What could improve? Well, customer service. Called these guys to try to get a one-day van rental. As soon as he answered he acted as though he did not want to be talking to me, huffing and puffing and sighing immediately. Seemed annoyed by my questions about the details and prices. Because I wanted a rental for Saturday and they are closed on Sunday he told me I would have to rent for two days. Prices are already higher than most of the car rental places and those are open on Sunday. So when I said, thank you for his help and that I would try somewhere else he hung up on me before I could finish my sentence. Horrible experience. Giving two stars just for the benefit of the doubt that maybe he was having a bad day. read more

I was referred by a friend to Paragon Car & Van Rental. Great customer service! Phil answered all my questions and made sure I had a cargo van to fit my needs. They have a good selection of vehicles (cars & vans). All the vehicles are clean and very well maintained. If you looking for a good affordable rental vehicle, Paragon is definitely the spot. read more

This place is terrible! They Are extremely rude! they tried charging us $400 extra dollars worth of fees that was not discussed in the mist of reserving the van.i wouldn't recommend this place to no one! read more

Do not book any vehicle with a debit card! At least with a credit card, you can effectively dispute their dishonest charges. I was charged for miles after being quoted a flat rate and they took my security deposit for not returning the vehicle vacuumed. Besides these extra charges, the vehicle didn't have windshield wiper fluid and the engine lights came on in the middle of a 4 day rental. read more

Was in a bind, needed a van fast, these guys saved the day. Chicago guys so if you're local you'll get them. Very reasonable price and I'm glad my money went to a local business vs a national chain or an ap. In fact, my ap flaked on me and that's how I found Paragon. I'll rent from them again. read more

Spoke to Mike to reserve a 12 passenger Van for my wedding he quoted me on a price of $987. Went in to pay to reserve the van and he wasn't there his brother was at from desk and was completely rude. He jacked the price to $1700 questioned my job when I have my own Cleaning business and then Questioned my fiancé work when he works for the railroad. Yes we are Black and he wouldn't even look my fiancé in the face. DO NOT RENT FEOM THIS PLACE, this man took a call while we were talking and was cursing on the phone. Racist is what he is,our money wasn't good enough for him and we were going to pay for rental in full. read more

I rented two vans from Paragon for an overnight relay running event because their prices were cheaper than the national brands. We were told the day of pickup that they only had 1 passenger vans, despite making a reservation months ago. Pickup was relatively simple but the rep was very short. I could see how someone would think they are rude. Return was the most frustrating part - stated closing is 5PM on Saturdays but they were closed at 4PM when we showed up. Luckily we hunted down the owner's phone number online and called him to address the situation. Supporting local businesses is important to me, and usually comes with the added bonus of superior customer service and dependability. However, after my experience with Paragon I will no longer be supporting this local business and will opt to use the national chains in the future. read more

This place is a bit old school but it is a no-nonsense way to rent a passenger van or car. Easy process gets you In and out fast without all the usual hassle of the big no customer service large rental companies. One of the owners usually will be on site to make sure you have a great experience. Vehicles are newer and very well maintained inside and out. Next time you are needing to rent a passenger van or car I strongly recommend Paragon. read more

Horrible customer service was told they would wait for vehicle we added over 174 miles extra because we were mislead on hours over the phone had to drive the vehicle back and forth when we finally got them available he tells us he has a life and was not gonna wait around he has people stiffing him on bills from cops to priests he was not going to wait. Wow seriously unprofessional. Will not be using this company ever renters beware!!! read more

Paragon Car & Van Rental - Car Rental Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Worst customer service ever. Called to get a quote for my company that is going out there for the IBS Show. Unfortunately when i called, the line would ring and go quiet. After saying hello (me) several times, a booming voice comes over the phone "HOW COME WHEN I ANSWER YOU DON'T SAY ANYTHING!?!?!" taken aback, i ask him for a quote for a 15 passenger van. he says hold on and puts me on hold. When he comes back he says "hello? " i say hi right away and again his booming voice "HELLOOOO?!" ... at the point i couldn't take his rudeness, i just told him "i dont even want to get a quote from you anymore." and just hung up the phone. not even worth your time inquiring from this company. Unless you feel like getting your day ruined by a douche of a man. read more

