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Northwoods Auto Techs

Oil change service · Rhinelander, WI · reviewed since 2015

How 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%75+18.2Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%72+5.1Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 82Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.82SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#52 of 110 oil change servicesPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 53%
4.8 ★★★★★ 148 Google reviews · 6 photos
89%five-star reviews
4.80★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4.2%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
76%reviews answered by the owner
Aug 2026latest review

Northwoods Auto Techs at a glance

Reviewers highlight the shop's diagnostic accuracy, honest pricing, and thorough communication regarding repairs and costs. Customers frequently note the staff's professionalism, punctuality, and willingness to assist with complex vehicle issues or roadside emergencies. However, some lower-rated reviews criticize the requirement to leave vehicles for extended periods and express dissatisfaction with high labor costs or phone responsiveness.

  • Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 148 reviews (89% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 148 Google reviews (109 with written comments, 1 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 76% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: August 30, 2026.
  • Service: Oil Change Service serving Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

Data from Google, last updated November 2, 2026.

Score profile vs other oil change services

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction81Reliability75Craft & service99Value100Momentum100Replies to reviews72Satisfaction: 81 (median 83)Reliability: 75 (median 77)Craft & service: 99 (median 97)Value: 100 (median 100)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 72 (median 73)
Northwoods Auto TechsOil Change Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-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.Northwoods Auto Techs: 81/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
81
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow 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.Northwoods Auto Techs: 75/100 on this factor. Category median: 77.B
75
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle 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.Northwoods Auto Techs: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.A
99
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Northwoods Auto Techs: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises 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.Northwoods Auto Techs: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow 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.Northwoods Auto Techs: 72/100 on this factor. Category median: 73.B
72

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

148 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars13289%
  • 4 stars75%
  • 3 stars43%
  • 2 stars32%
  • 1 star21%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 109 written reviews

  • Praise16597%
  • Complaints53%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price111%
  • Reasonable889%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure00%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude4828%
  • Quality & results4225%
  • Price & value2112%
  • Speed & response1911%
  • Honesty & trust1710%
  • Communication138%
  • Would recommend106%

What customers talk about

We read 109 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “The gals at the front desk are patient in answering the multitude of questions.”
    “This is extremely unprofessional and aggravating.”
  • “They've always provided great service on the vehicle and, more than that, great communication and customer service.”
  • “The Touareg required more effort than we originally expected, but the staff kept us informed and successfully performed the repairs for a fair price.”
  • “I gave Northwoods Auto Tech a call, and Roni (service advisor) was able to get me in right away.”
  • “The Auto Techs who continue to fix my car do so with professionalism, care, and are honest mechanics.”
  • “Communication was excellent, wish this place was in our home town as this would definitely would be our repair shop.”
  • “I would highly recommend their repair service to anyone!”

People customers mention

  • Roni 11 reviews
  • Paul 4 reviews
  • Dustin 4 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Northwoods Auto Techs for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

BeccaLocal Guide · 9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 months ago★★★★★

My car was a mechanical mess. It was a volkswagon...that alone presented challenges as there were few to none who were able to fix it.. Enter Northwoods Auto! The gals at the front desk are patient in answering the multitude of questions..besides being resourceful and very knowledgeable. The Auto Techs who continue…

Reasonable priceTiresGeneral repairs & maintenanceBrakes+ Punctuality
Charlotte3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 4 months ago★★★★★

We only trust Northwoods Auto Techs to accurately diagnose and repair our vehicles now, after learning the hard way that not all vehicle repair shops and technicians are trained, experienced, and supported well enough to "go the extra mile". The auto technicians here take their jobs seriously and are superior…

Reasonable priceGeneral repairs & maintenanceElectrical
Mark2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 5 months ago★★★★★

I was refered to Paul and crew, by a long time friend and a NAPA repair facility owner as well when I lived in South Milwaukee . This was a good transition.

Reasonable priceElectricalEngine repair+ Punctuality+ Quality+ Value
Chef7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★

They are skilled but not customer oriented. In order for them to work on my car they expect it to be serviced there. In order for it to be serviced there they expect me to leave it at their shop for an entire day. I'm sorry but I'm a Chef, I'm active in my church, I have a girlfriend I can't afford the time to leave…

Brendan1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★

Had an issue with the battery in my van. I gave Northwoods Auto Tech a call, and Roni (service advisor) was able to get me in right away. Matt (service mechanic) performed the service on my van. I was only in there for a simple battery change but he also put air in my tires. Which they didn't have to do that. They…

Reasonable priceBattery
NRG1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 11 months ago★★★★★

I like the way they do business. From the folks in the front to the mechanics everybody is so courteous. They give you all the information you need to know about the job and what you may need to have done and they back all that up with facts. Thank you all.

Reasonable priceGeneral repairs & maintenance

Photos

Customer reviews

4.8 ★★★★★ 148 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Becca Roeske MahoneyLocal Guide · 9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Becca has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My car was a mechanical mess. It was a volkswagon...that alone presented challenges as there were few to none who were able to fix it.. Enter Northwoods Auto! The gals at the front desk are patient in answering the multitude of questions..besides being resourceful and very knowledgeable. The Auto Techs who continue to fix my car do so with professionalism, care, and are honest mechanics. Because of extensive repairs I know exactly what's up and what the cost will be from the get go. The only group of people I trust with this car is Northwoods Auto.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Positive: Punctuality
  • Services: Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Brakes, Oil change
Response from the owner · 6 years ago

Wow, thank you so much, Becca! We're so glad we could help out as we understand how frustrating and stressful situations like these can be. We're humbled with your kind words and greatly appreciate your 5-star rating. We take great pride in the work we do and the service we provide so we're glad to see that showed through. If you have any questions about your Volkswagen, don't hesitate to reach out! We're here to help with any and all of your automotive service, maintenance, and repair needs!

