The 4x4 Center

63 Ethan Allen Dr, 05403, South Burlington
The 4x4 Center
63 Ethan Allen Dr
05403, South Burlington
+1802-864-8565

Opening hours

  • sunday: (closed)
  • monday: 8h-17h
  • tuesday: 8h-17h
  • wednesday: 8h-17h
  • thursday: 8h-17h
  • friday: 8h-17h
  • saturday: (closed)

The 4x4 Center appears as your basic Auto Service Center specializing in 4x4 vehicle repairs but, once you look a bit further you'll find The 4x4 Center is an impressive network of small businesses. The 4x4 Service Center repairs, upgrades, and maintains your 4x4 vehicles and any other vehicle your family might have. They operate one of the USA's premier Land Rover Restoration centers as well, out of their South Burlington location. Then there is The 4x4 Training Center at Bolton Valley - focused on providing off-road drivers training, defensive driving, and many other classes to businesses and consumers around our area. This is also the East Coast Dealer Training Center for Michelin & BFGoodrich tire dealers. Come get to know us!

Our comment from DrivingSchools.Directory about The 4x4 Center:

The 4x4 Center is a trusted automotive service provider specializing in 4x4 vehicles, known for their exceptional knowledge and professionalism. Customers consistently praise the skilled team for their outstanding work and honest approach.

  • Expert Team: Users highlight the extensive expertise of the staff, stating that they are the 'most knowledgeable team around' and emphasize their professionalism and helpfulness.
  • Quality Work: Many reviews commend the high quality of service, mentioning thorough inspections and effective solutions for various 4x4 issues, including suspension upgrades and engine work.
  • Great Customer Service: Most clients report positive interactions with the staff, who are described as friendly and accommodating. Reviews repeatedly mention going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Fair Pricing: Although some customers have noted inflated quotes in specific instances, many appreciate the reasonable pricing for the quality of work provided.

However, there are occasional reports of inconsistent customer service experiences, particularly regarding communication and appointment scheduling. Some clients expressed dissatisfaction with service delays and unexpected charges, advising potential customers to clarify quotes upfront.

Overall, The 4x4 Center remains a highly recommended choice for any 4x4 enthusiast seeking reliable and expert automotive services.

The 4x4 Center: Reviews

4/5 (51 Reviews)
Dave Mora 7 months ago

Fantastic experience: These guys didn’t miss anything on my tundra and explained my alignment issue better than any other shop.

Ian Powell 7 months ago

Fantastic experience: No doubt, the most knowledgeable team around!

Kristen Ely 7 months ago

Fantastic experience: These guys are the best! So professional, honest and reasonable. Can’t say enough great things about the entire crew. The only place I trust for service on my 4Runner!

Charles Basic 9 months ago

Fantastic experience: They took great care of my LR4, and now they're equally great to work with maintaining my HSE. Friendly knowledgeable and reasonable pricing ! (Actually saved me money on some things)

Kiely West 10 months ago

Negative experience: This place barely deserves 1 star. When my fiance called to schedule an appointment for our truck they were very unprofessional, rude, and impatient but we went ahead and made the appointment anyway. Called 3 days before the appointment to see if they balanced driveshafts, they do so we asked if they would be willing to while they had it in there, what followed was some of the worst customer service we have seen over a question. They are not going to check it unless they feel it's bad, and if we don't like their procedures than we might as well scrap the appointment, they don't need this appointment they have plenty of buisness without it, ect. By the sounds of the other 1 star reviews this is how they operate over there, wouldn't recommend this place to anyone, didn't make it to the appointment and will gladly never schedule one again.

Christian Pages 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: The best, most trust worthy shop in Vermont. The only place I bring my truck.

Brian Butler 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Exceptional guidance and advisement on what modifications to get for my truck. Easy to work with, good quality labor and products, and I would highly recommend.

John Beeman 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I've been a customer here for a long time - over several vehicles. Jason, Bruce, and Mike are straighforward and hard working.