THEY HATE CUSTOMERS HERE...if you're looking for a van rental, do your best to avoid this place. Talk about pompous! Absolutely NO customer service skills, deceiving, rude, nosy & won't stop staring at your boobs! Twice I rented here and I hate myself for giving them another chance, the quote I was given was @ 150 less than when I returned it, both times. I was 1 hr late, I called n was told not to worry take ur time, nobody has the van reserved. I don't know how they stay in business. ..he had the biggest smile on his face as he swiped my card for late arrival n extra miles (which of course the quote said we had enough included...going back to Enterprise definitely! read more

Don't know why there are so many negative reviews. This is officially my third time renting from them. The second time, I rented the large 12 passenger van for a wk for my wedding in 2012, because I had a lot of family in town for my wedding staying w us and their prices will literally save you $100s. I have never had any attitude while calling or renting. You're renting a car, not trying to find a soul mate here. Everyone I have rented from/spoken to have been funny and made easy small talk with. Again, you're RENTING A CAR and saving $100s. Do your research, see for yourself. Paragon WILL save you $$$. No hidden fees like at chain rental places. The price they say will be the price you pay at the end, PERIOD. read more

I needed a van for my Sons wedding on October 16, Phil took special care to explain every detail. The van was spotless inside and out ,the price was very fair and I was very satisfied,thank you to Phil for a stress free experience. read more

This company is awful. Ran by some old dudes who barely know technology, let alone customer service. Say they have rentals that they do not, make you run through hoops to confirm your credit card and then just cancel the reservation anyway. I would never rent from here or recommend anyone does. read more

Called and spoke to an owner, who claimed he had been in the buisness for over 25 years, regarding a vehicle to rent/lease for the year. He was rude, condescending, and not at all helpful. He tried to "quiz" me on what I thought I should be paying for the vehicle. When I gave him an answer, he told me he would never make any money off of me. I could not believe how demeaning this guy was. I would highly recommend you take your buisness elsewhere, as a guy like this does not deserve to make another penny, and should cope with his insecurities not by patronizing potential customers, but by going to therapy. read more

The short of it: Put in a little more time into your rental research and you will be happy. Do not work with Paragon. The long of it: One of the first things the owners will tell you when you call is that they are the largest and oldest, Van rental agency in Chicago. My advice then, go with a smaller one, because their business model is stuck in decades past. Simply put about my experience, we returned our van 1 hour late, and the place was shut down, with no way to return the van until the next morning. For this, we were charged another day. I've worked with several other van, car, and moving vehicle rental places in the city, and all have had a way for customers to return the vehicle after hours. Since they were closed, no customers were waiting for the van, and it wasn't driven extra. I hope you enjoy the money from the extra charges, because next time, and every time after, I'll go with one of the smaller, newer companies that knows how to treat it's customers. read more

Two words: choose Enterprise. I have never given a negative a review on yelp, but my experience with Paragon was horrible. First, they won't take any reservations or information over the phone - you have to come in person. Second, if you are renting multiple vehicles for your company, every driver has to come in person or you get charged an additional fee per driver on the day of pick up. Third, the price is outrageous - definitely price gouging in Chicago since there are limited 15-passenger van rental places. Fourth, there is definitely a "machismo" attitude in the place. I felt like I was being "little ladied" and yet my male colleague was treated noticeably different than me. Fifth, timing - especially when we returned the vans was horrible. There is no overnight drop off hours, so you have to return vehicles during office hours. Then, upon returning the vehicle we had to wait over 30 minutes. When I entered the office before I could even say a word I was told, "Have a seat. It's going to be awhile. Monday mornings are busy and I'm the only one here." No "hello." No "our apologies." No manners or respect at all. It's true Monday mornings are busy - for customers too! I'm sorry, but as a business if you know that Monday mornings are busy, then you should staff your office better on Monday mornings. I say it again...and I am a huge fan of supporting local...but when it comes to van rentals: choose Enterprise. read more

