Call Us! (815) 756-3898
MON - FRI | 7:30 AM - 5 PM
Since 1985, Barb City Automotive has provided on point auto repairs and vehicle maintenance services to DeKalb area drivers, and we stand by our work with a 3 years or 36,000-miles, nationwide warranty. Our mechanics offer more than 60 years of auto repair experience, specializing in Asian imports, including Honda, Infiniti, Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Nissan, and Kia. Our goal is to consistently deliver honest and reliable service people will tell their friends and family about!
With monthly specials and charity donations, we give back to our customers and the community.
Our mechanics train throughout the year to stay current with modern automotive technology, and our shop invests in the tools and equipment necessary to handle auto repairs accurately and efficiently. Whether the service you need is major or minor, you can trust us to fix your vehicle right the first time on time — guaranteed.
Services We Offer Include
I’ve worked with Barb City twice in the last year and both times they communicated clearly the reasons why I was experiencing issues with my truck, patiently answered my questions, and solved the problems efficiently at a competitive rate. Will certainly do business with them again.
-- Google User Review
Great business and people to work with!!
-- Google User Review
Had my car towed to Barb City due to an object puncture in the sidewall of my tire. They got the tire ordered and I was back on the road the next day. Awesome service and incredibly friendly. Would recommend to anyone.
-- Google User Review
Very reliable and trustworthy
-- Google User Review
Excellent service; very professional! Friendly and personable. They always go above and beyond.
-- Google User Review
Great service great people.
-- Google User Review
Great service - as always!
-- Google User Review
I trust these guys so much. They keep proving how good they are every time I go in. I have a 2013 Elantra. I went in for my regular oil change. The mechanics went to rotate my tires and found my strutt was completely broken. Even though it was late on a Friday, they did everything in their power to get the part over and repair it that day bc it was not safe to drive.
I will never go anywhere else and HIGHLY recommend this shop.
-- Google User Review
I have brought my car here for the past year and they were suggested from a family member. I have had nothing but excellent experiences with Barb City. I will continue to do business with them for as long as I am in the area!
-- Google User Review
Great customer service. Very honest. I didn’t feel like they were trying to find issues just to up the bill. Straight forward on finding main issues and fixing them. Will continue to use them for all my automotive issues. Thanks.
-- Facebook User Review
I had an issue that was intermittent and difficult to diagnose. The dealer had quoted $1500 to repair the problem. Barb City found the problem and repaired it for less than half of the price. I have found them to always be honest, and very helpful!
-- Yelp User Review
These folks are great! Reasonably priced, responsive and competent. A good combination!
-- Google User Review
Always great work. Thank you
-- Google User Review
Barb City Auto does a thorough job.
-- Google User Review
Timely and great service. They got me in and out quickly when I needed it and did it with a smile. Thanks for everything.
-- Google User Review
They do honest, good work they’re friendly and polite. I only wish they had more discounts.
-- Google User Review
The oil change comes with a tire rotation, which was really unexpected. Pleasantly so.
-- Google User Review
Barb City can always be counted on to do only what I need and not more. Fair pricing and friendly service
-- Google User Review
Great job getting me in so fast. Followed up after service to make sure everything was good. Earned my future business for years to come.
-- Google User Review
I have had my vehicles serviced and repaired at this facility, and they have always been very helpful and professional. They never try to up sale.
-- Google User Review
Excellent service; very professional! Friendly and personable. They always go above and beyond.
-- Google User Review
Professional, knowledgeable and work very hard to get us in to the shop in an emergency.
-- Google User Review
Repeat customer,and what an awesome experience! Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable They have another long time customer now.
Thanks again.......Ron in Dekalb
-- Google User Review
Outstanding service and repairs i would highly recommend them to anyone very knowledgeable,friendly and trustworthy
-- Google User Review
Good honest people. My Volvo is running great thanks guys
-- Google User Review
I've been here a couple times now and have had excellent service. They get me in right away, and get the work I need done fast. Very reasonable pricing and they seem like an honest company.
-- Google User Review
Another great job done at Barb City Auto, staff is friendly and proficient, knows the ins and outs of my car and I trust them with the smallest details. I highly recommend..
-- Google User Review
great neighborhood business...good service...good peoples
-- Google User Review
Love coming here! They are always friendly and helpful.
-- Google User Review
Great service - friendly folks. They give accurate, quick, estimates, and do the work you need!
-- Google User Review
I have always had a good experience. When they identify an issue I know I can trust them to give their honest assessment!
