the last 5 years from Leonard. He always makes it easy.

Just bought a car with Robert and it was an amazing experience! I really appreciated his input, his knowledge and insight into what I wanted. He gave me options but was never pushy. You don't expect buying a vehicle would be this easy and pleasant. I will definitely be back. I highly recommend Robert Carmelo read more

I am posting this on behalf of my dad. He picked up his jeep today after getting it fixed. They fixed the cam shaft, lifters, rockers and valves and replaced the recalled airbags. They quoted him about 1200 and came in at $785. They were quick to fix it, knew exactly what they were doing and came under budget. These guys are great and my dad is so happy. Highly recommend these guys! read more

I went to Kona Auto Center looking for a car. I had spoken with Lynne Suber on the phone prior to going in. I explained to her that my credit wasn't the best but she told me not to worry. To my surprise, she was able to get me in a car. Thank you Lynne. She was amazing read more

I bought a brand new Nissan from Kona Nissan almost 2 years ago. I paid cash. When I ordered it, I added some accessories. When it arrived, one of those accessories ($70 cost) was already included. So... I showed them at the dealership (they had already put it into the car, thus destroying the box it came in... .although it was obvious to the person who did it that there was ALREADY one in the car), and I gave it back. I asked for a simple refund of the cost. Here we are, almost TWO YEARS later, DOZENS of phone calls later, and NOTHING has been done. The manager has been changed but this new one, George, is just as bad as the other one. I would highly recommend that you buy a car ANYWHERE else. Go to Hilo. Go to Honolulu! Avoid this dealership. read more

My Dad came in today to get an after market soft top cover for the Jeep and a new cigarette lighter put in. It took them 2 hrs to put the cover and 30 mins for the cigarette lighter and charged them $357 for the 2.5 hr of work! A lift was not even in use!!!! It took them 2 hrs to put a top and $135 per hour. This is absurd! I understand you have to also cover the cost of the facility but you are not using additional equipment. Can a manager explain this to me? My Dad is an 80 y/o man and came from an old school point of view that if someone service something for you then it is your responsibility to pay. I'm willing to listen to an explanation and would appreciate a call. I feel that he has been ripped off and I don't appreciate someone doing that especially with his minimal retirement. read more

Let me start with this: the only reason two stars are here is because of their service department. I've had our car in there twice over the last eight years and they did a fine job without gouging us on the bottom line. Now, to the sales department. If your credit is in repair and you are looking for a hand up from a dealership who values building a relationship with new customers, keep walking. read more

Aloha big thanks to everyone at Kona Nissan you guys are rockstars 5 star customer service I recommend Robert Carmelo he's the best salesman at kona nissan he takes good care of you and treat you like family and he found my mom the right 2014 Nissan Rogue AWD we love it Nissan Rogue is such a nice SUV quiet safe and fun to drive Nissan makes great cars and SUVs and trucks also at the dealership they have a amazing car detailer named Josh Thorpe attention to detail is a top priority for him making sure the car is in showroom condition hes friendly guy too he has 15 years experience and a clean car is a happy car recommend them both 100% to all my family and friends read more

kona auto center is the best if you need to purchase a new vehicle. Go see Grant Gaspar for a New vehicle, he is really nice and will take good care of you! read more

I recommend asking for Duke if you are considering buying a new or used car here. He was honest, straightforward, and not the typical pushy car salesman. He went the extra distance to research some questions we had and give us thorough answers. We had a very positive experience working with him. read more