James SmithLocal Guide · 18 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews James has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Update: We have used Northwoods' services a number of times over the years and again just a few days ago for oil, tire rotation, alignment check and filter replacements. They are excellent. We are very grateful they are here and, candidly, wouldn't go anywhere else. Earlier: I trust these folks and truly appreciate their professional work and personal concern for us ...not often found in businesses. We became aware of Northwoods Auto Techs a year ago when we needed some serious help getting our VW Touareg back on the road. The staff at Northwoods was very supportive and pointed us to a great towing service who transported our vehicle to their shop. The Touareg required more effort than we originally expected, but the staff kept us informed and successfully performed the repairs for a fair price. We have also had work on performed on our Audi A4 and are very pleased. We have communicated our experiences to neighbors and feel fortunate to have found this business.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Electrical repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, Tires, Oil change
  • Positive: Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
  • Services: Electrical repair, Oil change, Tires
Response from the owner · 6 years ago

Thank you so much, James! Thank you for taking the time to write us and we're humbled with your kind words and 5-star rating. We're glad we could help with your family's Volkswagen Touareg as well as your Audi A4. Let us know if you have any questions in the future - we're always here to help with any of your automotive service, maintenance, and repair needs!

Charlotte & Randy Ahrens3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Charlotte has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We only trust Northwoods Auto Techs to accurately diagnose and repair our vehicles now, after learning the hard way that not all vehicle repair shops and technicians are trained, experienced, and supported well enough to "go the extra mile". The auto technicians here take their jobs seriously and are superior problem-solvers. Their expertise is reliably astounding. Customer service is superior to anything else we have experienced, as well.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: General repairs & maintenance, Electrical
Response from the owner · 6 months ago

Dear Charlotte & Randy Ahrens, thank you for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience at Northwoods Auto Techs. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service and expert vehicle maintenance and repair. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you feel listened to and that all decisions are made without any pressure. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (715) 365-2972. We look forward to serving you again in the future! -Paul

Mark Unrath2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Mark has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I was refered to Paul and crew, by a long time friend and a NAPA repair facility owner as well when I lived in South Milwaukee . This was a good transition.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Positive: Punctuality, Quality, Value
  • Services: Exhaust, Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic
  • Services: Electrical, Engine repair
Response from the owner · 5 years ago

We appreciate the five star rating and we hope you continue to put your trust in us to take care of your vehicle's needs again next time!

Chef Donnie Cassady7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Chef has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

They are skilled but not customer oriented. In order for them to work on my car they expect it to be serviced there. In order for it to be serviced there they expect me to leave it at their shop for an entire day. I'm sorry but I'm a Chef, I'm active in my church, I have a girlfriend I can't afford the time to leave my car at their shop for an entire day. Upon closer searching I found another shop to service and repair my car here in Minocqua.

David EibnerLocal Guide · 24 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews David has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Prompt, knowledgeable service.

Response from the owner · 8 months ago

David, thank you for the positive review! We pride ourselves on providing prompt and knowledgeable service. If you have any more auto needs, don't hesitate to call us at (715) 365-2972 -Paul

Brendan Regan1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Brendan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Had an issue with the battery in my van. I gave Northwoods Auto Tech a call, and Roni (service advisor) was able to get me in right away. Matt (service mechanic) performed the service on my van. I was only in there for a simple battery change but he also put air in my tires. Which they didn't have to do that. They checked everything over and made sure everything was correct. I was out the door in a reasonable time. Thanks again.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Battery
Response from the owner · 10 months ago

Brendan, thank you for sharing your experience with us! We pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our customers. We're glad you appreciate our attention to detail and prompt service. If you need any further assistance, don't hesitate to give us a call at (715) 365-2972. We're here to help. -Paul

NRG Northwoods1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews NRG has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I like the way they do business. From the folks in the front to the mechanics everybody is so courteous. They give you all the information you need to know about the job and what you may need to have done and they back all that up with facts. Thank you all.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: General repairs & maintenance
Response from the owner · 11 months ago

NRG Northwoods, thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review! We're thrilled to hear that you appreciate our approach to customer service and the thorough explanations we provide. We aim to provide an exceptional experience from start to finish, and it's always rewarding to hear when we succeed. Should you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to give us a call at (715) 365-2972. Thanks again for your support! -Paul

Kari Noll2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kari has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We had a very unfortunate situation where we were stranded with five kids and a dog hours from home. We were treated with such great kindness and professionalism by Paul, Travis and Roni, and they went above and beyond to get us back on the road quickly. We are so thankful for the wonderful service!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Brakes
Response from the owner · a year ago

Kari, thank you for the kind review! We're glad we could help you out of a tough spot. If you ever need us again, don't hesitate to call Northwoods Auto Techs, LLC. -Paul (715) 365-2972

Deborah Klekamp2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Deborah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Very honest and thorough. The employees are a pleasure to work with.

  • Services: General repairs & maintenance
Response from the owner · a year ago

Deborah, thank you for the kind words! Here at Northwoods Auto Techs, LLC, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We are thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us! If you ever have any questions or need our assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out at (715) 365-2972. We look forward to serving you again in the future. -Paul

Northwoods Auto Techs on Google Maps →

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