-- Google User Review
They do good job on your car and they are very reasonable so if something goes wrong with your car give them a chance
-- Google User Review
I recently brought my car in for new brakes and an oil change. In addition to that, I heard a noise coming from my brakes. Throughout the time my car was being worked on to the moment I picked it
up, all of the work and parts were thoroughly explained and fairly priced. I was impressed by the amount of communication as well. Not only was everyone friendly and kind, but they would respond to my emails and calls so fast! I definitely recommended this dealership if you’re in the area
-- Google User Review
Came in thinking I had a hole in the muffler and was assuming it was going to cost. But turns out I just need to reconnect some pipes and saved a whole bunch of money. Straight shooters and honest at this place. Was very happy with service.
-- Google User Review
Not one of the best and most knowledgeable mechanic shops in DeKalb, but THE best and most knowledgeable shops in DeKalb. Thinking John had decided to retire, I tried a few other shops and after every experience in these other shops, I would have additional car problems. Between three of them - two in DeKalb and one in Burlington, they pretty much destroyed my 2002 Ford Explorer. Out of desperation, I returned to Barb City only to find that John had not retired. Now, I am happy, our cars are happy and my son's car is happy.
Save your time and money and go to Barb City - it the long run, your car will be back on the road faster and in the long run, it will cost you less money.
-- Google User Review
We've been using them for nearly 20 years and couldn't recommend them enough! Good, honest, hardworking people!
-- Google User Review
I have been going to barb for over a year. Each experience is better than the last. Very knowledgeable excellent service never an unnecessary repair. Costs are always reasonable
-- Google User Review
1st time customer,and what an awesome experience! Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable They have another long time customer now.
Thanks again.......Ron in Dekalb
-- Google User Review
The staff at Barb City are always so friendly, and they do a great job! I can tell my car runs much smoother whenever I get my car serviced.
-- Google User Review
Barb City auto always says it's a good job on my vehicle and that's where I take it and they're honest not like most dealers who will screw you into getting stuff done when you don't need it
-- Google User Review
Amazing work! Amazing people! Had an emergency heading home from Wisconsin and when I was finally able to inch my car to their shop they took care of me right away and was super affordable! Thanks to the Barb City team!
-- Google User Review
I moved here from Florida and my car needed to be ready for Illinois weather and Barb City took care of everything with professional courteous and efficient staff. More than satisfied and they are my automotive shop
-- Google User Review
I highly recommend Barb City Auto to my friends and family. Honest work done for an honest price. John will always tell you what your options are, and I trust him and Bobbie implicitly.
-- Google User Review
Had a wheel alignment and transmission fluid flush done on a 2016 Chevy Malibu. Very reasonably priced and great service.
-- Google User Review
It's a great place to have work done on my car, they are very thorough and
efficient. They always are very friendly. They were recommended to me and I am so grateful, and now I recommend them to others.
-- Google User Review
Love coming here! They are always friendly and helpful.
-- Google User Review
First visit for service. Friendly, efficient service.
So pleased to support quality local business!
-- Google User Review
Barb City Automotive does a great job at maintaining my vehicle. They are timely, reasonably priced, and treat you well. I’ll continue to have my vehicles maintain here because they’ve done excellent work.
-- Google User Review
They’re great! Continue to be very helpful. Great repairs.
-- Google User Review
Genuine and straight forward to work with, they are punctual and support veterans. I will continue using them.
-- Google User Review
Great people, you can TRUST your family's life with Quality work they do.
-- Google User Review
I have a diesel Jetta which has used Moly oil for the last 340000 miles. Barb City stocks the oil and is my new go to service center.
-- Google User Review
These guys are awesome! Had my truck in because it was pulling to the right( with all new parts)and i could not figure out why they assessed the issue and got it straight! I couldnt be happier with the job they did! Thanks John! We will be back for the a/c soon! Affordable smart trustworthy people! Would give 10 stars if i could!
-- Google User Review
It's a great place to have work done on my car, they are very thorough and
efficient. They always are very friendly. They were recommended to me and I am so grateful, and now I recommend them to others.
-- Google User Review
Flexible schedule. Able to work around my work schedule. Polite service. Fair price. Quick service.
-- Google User Review
I am extremely impressed with the serivce i have received. I will be going here from now on. Even if its just a smiple oil change. The customer service is amazing and its affordable work.
-- Google User Review
Always friendly and first class service. Honest, family-owned local business. Been taking my 5 year old vehicle to them for all non-dealer-warrantied maintenance since purchase. They keep up with recommended routine maintenance and without upselling. Easily recommended!
-- Google User Review
John and Bobbie were awesome! We will never go anywhere else for all our auto repair and maintenance needs. Please post and feel free to use our names. All our best, Mary Petruchius & David Maxwell
-- Google User Review
My daughter’s 2006 Camry had several issues that needed attention prior to her taking off on a 2K+ mile road trip. The folks at Barb City were awesome! I felt very satisfied with the work they did AND with the price they charged, which I thought was extremely reasonable. I did not feel like they were trying to get as much money out of me as possible by recommending a bunch of unnecessary repairs (which I had experienced at another shop in Dekalb). I would definitely go back again and have no reservations about recommending BC to anyone needing to have automotive work done. Thanks Barb City!!
