After ending up in a charge dispute with one of AB Marathon's local competitors, I'm actually quite sorry I went anywhere else first. They had done some work for me a few yeas ago and I should have remembered to go these guys first. Very honest, very transparent, and very fair pricing. I've been known to work on my own car in the past and am always hesitant when the suggestions start rolling in from a mechanic. Here, however, their concerns for my car matched mine exactly. The total time from estimate to finished was two business days, including waiting for a part that had to be shipped, so no problems there. Go here, have them give you an estimate, and you'll be very satisfied with the way they explain everything and give you an itemized look at parts, repairs, and labor. read more

I am not sure what I could possibly say here that hasn't already been said. So, bear with me and I'm pretty okay with repeating all the rave reviews. The team at AB Marathon is top notch. Not only do they treat you with the utmost respect, but they are a mechanic that knows their stuff, doesn't rip you off, and tells you like it is. As a woman, all these points are valid concerns. I want to depend on my car, and to do that, I need to be able to depend on my mechanic. And I can with Paul and his team. I have learned many valuable lessons at this shop. Most importantly: the true value of customer service and what it means to be able to afford vehicle maintenance. I will absolutely never go to another mechanic while owning a car in Chicago, no matter where I live. read more

Anyone who has ever been to a doctor can attest to why we are comfortable with one practitioner, and not the other, right? Finding a place to service your car is not unlike preferring one doctor to another. Bottom line, it's all about how you are treated , your trust in the individual, and your satisfaction. AB Marathon and their team of mechanics are all about these attributes. WhenI first moved into the neighborhood, I was stopped by the Chicago Police for a burned out tail light in my 2012 Ford Fusion (I read in news the next day that there was a robbery at around the same time 1/2 block away from where I was pulled over, but my tail light was a more pressing concern for that officer). In any event, I tried to change the bulb myself, and to my chagrin, it proved to be a job requiring tools and skills I didn't have. I took the car over to AB and Steve was able to fix it for me (not without a few issues, I might add). He explained what he was doing, and why it might not have been not an easy task for me. Minor issue, but I had great service, Most recently, I was having electrical problems. Paul took a look under the hood, tested the battery, and didn't want to make a diagnosis immediately. He advised that I drive it for a few days to see if the battery was discharging, or perhaps any other problems arose. The battery discharged the next day, so I had it jumped, and drove it over to AB Marathon. Before putting in a new battery, they ran extensive tests, and monitored the car for a full day. The staff and service at AB Marathon are trustworthy, service oriented, and a pleasure to do business with. I would trust them with my car the same way I would trust a surgeon about to perform a procedure to improve my health. While we aren't talking about "bedside manner" here, you all know how much better you feel when you "trust" someone! read more

AB does quality work on a quick turnaround, and Paul always takes the time to explain what's wrong with my car in a way that I can easily understand. I never feel like I'm being upsold or charged for anything unnecessary here. If you feel like you're being bamboozled elsewhere, come see Paul! read more

Paul was my lifesaver today, there was a problem with my driver side window, it was stuck down in the door. Since I park my car on the street in the city, I needed this fixed ASAP. Paul squeezed me in and had the whole thing fixed in one day. I am very impressed with the service and appreciate their warranty on their work as well. Definitely will be back. Update! Still fantastic service! I was worried about a leak in my tire, but the guys checked out and filled up my tires free of charge. So happy to have a great service station near my house. Highly recommend. read more

Amazing service. Phillip is awesome. Quality work at a great price. And they sell lottery.

Another excellent experience today. Ol' Blue, my 2005 Camry, died last week and responded well to a jump start. The random guy who jumped it said to go have my battery checked. We'll, since car was running fine since then, I did not get it looked at. I parked early yesterday morning and it died again. A friend came with cables and it started right up. I decided to take no chances and drove around the corner to AB. I called at 8:20 this morning and they were pulling it into service bay. They called about 15 minutes later, said it was only a battery needed, quoted me price and it was ready in 15 minutes! Great people. One of the only car places where you won't feel like you are getting screwed. Please support them. read more

Top notch for both service and professionalism. Paul and his team are some of the most transparent people you could meet in Chicago. Had work done and the service engine light came on weeks later. Took my car in the shop (everything they do here is under warranty, another huge selling point), drove me to the redline and followed up with a call on how they are fixing the problem. Seriously, feels like I can say "know a guy" and will recommend any future car troubles anyone has to these experts! read more

