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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 17, 2026

Excellent service as usual! Thoroughly reviewed everything that was going to be done and timeline that it would take to complete. More

by ellosoh
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Luis
Sep 17, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

It’s rewarding to hear you appreciated our detailed review of each needed task and the timeline for your GMC Canyon service. Thank you for the five-star rating.

September 17, 2026

Most excellent. Oscar was helpful and knowledgeable. Oscar did what he could to make my experience pleasurable and memorable. More

by racer.r3x
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Oscar Munroy
Sep 17, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Knowing you found our service on your Cadillac LYRIQ so helpful and memorable means a lot to our service team. Your kind words and five-star rating are greatly appreciated.

September 17, 2026

I'm traveling from Pennsylvania and Sean treated me great. Sean was very customer friendly and helpful More

by Jmcinaw60
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Sean Heinen was my advisor. He was excellent to work with.
Sep 17, 2026 -

Jmcinaw60 responded

I dealership treated me great and Sean Heinen was great to work with.

Sep 25, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

It's great to hear that we were able to help you. Our goal is to make sure everyone who walks through the door leaves happy. Thank you for choosing Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC!

September 17, 2026

Very clear and professional staff. My Wife and myself have been doing business for the last two years and are very pleased with the entire staff. More

by 2448kevin
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Oscar in service, he's outstanding, very professional and great to work with.
Sep 17, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Knowing that our service department has impressed you and your wife with clear, professional care for your GMC Sierra 1500 over the past two years is rewarding. Your loyalty and kind words mean a great deal to us.

September 17, 2026

Charged more than sticker, falls short at service and Chris Heine tried to scam me about an oil cap change that never happened. It is keeping me from buying the new model year Escalade from your dealersh More

by Nicollsdesign
Recommend Dealer
No
Employees Worked With
Chris Heine
September 17, 2026

Love the service department there. One of the best I have ever seen. Very professional More

by daniel_hernandez0831
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Luis
Sep 17, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Our service team is pleased we could deliver professional care for your GMC Sierra 1500. Knowing you consider us one of the best you’ve ever seen means a lot to us.

September 17, 2026

Great communication by Sean in the service writing department. Got the truck back clean and running perfect More

by ivormcc123
Service Price Transparency
Workmanship
Service Time
Service Communication
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 : Sean Hienen
Sep 17, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Clear communication is at the core of how our service department operates. Hearing that our team communicated effectively means a lot to us. We’re glad your GMC 2500 returned clean and running perfectly.

September 17, 2026

This was our 6th vehicle purchased from MKB Frank our salesman is so accommodating and a pleasure to work with. More

by donwitte
Sales Price Transparency
Trade-in Experience
Purchase Time
Finance Experience
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Tanner Terry
1.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Other Employees : Frank xx. Thomas
Sep 17, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Knowing our sales team has remained accommodating through all six of your purchases is rewarding. Thank you for trusting us again with your new Escalade. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.

September 17, 2026

Luis was great to assist my vehicle and keep me updated. Thank you for the service. More

by aiedateek
Service Price Transparency
Workmanship
Service Time
Service Communication
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Luis
Sep 17, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Knowing our updates during the service on your Cadillac Escalade kept you informed is rewarding. Thank you for your kind words about our team’s assistance.

September 17, 2026

Always great service. The team always works hard and their follow through is amazing . Great job More

by Spfreese
Service Price Transparency
Workmanship
Service Time
Service Communication
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Simon Freese
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Sep 17, 2026 -

Marvin K. Brown Buick GMC responded

Consistent diligence and thorough follow-through are at the heart of how our service department operates. We’re thrilled your GMC 2500 received the attentive, reliable care and follow-through you highlighted.

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