This was a great deal for me because I was in need of a car and there were no other cars available through major firms. Is a small -family business. The cars are clean, well maintained and brand new. Service was honest and consistent. The owner is a bit unsmiling at the beginning but the truth is that after talking to him for some minutes he is friendly. Thanks! read more

I like this business. I've rented from Paragon a couple of times. I'm renting again this week. The price is right. The vehicle are clean and in good condition. The staff is very easy to deal with. It's a small business, family owned and run. Recommended!!! read more

Just got off the phone with the manager. Completely horrible customer service. First of all, I rented a 15 seater van from them two months ago for our upcoming trip. We have 11 people with 2 babies and wanted the 15 seater for the luggage space. Manager calls me a week before our trip and wants to verify if I cancelled my 15 seater reservation. Umm... NO I DID NOT cancel the van... I did not call, I did not email, I have not spoken to ANYONE cancelling this reservation. And now they have apparently given away my reservation. The guy then says he can "accommodate " us by giving us a 12 seater at a discounted rate ($10 less/day).I don't give a crap about the discount. We then came up with an idea to have a roof rack to place the luggage in, and he says we can go to U-haul and have them install it. He would not do that himself bc they are too busy and "he has never and will never do that for anybody." EVEN THOUGH THEY SCREWED UP IN THE FIRST PLACE. We tried to remedy the situation and that was his answer. Bravo, you guys win the worst customer service ever. Screw your discounted 12 seater. I care about the 15 seater I had ORIGINALLY reserved, and you can now no longer rent to us. I am completely pissed off and now have to find a vehicle in less than a week to accommodate my family. This business is completely unorganized, unreliable and not customer service based at all. Do not rent with this company unless you want to get screwed over a week before your trip. read more

We have rented from them several times over the last years and as far as price/quality this place is on point. The are not exactly the friendliest, they will not ask how your day is going and how are the kids, but their vehicles are well maintained and the price is excellent. read more

This is a family business that has been around for half a century. They know what they are doing. Their service is professional, their product is unique. I needed a 15-passenger for a week on short notice, and they were the only provider I could find in all of Chicago. Rates are similar to the franchises. I brought my van back three days earlier that I had reserved for, and they reduced my rates to accommodate the change. They have clean and very cool, sleek blue Fords. I was very much satisfied with Philip and the business. read more

Paragon saved our family trip. AVIS took a reservation, confirmed multiple times and when we went o pick up the van ion the day we were leaving for vacation they did not have one available. Mike at Paragon went out if his way to help us find a van when there were none available at ANY rental facility in Illinois, Wisconsin or Indiana. Truly the best! read more

The guys here are ignorant and mean. They close on days without notice or warning. I would not use them if you can find another service. No help. read more

I rented a Van from this company and signed a written agreement for a round trip from Chicago to Detroit and back. The owner assured me the Van was ready and serviced for the road trip with the expectation of being charged for two rental days. We made the trip to Detroit but on the way back the Van broke down while driving on the highway endangering the lives of myself and 9 other people. The company had no 24 hour assistance or emergency contact numbers for after hours so we were stuck on the side of the road for four hours. The next day I went to the rental company informed them of their inoperable Van and requested a refund. They did not refund my money or deposit (to date I have not received any of my funds) and they were still going to charge me the full amount. After being advised by their mechanic that the issue was their fault they then wanted to settle for an unacceptable amount. They were grossly negligent and unapologetic for the issue and rudely informed me that my inconvenience was not their concern. Stay away from this rip off company and the rude and ignorant owners. read more

I rented a 12 passenger van from Paragon. The van was newer and clean. The agent mentioned all specifics pertaining to the rental except the fact there is a mileage charge after 150 miles. I returned the van the following day as agreed upon. Paragon, for some strange reason doesn't immediately close out the sale, rather, according to the agent, the funds held on your credit card may be held up to two weeks. I find that very strange and a bit suspect. I used a major credit card, not a debit card, returned the van in the same condition rented to me. The transaction for the actual sale has not appeared on my card and the funds are still being held. The explanation given for this is some people extend their rentals. I've rented vans from Enterprise, Ace and Payless at O'Hare and other locations and never heard this explanation before. There appear to be two men running the establishment, both very rude during telephone interactions. I'll pass on future rentals from Paragon. read more