-- Google User Review
Not one of the best and most knowledgeable mechanic shops in DeKalb, but THE best and most knowledgeable shops in DeKalb. Thinking John had decided to retire, I tried a few other shops and after every experience in these other shops, I would have additional car problems. Between three of them - two in DeKalb and one in Burlington, they pretty much destroyed my 2002 Ford Explorer. Out of desperation, I returned to Barb City only to find that John had not retired. Now, I am happy, our cars are happy and my son's car is happy.
Save your time and money and go to Barb City - it the long run, your car will be back on the road faster and in the long run, it will cost you less money.
-- Google User Review
Courteous,Prompt, efficient, honest
work by John & his team, including his Girl-Boss I get a peace of mind knowing professional car TLC Was given to my Subaru Forester! ...👍
-- Google User Review
Great work, detail explanation of procedure, and great pricing. Would definitely recommend.
-- Google User Review
Nice people to deal with.
-- Google User Review
They did a great job..
-- Google User Review
John and everyone at Barb City Auto went out of their was to make my experience the best it could be.
Always do professional job.
Thanks John....
-- Google User Review
Previously came here for oil changes & tire rotation, then they informed me that I needed new tire rod ends and an alignment because a tire had irregular wear. Returned for service and they did a fantastic job, going above and beyond to provide another excellent experience and trustworthy service. Thank you to John & the entire team!
-- Google User Review
Excellent service; very professional! Friendly and personable. They always go above and beyond.
-- Google User Review
Always friendly and first class service. Honest, family-owned local business. Been taking my 5 year old vehicle to them for all non-dealer-warrantied maintenance since purchase. They keep up with recommended routine maintenance and without upselling. Easily recommended!
-- Google User Review
Great experience highly recommend.
-- Google User Review
Very good customer service and reasonable price. Will always go to them for truck repairs.
-- Google User Review
I've lived in the area for a year and a half. I was told when I moved here that this was the auto shop to go. After many oil changes and various smaller repairs to my Elantra, I felt I could completely trust this repair shop. They clearly know their business, do right by their customers and are family owned. They care. So, we recently took our 2nd car on its last leg in for the first time to see if they could help. They came through, the Mariner is back out on the road and we didn't break the back despite multiple repairs. Go to this shop if you live in the area. You will undoubtedly feel the same as I do, that you can trust them completely with your vehicle.
-- Google User Review
They are always courteous and professional and their work is excellent.
-- Google User Review
They are always honest and up front with any cost before doing the service. They are also very trustworthy. I always go to Barb City Automotive for my repair work.
-- Google User Review
The only place to take your vehicles. Friendly and quick
-- Google User Review
Barb City is a place you can trust! Very friendly and great service! I've never had an issue there and they will always give the right and honest maintenance you need.
-- Google User Review
They fixed my completely damaged brake system and my car drives like a brand new car. Also very kind and communicate well with you about prices and time it’ll take. Thank you guys so much!
-- Google User Review
The thoroughness of tracking down a problem and the quality of the repair and their attempt to keep costs as low as possible. highly recommended
-- Google User Review
I have been going to barb for over a year. Each experience is better than the last. Very knowledgeable excellent service never an unnecessary repair. Costs are always reasonable
-- Google User Review
My first visit to Barb City was pretty good. I only had my car in for an oil change and tire rotation. They were able to get me in and out pretty quick. They did give me a price estimate for rear brakes; stating that they were really low (my car is rear-wheel drive) and gave me an estimate on how much longer I had on the current pads. They were not pushy on the subject; but did remind me the breaks were really low. So for now; I give a solid 4 stars. I’ll update after I get the breaks worked on.
-- Google User Review
Not one of the best and most knowledgeable mechanic shops in DeKalb, but THE best and most knowledgeable shops in DeKalb. Thinking John had decided to retire, I tried a few other shops and after every experience in these other shops, I would have additional car problems. Between three of them - two in DeKalb and one in Burlington, they pretty much destroyed my 2002 Ford Explorer. Out of desperation, I returned to Barb City only to find that John had not retired. Now, I am happy, our cars are happy and my son's car is happy. Save your time and money and go to Barb City - it the long run, your car will be back on the road faster and in the long run, it will cost you less money.
-- Google User Review
Always the best customer service, Bobby is the best. This is the first garage I’ve been to that I felt like I was getting straight forward, great service at a reasonable cost. This is where I take my vehicles from now on.
-- Google User Review
Great attention to detail at a fair price. They are always looking at things that. Ay need attention in the future and for your safety.