Jack Poratti 1 year ago

Negative experience: I had high hopes going here, as you'll soon read it didn't meet my expectations. I originally went in to have an issue with my tire looked at. After they had a day to look at it, they came back to me and said how they found a whole bunch of issues with my truck. This wasn't what I wanted to hear, but I understand that things break and wear on vehicles. First off, if you go here, know they are going to charge you to look at your vehicle. They charged me almost $300 for just looking at the truck. I didn't ask them to go through the whole thing, I guess they just figured they had a chance to charge me a lot of money while they had their hands on it. This alone wouldn't make me go out of my way to give this shop one star. The estimate they came up with for the issues they found came out to $5,000. I was definitely skeptical as to why it was such an insane amount to fix some bushings, seals, and what they thought needed, control arms. First off, they were going to charge me $400 just to replace the control arm, which is a $150 part, and that didn't include the labor of it. I brought my truck to another shop in Essex and they were amazed at how much this estimate was. According to them, the 4x4 center was upping the price on all these parts and charging double labor rates . For example, they charged full price on labor to go into the front left suspension setup and replace a control arm. They also said I needed to replace a cv axle. In the estimate they made it so that instead of having that labor go into the other work they did, it's like they were charging me to put the front end back together and then again take it apart. They were double dipping. Before I took it out of the shop, I stopped in to see what they were talking about. The service manager straight up lied to me, he said we were getting a steal on a control arm. "They usually go for $490, but we got one at a good price of $409." We also asked if we were to get the work done, could they comp the $300 charge of looking a the truck. They got very defensive about us asking this, which also made me not want to do business with them. All things considered, do not go here unless you don't care about spending lots of extra money, they will take advantage of you.

Matt Hubeck 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: The guys at the 4x4 center are great at what they do. I had a lift and suspension upgrades done to my Tacoma and it came out great. One of the front shocks had a manufacturing defect and they had me in right away, and replaced it. I recommend these guys for your 4x4 needs.

Brittney GoesMeow 2 years ago

Negative experience: I wish I could give this shop a 0. Probably the worst experience I’ve had anywhere ever. Bruce is extremely rude and unprofessional. Just wasted over a month of my time. Looking at other reviews it seems I’m not the first and won’t be the last that this happens to. I would say you are better off bringing your vehicle ANYWHERE else.

Robert Welk 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: They installed a RC Leveling Kit on my 2022 RAM 2500 quickly and it looks/rides awesome!

Julie Gates 2 years ago

Negative experience: I called and asked for a quote to install new adjustable shocks and do a wheel alignment after. I was told that it would cost around $400. I dropped the truck off and was told that it probably wouldn't be ready until the following day. I told them that I could not do that because I drove over an hour to get there. They allowed me to use the loaner vehicle to get home, but had I known what the bill was going to be I would have just called off the appointment. They called me the next day and said the truck was done and I could pick it up. I asked what the final cost was and I was told $714!!! When I asked how the amount could be so much higher than the quote, they first told me that no one quoted me that and then made excuses that they had to install the shocks twice because they adjusted them too high the first time....shouldn't that have been on them? They also said that the alignment was not included in the original pricing. I specifically asked how much the total cost would be to install the shocks and do the alignment. We had this done two years ago on another truck in a different shop and they only charged us $300.00. I would not recommend them.

David Zysik 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Knowledgeable and took enough time to explain issues on my D-90 that will be taken care of when needed in future

John Van Dijk 2 years ago

Negative experience: The worst place to bring your vehicle in Vermont. They rip people off constantly and don’t care what damage they do. Very little integrity or costumer service. Try another business unless you want to throw money away needlessly. These people are incompetent, unprofessional, and corrupt.

Dan Conley 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Always receive great service here. Prices are great, and the staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend it to anyone.

J M 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Casey at The 4X4 Center balanced the drive shaft from my 1963 Chevy II Nova today. Great job, fast, friendly service! No more vibration! Thanks!

Dan Dudensing 3 years ago

Negative experience: Excessive costs for minor work; deceitful/duplicitous communication - terrible experience top to bottom

John LaMothe 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Fast friendly service. Highly recommend.

G C 3 years ago

Negative experience: Add it to the long list of their one star reviews. Where to start? Over priced, slow, charges hundreds of dollars just to plug in a code reader. Avoid this place at all costs. Horrible customer service. Real unprofessional shop. Worst mechanics ever.

Summer Knight 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: The best staff and best experience one could have!

Austin Pritchard 3 years ago

Fantastic experience: I worked with Jason on new suspension for my Tundra. He was very helpful in getting my vision to align with reality. You can certainly get the same look for cheaper, but my truck now looks, drives and rides better than it did stock. I am very happy with the results and price.

Daniel Williams 3 years ago

Negative experience: Dropped them off a steering shaft to see if they could make a new one, they thought they could. Turns out they couldn't, which wouldn't be a big deal. The problem was when we picked it up. They were so rude and unprofessional that I will never set foot in the place again. My friend who was with me won't either after experiencing their rudeness.

Gillen Schofield 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: I’ve been using the 4x4 Center for just about a year now. Jason, Bruce and the team are professional and helpful. I drive a JK Wrangler and have been unfortunate enough to need a good amount of work done. Now she’s trail ready and running smooth around town. I trust these guys. Highly recommended. Aces.