Very Disappointed...Quoted one price charged another...Rented one of the Blue 12 passenger vans.....Van looks nice but all over the road @ 55mph....White Knuckle trip....never again......The Cool old sign gets the star.. read more

We rented 12 passenger van. It was a new van with very less mileage and very good condition. Drove 1900 miles without any problem. Got a Great price for the van. Highly recommend Renting from Paragon. read more

make sure you get everything in writing with them. We recently rented from them and were quoted a fixed price. When the vehicle was returned we were told differently. This was a jump in price of from what we had budgeted for the rental. Even the owner was unwilling to accept the error in misquote or do anything about it! Be very careful!!! read more

Terrible customer service they yell for everything, got a good quote for a 12 passenger van. Used the truck and when I returned they said a plastic cup holder was missing?? . Why would I remove a cup holder charged 45.00 dollars no chance to dispute the charges. DO NOT use them after the hidden charges city tax, county tax state tax, and cup holder tax cost about 100.00$ dollars more then there quote. take your buisness elsewhere. read more

Rented a 15 passenger van for three days and when I returned it ,they checked the van and demanded $50 to vacuum the van because they expect it to be returned clean.. I haved rented many vehicles from other businesses and never had any problems..I demanded to talk to a manager and he said he is the owner....what a asshole.. read more

I promise phil that I will write based on my experience. I rent 15 passengers van on Saturday, I was charged 2 days because Phil said Sunday they close at 2pm. I was told that 2 days will cost me $340, I agreed, also I was told that he will hold 150 deposit plus 340, I also agreed because Phil told me if I retured the van on Monday before 1030 am he will retured $150 deposit. On Monday I retured at 940 am, I was charged $425, I went crazy, Phil try to find excuses to charge extra, first he said you have extra miles, then gas, at the end I said I was told that it will cost me $340 now you are charging me $425, I won't sign the credit card reciept, he was rude to say too bad even if you don't sign it, I laready charge it. I said, that you told me that it will cost me $340, how come you are charging me $425 he replied that was estimate....I told him the reason that I will sign is a lesson that I learned to never come back here.... Based on my experience. don't trust this company don't sign any papers unless you have numbers, because looking at the paper when I sign to rent the van it was all verbually no numbers on the rental contract, so they trick costumers..... read more

i did the mistake of believing the reviews about this rental place & initially booked with another nationally named company to my demise. however, on 10/1/16, i entered this establishment and in all honesty had the most pleasant experience with "mike" who was extremely professional and accommodating. not sure what people are expecting when they rent a van. if you want a new van just ask and they will let you know what they have. i received an older 15 passenger van in excellent condition for its age & mileage and it worked out perfectly. you will not find a better deal for a large passenger van (12+) than here. don't believe the hype. i never leave reviews but in light of my experience i felt that this company deserved an honest review. thank you paragon! read more

I had used Paragon last year because it was one of few van rental places in Chicago, for a 15 passenger van. Went in person to make a deposit/reservation for an upcoming trip (because you can't do it online or over the phone), and it happened to be the day after the 2016 election. I'm visibly queer and the friend I was with is a Muslim woman wearing hijab, and when we walk in he grins at us, asks if the candidate we voted for lost last night, and then tells us that he voted for Trump. Needless to say we decided NOT to rent from them, and I called the "President" of the company we had just talked to later to tell him how incredibly insensitive and straight up disrespectful that was - on a day when tons of people in our communities are experiencing an uptick in hate crimes because of the unbridled white supremacy Trump has emboldened - and his response was "It's a free country." Absurd. Avoid this place if you are a woman/queer/POC/immigrant/muslim/disabled person or a part of any other community that trump has degraded and threatened. read more