Johnson County Automotive Service, Shawnee

Cobalt-blue key chains emblazoned with Johnson County Automotive's logo swivel on countertop racks in the cozy reception area, emulating the spinning wheels and whirring belts on the bustling auto-shop floor. Amid hydraulic lifts, arsenals of tools, and three decades worth of greased memories, a team of ASE-certified mechanics goes to work, rebuilding battered carburetors, grooming engines, changing oil, and replacing the alarm clock hanging next to the Garfield hanging in the back window. While mechanics pore over cars, drivers take off in complimentary loaner cars until their rides are ready. Johnson County Automotive upholds its work with a 24-month, 24,000-mile warranty, and doles out car-care tips on its newsy blog.