-- Google User Review
John and everyone at Barb City Auto went out of their was to make my experience the best it could be. Always do professional job. Thanks John....
-- Google User Review
Great service - friendly folks. They give accurate, quick, estimates, and do the work you need!
-- Google User Review
Had an oil change and as always great friendly service/staff
-- Google User Review
Quick and reasonably priced
-- Google User Review
Save yourself some money..skip the dealer and see John and Bobbie at Barb City. They'll fix it right and guarantee their work. You can use the savings to fuel up for your Summer fun driving trips. Time to think smart.
-- Google User Review
John and everyone at Barb City Auto went out of their was to make my experience the best it could be. Always do professional job. Thanks John....
-- Google User Review
Great attention to detail at a fair price. They are always looking at things that. Ay need attention in the future and for your safety.
-- Google User Review
I appreciated the conversations had with the staff while waiting, the affordable cost of the repairs and the letter that was sent to me a few days after my appointment thanking me for my business. I look forward to supporting their business in the future.
-- Google User Review
Barb City Auto has been great to me. Appts. are easy to get and the people there are very polite and helpful
-- Google Review
They are always honest and up front with any cost before doing the service. They are also very trustworthy. I always go to Barb City Automotive for my repair work
-- Google Review
always happy with service!
-- Google Review
John and Bobbi at Barb City Auto are good people and they and their team provide good, honest repair work. I have been going to them for several years and have a deep sense of trust that I will be treated fairly and that my car will be in good hands
-- Google Review
Awesome family great price
-- Google Review
Barb City automotive is very professional. While servicing my vehicle there was a small complication and they called before moving forward and explained all the details. Barb City Automotive does Quality professional work. I am extremely happy with their work and would highly recommend Barb City Automotive for all of your automotive repair needs. I also want to add that Barb City Automotive has always been very honest and upfront with all repairs
-- Mathew Littlejohn
It's a great place to have work done on my car, they are very thorough and efficient. They always are very friendly. They were recommended to me and I am so grateful, and now I recommend them to others.
-- Marcia Staniszewski
I am extreamly inpressed with the serivce i have received. I will be going here from now on. Even if its just a smiple oil change. The customer service is amazing and its affordable work.
-- Christine Witkus
We had trouble with a car not starting. We got it to the shop and John assured us he would to it immediately. We trust Barb City Auto for all our auto care. They are friendly, efficient and thorough. We are very pleased with the service we receive from John, Bobbi and the staff at Barb City Auto.
-- Bob Hadley
Barb City automotive is very professional. While servicing my vehicle there was a small complication and they called before moving forward and explained all the details. Barb City Automotive does Quality professional work. I am extremely happy with their work and would highly recommend Barb City Automotive for all of your automotive repair needs. I also want to add that Barb City Automotive has always been very honest and upfront with all repairs
-- Google Review
Always friendly and trustworthy. Thanks!
-- Google Review
I would and do recommend Barb City Auto has a place to get great service and quality care done on your car.at reasonable prices
-- Google Review
I was in the middle of a cross country road trip when I heard a grinding sound in my front end. I read great reviews of this spot and was close by so I decided to stop by. They were super kind, checked it out right away, addressed the problem (which was a very small, simple, and inexpensive fix) and let me know that my breaks would also need to be done soon but would last the rest of my trip home. They were good, honest folks who I’d highly recommend.
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When it comes to customer service, we make a point of treating people fairly and honestly, and we like to take the time to talk and really get to know our customers. Moreover, we don’t want taking care of your vehicle to be a huge inconvenience or something you dread, so we offer pick-up and drop-off service, as well as a clean and comfortable waiting area.
Barb City Automotive is a NAPA AutoCare Center, which means we’re held to a higher standard than your average auto repair shop. You can also count on the 36,000-milie, nationwide NAPA warranty when you bring your car to us. It’s free with your qualifying auto repair or service work.
Along with other NAPA Auto Care Centers in DeKalb, we donate $1 from every oil change to deserving local charities, such as Salvation Army and the Humane Society, with at least one charity receiving a check each month. So, when you visit Barb City Automotive for auto maintenance, you’re not just helping your car, you’re helping our community!
Our auto repair shop is located at 1150 South 4th St Rear in DeKalb, just off Route 23 South and about a mile north of I-88. (We’re in the back of the building, so don’t miss us.) In addition to DeKalb, we serve drivers from Sycamore, Cortland, Rochelle, and Malta. For students, we’re near NIU College. We are proud and lucky to serve an area where small, family-owned businesses like ours are an important part of the community. Thank you to everyone who makes DeKalb a great place to live and work!
We’d love for you to become part of our automotive family.
Give us a call or contact us online today!