Back

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC

San Diego, CA

4.7
260 Reviews
Historically, California begins in San Diego. America's finest city is known throughout the world for its unique climate, natural harbor, canyons and tablelands. But most of all it's known for all its cherished traditions of hospitality and neighborliness. It's a place where a handshake on a deal still means something. Marvin K. Brown, born in Detroit, Michigan and founder of Marvin K. Brown Auto Center in Mission Valley, believed in those respected traditions. He came to California in 1911. He loved San Diego and made it his home in 1938. He served as Sales Manager for San Diego's Don Lee Cadillac and, through the war years, as its General Manager. After supervising various Los Angeles GM Dealerships, he knew the finest city was the place to be. In 1950, he had the opportunity to buy a dealership of his own in San Diego and opened for business in downtown. He loved the town and the people and saw opportunity and exciting development in store for the future. And San Diego loved him too. His pre-high rise downtown dealership flourished. He was a popular figure in San Diego life: President of the San Diego Motor Car Dealers Association, active in the Lions Club, La Jolla Presbyterian Church and a seven year board member of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Brown always had his eyes open for expansion and growth; the kind of vision that marks each and every successful San Diegan. Jim Brown joined his father in the business in the 1960's after college and a stint at the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan. Jim Brown learned the family well, from parts runner to Used Car Manager, and succeeded his father as dealer principal in 1964. Brown Senior's vision of San Diego's growth rubbed off on son Jim. And in 1967, Jim Brown chose one of the wild sides of the San Diego river for the new expanded home of Marvin K. Brown Auto Center. It stands there today, overlooking the incredible economic development his dad foresaw. He has also been very involved in the community and served as President of the following: San Diego Hall of Champions, San Diego Holiday Bowl, New Car Dealers Association of San Diego, San Diego Crime Commission, San Diego Chapter - Multiple Sclerosis Society, Chairman of Super Bowl XXXII...just to name a few. Marvin K. Brown broke ground for new expansion in 1965 in Mission Valley. Marvin K. Brown is San Diego's exclusive and largest Cadillac dealer in the County. It's professional staff is committed to the same quality and exacting standards that go into each vehicle produced by the prestigious Cadillac motor car division. "Buying a car at Marvin K. Brown Auto Center is different," says Jim Brown. "We want San Diego‘s GM car and truck business now and in the future. We‘ve sold and serviced many thousands of cars here since 1950 and we have a reputation for quality that our friends and neighbors expect from us. We want to continue earning their respect." Jennifer Brown is now the Dealer / Operator and a third generation family member. Visit us today!
Contact Dealership

1441 Camino Del Rio South

San Diego, CA

92108

Directions

By Type

Showing 260 reviews

November 08, 2026

We have traded and purchased cats from this dealership many times and have always received excellent service. We enjoyed working with our sales representative and the service dept when necessary. More

by EDWIN.LETZRING
Sales Price Transparency
Trade-in Experience
Purchase Time
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Charlie De Los Reyes
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Simon Freese
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Nov 08, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Over your many purchases and vehicle trades, hearing that our service has consistently met your expectations means a lot to us. We're glad you've enjoyed working with both our sales and service teams, and we hope you enjoy your new Cadillac OPTIQ!

November 01, 2026

Our buying experience at Marvin K. Brown was extremely positive. Charley provided excellent customer service, from beginning to end. We went to the dealership expecting to purchase a More

by Mrs. J. Miller
Sales Price Transparency
Trade-in Experience
Purchase Time
Finance Experience
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Charlie De Los Reyes
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Jade Zeigler
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Other Employees : Oscar Monroy
Nov 01, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

We're glad Charlie kept both purchases organized and clearly explained, making the process straightforward for your family, including your Cadillac Escalade ESV purchase. It's also wonderful to hear that Jade provided warranty guidance without pressure and helped with the additional paperwork when you returned.

October 31, 2026

Never got my onstar text as promised. Mirror caps were faded/chipped on my side mirrors. Came in the following day as instructed to have repair. Part wasn't in stock. Waited in the waitin More

by mr.bogan88
Recommend Dealer
No
Employees Worked With
J junior
Nov 05, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

We're sorry that you didn't have a completely satisfying visit. We'd love the opportunity to address any issues with our team here. Thank you for your time, and hopefully, we can get to the bottom of this.

October 21, 2026

Alex is friendly, helpful and honest I appreciate his flexibility and how he treats clients More

by monidmgz76
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Alexander Razo
Oct 21, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Your recognition of our service team’s honesty and flexibility when servicing your Cadillac XT4 means a lot to us. We look forward to assisting you again.

October 09, 2026

4 Lounge area could be better and choice of coffee beverage is much broader at other dealerships, some even provide snacks. If they were available it was not shared with me. Also, two hours seems like More

by Paul.kapc
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Chris
Oct 12, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're happy to hear it went well and truly appreciate your feedback.

October 07, 2026

1st time visiting this dealership. We needed some emergency services to our vehicle and Alex and the crew took great care of us and got us back on the road. More

by jnacy01
Service Price Transparency
Workmanship
Service Time
Service Communication
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Alex
Oct 08, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Our service team was glad to step in when you needed emergency repairs on your Cadillac XT6. Hearing your kind words about how we got you back on the road means a lot to us.

October 07, 2026

He took care of what was needed that time and arranged for additional service needs according to my schedule. More

by gregnpv
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Alexander Razo ???????
Oct 07, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Hearing that our team took care of your LYRIQ’s needs and arranged follow-up service at your convenience means a lot to us. Thank you for the five-star rating.

October 07, 2026

My service writer, Sean Heinen is great. I can completely trust him. He presents issues but doesn't try to oversell you things. Trusting your service writer is huge in my opinion. More

by tsubakihara
Service Price Transparency
Workmanship
Service Time
Service Communication
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Sean Heinen
Oct 07, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Your acknowledgement of clear, no-pressure advice and honest presentation of issues is appreciated. Knowing you trust our service team with your GMC Yukon means a great deal to us.

October 06, 2026

Alex always provides great customer service and makes you feel like priority. I can always text Alex and get a quick response from him. He's taking great care of me and my car over the past few years and he More

by Ehgmc2003
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Alex Razo
Oct 07, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Knowing that our quick responses and focus on you keep you coming back means a lot to our service team. We’re pleased we could take great care of your Cadillac CT4 over the past few years.

October 05, 2026

I made my appointment for an oil change, tire rotation, and the 24-point inspection. I arrived on time (around 11am) and explained to Service Advisor Alexander Razo the reason for my visit. Service Advisor More

by tonybcarter
Recommend Dealer
No
Employees Worked With
Service Advisor Alexander Razo
Oct 10, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

We're sorry that you didn't have a completely satisfying visit. We'd love the opportunity to address any issues with our team here. Thank you for your time, and hopefully, we can get to the bottom of this.

1
...