Tyler Antrim 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: My wife and I participated in the Introduction to Off-Roading course at The 4x4 Center in Bolton. We're new Jeep Wrangler JL owners, and the excitement to learn about its capabilities off pavement was growing. The full-day course, led by friendly and knowledgeable instructors Kevin and Valery, started in the classroom. We learned about four-wheel drive fundamentals and features specific to our Wrangler. We then hit the trails in one of The 4x4 Center's Wrangler JK Rubicon models. The hands-on experience driving in 4WD Low, left-foot braking, using hill decent control, and even operating a winch in a recovery situation, was exhilarating. We now have greater confidence in our machine. We highly recommend this course to anyone interested in off-roading, or even those just looking for a new, authentic Vermont experience.

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

So glad both of you enjoyed the class! Thank you!

Anna Vann 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Really happy with the service I got today. It was a bit of a wait for things to get done, but you can't rush a good job! Also these guys are pretty busy, and it's easy to see why. My Jeep came out looking wayyy better than when it arrived. Excellent customer service and top-notch quality of work. Thanks so much 4x4 Center! I'm sure I'll be back!

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

Sorry we ran a little behind! Thank you for choosing us Anna!

Torsten Bergersen 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: I am happy with the work I got done here. They are clearly very experienced. I would come back here for more work on my 4x4.

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

Happy you had a great experience, thank you for choosing us Torsten!

Roger Grant 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable, quick, they have the ability and equipment to service your automotive needs, highly recommend!!!

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

Thank you very much Roger!

Jonathan Rowe 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: If you want thorough work done go here. So many places get you in and out without addressing all the issues properly. These guys get it done. Their prices are fair. Trucks aren’t cheap and their work is top notch. I will always go here.

Jagerpuppeh 4 years ago

Fantastic experience: I requested a PRINSU roof rack installation and the 4X4 Center met the challenge remarkably! I'm very happy with the end result, and the pricing was far less than I was expecting. Bruce took great care of me, and I'm excited to have found a new home for my Tacoma's needs!

kevin duniho 5 years ago

Negative experience: I brought my Sprinter van here for some electrical work, tires and installation of a horn and heater. They charged me for every billable hour possible for 6 days. I paid the ridiculous bill but asked if they stand by their work if there’s a problem. The manager said yes. I ended up having several problems with their work and they insisted on charging me more each time. I eventually found someone else who was able to fix their work at a fraction of the price they charged. One of their guys even told me that they love when a Sprinter van conversion pulls in for work because they can charge twice the price! The manager seemed keen to get more Sprinter work through me but I tell every Sprinter owner I know not to go there. I complained to the owner and if he had simply done something for me I wouldn’t have posted this review. Zero customer service.

Jared Max Hendler 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: This shop did an incredible job mounting a winch to my LC200 under the OEM bumper. They were thoughtful in the placement and mounting of everything, their work is immaculate and they were on time and communicated well. These are real professionals.

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

That sure does look great! Enjoy!

Joe Kelly 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Went to them seeking to install an aftermarket steel bumper on my Tacoma. They did a solid job and were very responsive whenever I had questions. They even worked with a local powder coating company to get it painted for me. Would highly recommend them if you're looking for professional and clean work done on your vehicle.

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

Thank you Joe! We were happy to help you out, and it looks great!

Corey 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: These guys are the real deal. I enjoy doing as much work on my own truck as my abilities allow, but when it comes to everything else, 4x4 center is the place to go. Bruce, Jason, and the entire crew are extremely knowledgeable, honest, and you can trust they’re going to do it right.

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

We think you're pretty awesome too, thank you for choosing us Corey!

Vanessa Shayan 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Bruce helped me assess a situation with my truck and I could not be more impressed with his professionalism and expertise. They did a thorough consult for free and also washed my truck before I picked it back up!! They’ve earned a customer for life :)

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

Great news! Thank you for picking us to help you Vanessa.

brandon tessier 5 years ago

Negative experience: Dropped my vehicle off for a lift kit and wheel install on a Wednesday. They said they would be done by the end of the week.get a call saying they are taking longer then they hoped. Next Tuesday rolls around and was told that morning it would be done and ready to pick up at the end of the day. I call them on my way up and told that it’s not done. And finally a week later after a job that should only take 12-16 hours it’s still not done. For specializing in suspension upgrades and off road. Don’t bring your vehicle there unless you want to waste your time and money.