I have no words for this place. Even if I move out of Chicago one day, I'll drive back here in an instant for help from these guys. I was new to the city and Paul helped me big time. Can always rely on this place and truly cannot recommend it enough. read more

What more can be said that hasn't been said below? These guys are the best. Been coming here for years, and I know whenever I come in they will come up with the appropriate fix in a timely matter at a reasonable price. Several times I have brought my car in for issues that I thought were significant, and they were able to somehow resolve them in a pinch and sent me on my way for only a few bucks (or sometimes for nothing at all). Really upstanding, friendly, professional folks. The kind of business all businesses should aspire to be like. There's no need to go anywhere else. read more

Wow! Great service and really, really friendly folks. I stopped in yesterday for an oil change and they had me in and out in less than 30 min. I have used AB Marathon before when I was stuck and needed to be towed to them to get my fuel pump replaced. At that time, they were just as cordial and appreciative of the business. Do yourself a favor and use they guys. They are in the neighborhood, know their craft and are reasonably priced. Bravo!! read more

This has been my regular gas station for a few years and I needed some work done on my car. They able to get my car in quickly and make the needed repairs. I will use them going forward. read more

Paul, Steve and Carlos (Aladdin also, even though it seems that he is taking a step back from the shop) have always been so great to my family and our 4 cars. I trust them and they haven't taken advantage of it. I have been frequenting (unfortunately frequently ) the shop for 7 years and I have had probably everything imaginable serviced, repaired and replaced here. They have dealt with me and all my attitude which they know I don't mean and I'm even yelping an apology :) They are a popular spot, as evidenced by their 5 star reviews, but take the time to explain everything in detail, Paul will even draw pictures lol and you are not pressured to do anything, no up selling here. Also, Paul is my birthday twin - Pisces are cool peeps! read more

This is my go to for any mechanical repairs and maintenance on my vehicle. The service here is unparalleled - the first time I came in, Paul was kind enough to walk me around my vehicle and explain the repairs. When I was still curious about how a certain part worked, he took the time to draw me a diagram and give further explanation. That was a couple of years ago, and ever since then I have given them my business. Fair prices, exceptional customer service, quality work. read more

On one hand, the "service" aspect of this "service station" was really helpful when I needed a quick emergency repair, but on the other at least 2 of the maybe 6 pumps are so slow they will drive you mad. They seem to be set on slow drip. A person could die of boredom waiting, and they rarely print out receipts as well. Also, and this is purely anecdotal and doesn't affect my rating but a few years back I saw them using a small barbecue in the parking lot not 20' from the gas pumps. I haven't seen it happen since but it's worth keeping an eye out for. No one wants to get blown up on their way to work. read more

I have nothing but great things to say about Paul and the AB Marathon team! They are always really accommodating and even during the busy periods when I stop by for an oil change for my car they fit me in. During the 'polar vortex' my car battery died and Paul personally drove out to my house to charge the battery! Also when they were fixing my brakes, I needed a car to pick my son up from school and one of the guys loaned me his car to make the school run so that I wouldn't be late! Their quality of work is outstanding, customer service is brilliant and their prices are very reasonable. I had only ever trusted my dealership in the past, however it's all the way out in Niles. I've been going to AB Marathon for the last couple of years and think that they are very trustworthy and straight up guys! An easy 5 stars!! read more

I went here after taking my car five different places for an estimate and or diagnostic work. I didn't feel convinced the work various places recommended needed to be done, and didn't have a clear picture of what was really wrong. Four places wanted to rebuild my transmission for $1400, one wanted to also replace my radiator(?), and another said my car ran fine even though I have to jump it to start it, and he went for a test drive. Paul was able to tell me the transmission that Century Transmission supposedly rebuilt, a little over a year ago for $1500 appeared to be a salvaged transmission from a junk yard. They had put an old trans in my car without cleaning it. He also told me the alternator needed to be replaced, the trans should be flushed and new fluid put in, and it needed an oil change. He said I could just do the bare minimum, with flushing the trans and changing the fluids, but it might not help. He was honest with me that the car was probably not worth fixing. Both Paul, and Carlos who works in the office have excellent manners and good communication, and customer service skills, and they run an honest business. This is high praise coming from me, having had so many negative experiences at so many different car places. read more

