This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
Reviews show mostly positive but mixed feedback for Hermans Garage and Body Shop in Divernon, IL. Many praise fast towing, timely fixes, fair pricing, and personable staff (Dave/Jason), with reliable diagnostics and quality parts. Others report long waits, poor communication, surprise cost increases, misdiagnoses, and unprofessional conduct (including an indoor-smoking concern). Parts access gets a few nods (special-order belt, easy pickup), but inventory variety, yard organization, and part-finding ease are unclear. Overall: 82/100. Verify estimates and timelines.
After over 3 generations using this shop, I am saddened to see it has adapted to the ways of the world and lost all customer service and even gone further by being rude, unprofessional, and irresponsible. Dropped off 5/11 Told Dave a hose was leaking and power steering didn't work, told him we could see the hose leak because it sprayed the hood lid, and the back I wanted pads.
Upon not hearing anything on 5/13 at end of day , 430 I called, Dave answered saying he had my number down wrong, he had a 220 number, which I've never had, yet done business for years and he has my dad's, mine, of our Facebooks to contact yet I heard nothing. He stated we have to change the power steering pump, it's shot, and the back brakes need rotors too. His price quote was $774 and he didn't know when for sure he could get it done because tomorrow was pretty booked which was Thursday and Friday wasn't looking good either but he said it would be done by the beginning of next week.
After 5 more days, on Wed 5-20, almost end of day. 3pm, I called again, Jason answered, I asked "just wanted to get an update on my van", he stated it would be done by end of today, I said ok cool so it will be and he said yeah I had a couple give me trouble but I should have it done by end of day or tomorrow, I said, well is it today end of today or tomorrow because if it's going to keep going I need to figure something out. He immediately raised his voice and began to yell, well I can't help it, we got to work it in, you can just come get it and hung up.
Then when I asked you to call. You informed me after speaking to Dave that it was the same answers.
5-21-2026 Called end of day, 430pm, told once again be tomorrow.
5-22-2026 2pm, finally received call, van was done.
Upon arrival, we were informed the total was almost 1000., to avoid a confrontation with a rude employee, I asked my dad to ask why the 200 difference, before I could even finish speaking, Jason spoke up and said because we had to replace the hose too, I said no that was in the first estimate because I told Dave it needed that and he added a pump and rotors to the hose and pads. He again being rude and unprofessional, said well we didn't know it needed it until we took it off, rather than repeat myself and argue with ignorance, I walked out and let my dad finish up the transaction. As me and my fiancee got in our vehicle, we noticed our trash had been got in to by either a wild animal or their pet shop cat, literally there was holes made in the bag and trash and crumbs scattered, picture enclosed.
Getting no where with this once good shop that now is unprofessional, marking up estimates drastically then can't explain, make you wait days, then argue when you inquire. Very unprofessional and disrespectful company, employees, and owner!
I’m disappointed to share that during my recent visit, there was active smoking taking place inside the business. This was unexpected and concerning, especially given that Illinois law prohibits smoking in indoor public spaces. The presence of smoke created an uncomfortable and unhealthy environment, impacting the overall experience. Businesses have a responsibility to maintain a safe and compliant space for their customers and staff. I hope management addresses this issue promptly and takes the necessary steps to ensure the environment aligns with state regulations and provides a better experience for everyone.
Thank you for your response. However, it does not address the original concern, which was specifically about smoking inside the business. Smoking indoors is prohibited under the Smoke Free Illinois Act, which is in place to protect the health and safety of customers and employees. The reply instead included unrelated accusations and unprofessional remarks that have nothing to do with this issue. I would appreciate a response that directly addresses compliance with Illinois law and ensures a safe, smoke-free environment moving forward.
Do not take your car here. They overcharge and are neglectful. I had to take my car to a 2nd shop 2 days after they fixed my car because it wouldn't start. Come to find out they didnt even connect both my batteries. DAVE U ONLY HOOKED UP ONE BATTERY WHICH IS WHY IT STARTED ONCE. THE CONNECTION ON THE MAIN BATTERY WAS SO LOOSE IT STOPPED STARTING. MY CAR WAS THERE UNDER MY BOYFRIENDS NAME NOT MINE. They also had my car over 2 weeks and wouldn't return calls. They charged me twice what the other shop charged for the diagnostics test. This place is a joke. DAVE U ALSO LIED TO MY MOM N SAID HER HEADGASKET WAS BLOWN AND IT WASNT ANOTHER MECHANIC TOOK HER CAR N FOUND THE THERMOSTAT WAS THE ISSUE. UR A SWINDLER. CUSTOMERS BE WARE
Herman’s Garage was called today (01/22/26) for my truck that we couldn’t get started and needed two batteries. Within 15 minutes of the call for a tow truck, our tow driver arrived. The driver was very nice and very professional. Very glad Herman’s was called! They are very fast, friendly and are very knowledgeable. Huge shout out to Jason for responding very fast and helping us get our truck back into service! Thank you for the 5-Star all-around awesome service!
Been going to Herman's the past few years. They always do great work and have kept my old car running for me. Kudos to Dave and his staff for very reasonable rates and quality work!
Had them do a timing belt on my car. First off they sourced a specific belt I wanted, and then when down there fixed some other issues with my car. Def worth a visit, provide really good service and use super high quality parts.
Hermans saved our life. Our car stalled a couple of miles from their shop. They came to tow us in no time, correctly diagnosed the problem, and got us on our way for a completely reasonable price in one hour.
After years of loyalty, they have recently failed to repair our car. After multiple chances of letting them try to fix a recurring problem that they have told us was "fixed" but, then it would go bad again after a month's time. While using a loaner car, as the aforementioned car was being repaired by another shop since Hermans could not fix the problem that they had told us was fixed, an employee wrecked another customers car into our loaner while backing out of the garage. They are currently lying to insurance about the claim as well saying we are at fault. Please don't go here the workers are incompetent and the owner is deceitful.
Took my 01 Yukon there to have it diagnosed was told it was the transfer case so I purchased on for a buddy for $150 took it to Dave at Herman's next day he says it not the transfer case it's your transmission so I then spend another $600 on the transmission he has my car two weeks and then I pick it up and it's shifting hard I called to let him know he said that the computer needs to relearn the new transmission I left it at that then about a week later I'm driving down the interstate and my transmission line comes off sprays fluid everywhere I then have it towed back to Herman's he then tells me it's not his fault and I will need to pay an additional $160 to get the line put on and And more fluid so I pay it fast forward to now my transmission is shot and I'm now paying someone to rebuild it took it out only to realize it's not even the transmission I bought and took to Herman's it's a junk yard one with yellow junk yard markings and mechanic says that the line Dave replaced is still leaking and bolts are missing and the job was not done correctly I contacted Dave at Herman's garage to talk about these issues he was extremely rude to me and call me a liar and said it was not his problem and then hung up the phone on me please don't take you vehicle to Herman's they are crooked and do horrible work and do not stand behind their work
I have always taken my vehicles to Hermans garage. They are professional and stand by their work. I recommend them to anyone who is seeking a repair shop