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

Not sure how we're just seeing this but, we're sorry Brandon. Buying parts for vehicles isn't what we want it to be right now - all the parts companies are behind, parts quantities are low, and UPS is behind too. If we get the wrong part sent to us, it becomes a real hassle for everyone and, we know that hurts. Then of course we're talking aftermarket parts which, only fit the vehicle correctly about 30% of the time, which we then have to fix. It sure sounds like a lot of excuses, but maybe we should have been clearer about what the hold up was. We do appreciate your feedback though!

DragonicWolf 5 years ago

Negative experience: Bad place I sent my truck in for a engine repair and was quated for chasi muffeler rotars basically everything got told my truck was junk and they said they wanted 5000 to fix it

Kristina Hermanson 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Very happy with their service! The repairs were done quickly and with great communication. Price was far less than we were quoted elsewhere. Highly recommend!

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

Thank you for picking us!

Joe Sicard 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Jason and his crew are rocks stars. I'm new to the 4x4 and backcountry (vehicle) scene. I described what I thought I needed to Jason and he ran with it. I couldn't be happier with the work, timeline and professionalism of his crew. I would highly recommend The 4x4 Center!!!

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

Thank you Joe!

Ewing Fox 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Solid service and very knowledgeable staff. I do my own work but refer people with confidence to this great shop!

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

Thank you!

Brigham Young 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: I have had nothing but great experiences everytime I bring my truck to the 4x4 Center. The staff is super helpful and Bruce went above and beyond to accommodate me the last time I brought my truck there. I would highly recommend the 4x4 Center and will be bringing my truck to this shop for many more year's. Once again, thank you Bruce for going out of your way to accommodate me. I greatly appreciate everyone at the 4x4 Center.

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

Thank you for taking the time to share your great experiences with us! We appreciate you, and your business!

Cody Bassett 6 years ago

Negative experience: Was given a quote of a rough time estimate and told I would be called if it seemed that the job would go longer. Come to pick it up and they bill is over double without a single call. No explanation as to why I wasn’t called. Would not recommend unless you want to overpay for a lack of any management skill.

Grunberg Haus Inn & Cabins 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: What a great resource for the classic 4x4 enthusiast. I learned about The 4x4 Center back when I had my Defender 90, and now have hired them for projects on my Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. They communicate with you very well throughout the project, and they do NOT take shortcuts. I just picked up my FJ40 yesterday, and they did such an amazing job repairing my fuel delivery issues, wiring harness, and so many other issues that came with this truck purchased from a faraway place. They made it safe, reliable, roadworthy and it runs & pulls like a new Cruiser. What I also like, is that they completely understand my off little requests like Fluid-Filming under the rubber floor mats inside the vehicle. They understodd my desire to protect this thing as well as possible from the winter elements and even used a special "Fluid Film" like product for the inside of the cab which wouldn't have a strong smell.

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

Thank you! We enjoyed working on your FJ!

Cara Rathmell 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable, trustworthy and pleasant. Highly recommend!

S D 7 years ago

Negative experience: Took my Land Rover here to find out what was wrong with air suspension. After a couple hours and $150 I was told I compressor and front suspension needs to be replace for $1200 but more sensible to replace all suspension from air to springs for $2400. Drove to another automotive shop in Essex with little 4x4 experience. They could hear air hissing out of compressor tank. They replaced it for $179 and all works perfectly.

Rich Gardner 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: They are great to work with! Jason did exactly what he said he was going to do. Great communication and coordination on their part. It made it very easy for me to get the work done that I was looking for.

The 4x4 Center
The 4x4 Center

Thank you very much for your business and recommendation Rich!

Dennis Steele 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Excellent service

Geoff Strawbridge 7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Jason, Mike and the crew are experts in taking care of your 4x4. They have master certified mechanics, their own 4x4 Driving School and they have the fabrication capability to make their own metal parts. Professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend them.

Chris Swasey 8 years ago

Fantastic experience: Jason and the shop crew do great work on my classic truck, and their pricing is always reasonable.

Richard Laws 8 years ago

Positive experience: Friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Gerard Williams 9 years ago

Fantastic experience: The 4x4 center did a pretty serious overhaul/restoration of my '82 Toyota pickup. New suspension, custom exhaust, frame restoration, and a lot more. I was very, very impressed with the work they did, and Jason the service manager was very knowledgeable and quick to communicate. I highly recommend the 4x4 Center!

Leave your opinion about The 4x4 Center:

1 = bad
5 = Excellent

The 4x4 Center appears in the following listings:

Other driving schools that might interest you

Add your business to our directory for free

If you own a driving school and want to appear in our guide, send us your business information, and you can be listed completely free of charge.

Add your profile for free

The largest guide to driving schools in United States

Find the best driving schools near you