Leaving Chicago in two days and driving my 2006 Corolla 900 miles to Maine in the winter. Yeah, probably one of the scarier things that I could want to do, but bringing my car to this shop has been incredible. Paul was amazing on the phone - polite, explained every labor and parts charge, and even told me what I could wait to do if cost was an issue. Having someone explain something without "mansplaining" or being condescending was such a refreshing experience. My car was ready to go in only 1 day. THANK YOU GUYS. read more

Once, I called in advance to see if I needed an appt for an oil change, and they told me it wasn't necessary since they accept walk-ins. About a week later, I came in, but there were already a lot cars ahead of me so it was going to be ready late in the day. I thought my choices were to either A) come back another day and miss a chunk of another work day, B) wait all day in the waiting room, or C) walk home in the bitter cold. Instead, they felt bad that I had called ahead and run into an unusually busy day, so they presented me with option D) giving me a ride home. He even offered to swing by somewhere so I could get breakfast. Talk about customer service! I'm not saying they offer rides to everyone so don't expect one. In fact, he told me that's not the usual practice. Still, it shows that they are willing to go above and beyond to keep their customer happy. read more

I went in on short notice and Paul ordered the part and had if fixed by the next day. There are very nice people working there, and they have a nice waiting room with free drinks. When we noticed something was wrong with the power window (same door they did the work on), I took it back to Paul and, again on short notice, they fixed it up by the end of the day. No Charge. Awesome!!! Thanks guys. We will be back. read more

First time here. I went because of all the positive reviews. I have over 130,000 miles on the car and am used to being told there is always some extra work that needs to be done. So hearing Paul say my car was in great condition and I've taken good care of it was an incredible surprise. I'll be back! read more

What a great "neighborhood" mechanic, not just gas station. These guys can be trusted to be thoroughly on the up and up. They have a decent waiting room but there are lots of places from Subway, Edgewater Bar and Grill, The Little Wolf, blah blah blah to hang out in if you're having protracted service. These guys are all super friendly, knowledgeable, honest, conscientious and the prices are right, from small things like a nail in the tire, oil change/tire maintenance to bigger repairs and brake and transmission service. If you're not in the area, so sad for you. It's worth your trip anyway. Paul, Steve, et al will do a great job, everything needed and nothing that is not. read more

When one has problems with their vehicle, they probably enter the situation with gritted teeth. Unexpected and timely costs on our cars are the last thing one wants to hear in the subzero temperatures. However, if you have to hear horrible news, I would prefer to hear it from Paul and the gang at AB Marathon. I have taken my car in twice to AB, and both times have been pretty great experiences. This last visit I ended up shelling out just under $2,000. Ooof. That was a punch to the gut (and wallet), but the crew had me in and out in such a short period of time, with customer service that any business could learn from. I will continue to take my car to AB for anything and everything. They are purely great people with superior skill and tact. Let's just hope I don't have to visit too soon :) read more

Great place, and best service you could ask for. I always refer my customers from my Hand Car Wash to visit this shop for any mechanical needs. I'm happy there's a place I can send people and be positive they will be satisfied. read more

My car didn't want to start the other day, & I assumed the battery was dead. But, after letting it sit for a while, it decided it wanted to start again, which was great, but I thought it'd still be smart to have my battery checked out. I stopped by Marathon & it took them less than 10 minutes to bust out some device that checked out my battery, proving that it was in good shape after all! Totally a fluke thing that it wouldn't start the other day. & when I asked the guy what I owed him, he said I was good, & not to worry about it! Very excited about this, & I definitely plan on going here with all my auto needs in the future! read more

This company is honest, fast, and was amazing. Paul answered all of my questions right away about my 2003 Honda Element and explained everything in easy to understand metaphors for the lay person (me). They inspected my car and due to some unfortunate reasons behind the inspection he even comped me on it. They let my car stay overnight and were so easygoing about everything. I plan to come back here and will definitely use them for future repairs. read more

Brought in my car after it failed emissions test and found out these folks are the experts in getting your vehicle compliant. The manager explained everything to me very clearly -- replaced the old failing catalytic converter on the same day for a good price. I had to drive the car for about 100 miles to make sure the computer had time to reset, and they scanned the computer for free and certified it with no waiting. Sailed thru the emissions test. I will definitely give them my repair work from now on. read more

