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Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC

San Diego, CA

4.7
228 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!
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1441 Camino Del Rio South

San Diego, CA

92108

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Showing 228 reviews

September 26, 2026

Great job done by service team Completed service on time Car wash was a great addition to the service More

by P.conerty
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Kevin Kepner
Sep 26, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Knowing your service was completed promptly and that you enjoyed the car wash means a lot to our service team. We’re grateful for the five-star rating and for trusting us with the service on your Buick Envision.

September 26, 2026

It was fine. I appreciated getting my car washed before it was returned to me. More

by irongoliath0
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Alex
September 26, 2026

I've been using Marvin K Brown for years. They are reliable and reasonable. The service writers have been trustworthy especially Kevin Knepper More

by joginepra
Service Price Transparency
Workmanship
Service Time
Service Communication
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Kevin Knepper 5 stars
Sep 26, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Thank you for your five-star rating and for trusting our service department with your GMC Yukon over the years. Hearing that our service writers have earned your trust by being reliable and reasonable means a great deal to us.

September 26, 2026

Survey finished Excellent customer service Great atmosphere Very Very professional in terms of quality service. More

by Debstovall7
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Luis
Sep 26, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Your note about our customer service and atmosphere underscores how our service team values quality interactions. Knowing that the service on your Cadillac CT5 felt highly professional means a lot to our service department.

September 26, 2026

Great but change phone to 7605791689 And change name to Karen Weiner Joe Weiner died. Karing2000@gmail More

by Karing2000
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Oscar
Sep 26, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Thank you for the five-star rating and for letting us know your service visit went great. We’re happy to have updated your contact information as requested.

September 26, 2026

Oscar always makes it a peaceful experience He's very personable knowledgeable and keeps us informed through the whole process More

by Cdblake1
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Oscar
Sep 26, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Our service department enjoyed guiding you through every step of the service on your Chevrolet Suburban. Hearing that our personable approach and clear communication made the experience so peaceful means a lot to us.

September 26, 2026

Good time and good team The speed at which the work was done was excellent, and the service provided was too. More

by espaccc
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Yes
Sep 26, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Knowing how quickly the work on your GMC Sierra 1500 was completed and that our service met your expectations is rewarding. Your five-star rating means a great deal to our service department.

September 25, 2026

Terrific. Kevin kept me apprised of my car's progress. I'd Recommend Kevin to all My friends. More

by Mluallin
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Kevin
Sep 26, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Knowing you felt kept in the loop on your Buick Encore GX’s service progress is rewarding. Hearing that you’d recommend our service to your friends means a lot to us.

September 25, 2026

Great Everyone was courtesy and helpful. Nice lounge with a TV making my wait comfortable. More

by Sleeperdan
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Alexander Razo
Sep 26, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Your mention of our comfortable lounge and TV during the service on your Sierra 1500 highlights how we aim to make service visits more relaxing. Hearing that our team’s courteous and helpful approach made your wait pleasant means a lot to us.

September 25, 2026

I had an issue with my truck and Remy quickly got me an appointment, arranged a rental, got my truck repaired and returned to me in a 36-hour time frame. And she did it with a smile. It is because of peopl More

by Kevin.d.greeny
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Remy
Sep 25, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Knowing that we arranged a rental and returned your Sierra 1500 in just 36 hours means a lot to our service team. We’re honored you’ll continue to trust our dealership for both service and future vehicle purchases.

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