
Grease Monkey
“I had very professional service. It was well explained. Would definitely recommend “Grease Monkey” #201 to my neighbors!” — Google review
We graded 10 companies on seven things customers actually report: satisfaction, reliability, workmanship, value, momentum, track record and how owners handle complaints.
From 99,088 Google reviews of 218 top-rated auto repair shops nationwide; 10 of them in Vernon Hills, IL. Updated November 1, 2026.
Pick the job — we re-rank companies by how customers rated that exact job.
Experts Score 0–100Experts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. and a letter grade per factor (A = top 20% of auto repair shops).
| # | Company | ScoreExperts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. | FactorsFactor grades, in orderSatisfaction (54%): Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Reliability (24%): How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Craft & service (0%): Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Value (14%): Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Momentum (0%): Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Replies to reviews (7%): How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.One letter per factor score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = below 20. | ★Google star rating as shown on Google Maps. | Typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews). |
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| 1 | A 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%99+25.8Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA–AA– | 4.99 | — | |
| 2 | A 92How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%94+51.3Reliability 24%94+22.8Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%54+3.8Experts Score= 92Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAAC | 4.94 | — | |
| 3 | A 90How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%91+49.6Reliability 24%89+21.6Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Momentum penalty73−2.7Experts Score= 90Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAABA | 4.92 | — | |
| 4 | A 89How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%89+48.5Reliability 24%91+22.1Value 14%96+13.6Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Momentum penalty75−2.5Experts Score= 89Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAABA | 4.91 | — | |
| 5 | A 89How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%92+50.2Reliability 24%89+21.6Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%54+3.8Craft & service penalty93−0.7Experts Score= 89Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAAC | 4.89 | — | |
| 6 | A 88How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%88+48Reliability 24%88+21.3Value 14%93+13.2Replies to reviews 7%78+5.5Craft & service penalty95−0.5Experts Score= 88Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAAB | 4.86 | — | |
| 7 | A 85How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%88+48Reliability 24%85+20.6Value 14%85+12Replies to reviews 7%59+4.2Experts Score= 85Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA–AAC | 4.86 | — | |
| 8 | A 83How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%85+46.4Reliability 24%78+18.9Value 14%91+12.9Replies to reviews 7%70+4.9Experts Score= 83Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AB–AAB | 4.86 | — | |
| 9 | A 83How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%81+44.2Reliability 24%74+17.9Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%92+6.5Experts Score= 83Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | ABAAAA | 4.81 | — | |
| 10 | C 56How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%73+39.8Reliability 24%51+12.4Value 14%68+9.6Replies to reviews 7%61+4.3Momentum penalty0−10Experts Score= 56Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | BCABFB | 4.88 | — |
What customers paid, from the price Google asks reviewers to report.
| Job | Low25th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid less than this. | TypicalMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range). | High75th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid more than this. | FairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”. |
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How the 10 auto repair shops we rated in Vernon Hills, IL compare, and what customers praise most.
A = score 80+, F = below 20.
Average stars per company.
Share of Google review highlights.
All price verdicts left with reviews.
Share calling it great / reasonable / overpriced.
Satisfaction (54%) — Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.
Reliability (24%) — How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.
Craft & service (penalty, up to −10) — Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.
Value (14%) — Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.
Momentum (penalty, up to −10) — Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.
Replies to reviews (7%) — How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.
The 10 best-rated auto repair shops in Vernon Hills, IL average 4.9★ on Google across 6,432 reviews. Star Auto Authority - Collision Center has the top rating (5.0★), and Grease Monkey has the most reviews (2,041). Updated October 31, 2026.
10 companies that meet our bar: rated 4.5★ or higher on Google, with a meaningful review history (6,432 reviews combined) and currently operating. Request a call back and the company will phone you directly.

“I had very professional service. It was well explained. Would definitely recommend “Grease Monkey” #201 to my neighbors!” — Google review

“Just started going here about a year ago and have had great service each time for both my car & my daughter's car. Great staff (especially Greg), more affordable for my budget, & I highly recommend them for your auto…” — Google review

“I was recommended by a long time customer. She was absolutely right, the work and detail to taking care of my car was excellent.” — Google review

“Great experience recently, as always, taking my dad's car for repairs. The free loaner helps, great diagnostics and reasonable rates. Thank you!” — Google review

“Had all fluids replaced on my 2008 Ford Explorer. Everything done to specs. Not one leak. Also four wheel alignment. SUV rides great. No issues. Highly recommend Advanced V Tech for all work. Very professional…” — Google review

“Adam was great. Explained the issues with my vehicle and a solution to address them. The team had the car fixed and ready for pick up in a meter of hours.” — Google review

“I love this place. Everyone genuinely cares and they listen when you ask questions and let them know the problem you're dealing with. I would recommend everyone I know to come here. I've been coming here for over 20…” — Google review

“I highly recommend. Was having trouble with my car lagging to start. I stopped by and spoke with Cody. He came and ck out my car and made appointment for next day. David text and kept me the loop of what was going…” — Google review

“This place is known by many for good quality of service. I usually do not give five star reviews, but they stand by the work. Update, since the take over of Mike and Candy, things are still top par.” — Google review

“My name is Tony. I needed some help with installing serpentine belt.Easy to make appointment and they took me in just on time. Service was great and all went smooth. I highly recommend Mundelein Tire & Service.” — Google review
We scan Google Maps for auto repair shop listings in and around Vernon Hills, keep only open businesses whose main category matches the service, and require a Google rating of at least 4.5 from at least 20 reviews. Companies are ordered by a confidence-weighted score that balances rating and review volume. We do not accept payment for placement.
Star Auto Authority - Collision Center has the highest Google rating on our Vernon Hills list: 5.0 out of 5 from 156 reviews (as of October 31, 2026).
Grease Monkey has the most Google reviews among the companies listed here: 2,041, with a 4.9★ average.
Only open Vernon Hills-area businesses whose Google category matches the service, rated at least 4.5★ from at least 20 Google reviews. They are ordered by a confidence-weighted score of rating and review volume. Placement is never paid.