Came in today without an appointment to get a diagnostic on battery and alternator because it was being faulty yesterday. I was dealing with Aladdin (I think he's the owner) and his mechanic. They were very helpful, friendly, and honest. They didn't find anything wrong with the car - battery was good, alternator was good, and short was good. So instead of recommending a full checkup and con me for my business when there was nothing wrong with the car, they said bring it back if I have any more problems. I will bring my car here again if/when needed. Thanks Aladdin! Ron. read more

Rolled over a nail and got a flat. In winter. In Chicago. I called AB Marathon to see if it was something they could fix and if so, whether I'd need an appointment to come in on a Saturday afternoon. I was told to come on over and they'd fix it right up. And they did. Paul, the owner, and his crew could not have been more friendly or helpful. They repaired the tire and got me back on the road in about 15 minutes for about $20. I will come back for any other repairs I may need. Recommend! :) read more

For my first oil change I went to a name brand source, never again. No matter where I live in the city I will continue to utilize this place for any car issues I may have. Friendly, knowledgeable staff and very reasonable prices. At no point do you ever feel like you are being gouged. I highly recommend this place. Oh, and free wifi, (good) coffee and soft drinks too! read more

Sweetest guys! Very trustworthy and made me feel very at ease and comfortable about my car. Definitely recommend and will be coming back

Just another 5 star review for this great shop. I'm a fairly knowledgeable car guy that brought in my beloved Subaru WRX yesterday when it was overheating and I couldn't figure out why. They had an easy fix and didn't even charge me. (tipped the mechanic). Great shop hands down, will go back to 10/10. read more

You're in good hands with Paul and Phil. I've been driving a 2002 Saturn for nearly 10 years, and these guys have been helpful, fair and considerate with all of their estimates, recommendations and repairs. I greatly appreciate this business as a Chicago rarity - an automotive service station that I trust. read more

decided to come here after reading the yelp reviews, wasnt too sure about a gas station place but thinking about how long its probably been around, I thought ehh might as well give it a shot. I called on Tuesday to find out about getting an oil change done - needed to get it done before the holidays. With remote work, being able to get it done fast without interrupting my schedule is ideal. Paul let me know to come in the next morning (today) at shop open and he would squeeze me in before the rest of the cars, and I could set up my work computer there while I waited. It took all of 30 minutes, super easy, they did a full inspection fluid top off etc. After a short convo with Paul, I was out the door. I will be coming back here for all my car needs - there was no BS, no games, and straight forward info about my car. As a woman, this is exactly what I want from my car shop. Thank you Paul! read more

I usually go to the dealership to get my oil changed, but I didn't feel like going through the hassle of driving across town to get there. I wanted to go somewhere in the neighborhood and read good reviews of this place. I called and made an appointment for the next day after work. When I got there, I was pleasantly greeted by one of the mechanics who brought me over to Paul. Paul was great and couldn't have been more personable and professional. They have a waiting area, but I decided to go across the street to Jewel instead. Paul offered to call me as soon as it was ready. When I returned, Paul gave me the run down on my car, the condition of my brakes, etc. My car was in good condition and they didn't try to sell me on anything I didn't need. Since I only had an oil change, I can't speak for their other work, but I highly recommend this place and I'll definitely return. read more

Paul is literally one of the nicest people I've ever met. Thorough, trust worthy, kind. We've been taking our car to AB for years now and always feel like it was the best decision. Thank you Paul! read more

I can't say anything negative of this place. I went in because I had so many issues with my car, my air bag light was flashing, I needed an oil change, and my service engine light was on. On top of that, I was leaving for the weekend, and kept my car over the weekend with them. Never have a left an auto repair shop feeling like I was taken care of. They didn't charge me the tech's labor time (~2 hours) because they couldn't fix it for me since it had to do with the airbag. I had to go see my dealership for the problem. They explained everything to me in a way that wasn't in the typical mansplaining manner. It was an extremely positive experience and I wouldn't go anywhere else. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone! read more

Great guys. Had a screw in my tire. They were able to get me back on the road in a cost and time effective way and made my day! Very nice and responsive, definitely my new favorite station/mechanics. read more

What else can I say that hasn't already been said? I felt bad using the yelp coupon because they already give you the best possible price.

These guys are honest and accommodating. I've only had to get oil changes but they have definitely won me over for any future work. It's nice to know you're not being upsold a bunch of stuff you don't need. read more