CHOOSE YOUR DEALERSHIP
FOUR DEALERSHIPS
ONE FAMILY.
From John Barkau's first sale at a Cedarville gas station in 1952 to four dealerships across Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties — the same family, the same handshake, every visit.
DISCOVER THE BARKAU FAMILY OF DEALERSHIPS ADVANTAGE
A Smarter, Simpler, and More Satisfying Car Buying Experience.
BROWSE OUR INVENTORY
Browse our online inventory to find the car that fits your needs and preferences. You can filter your search by make, model, year, and more.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR PURCHASE
Work with our team of experts to customize your purchase, including financing options, trade-in value, and any additional features or accessories you may want.
VALUE YOUR TRADE
Barkau Family of Dealerships will make a prompt cash offer for your vehicle. Get a great offer on your existing vehicle with our online valuation process.
WELCOME TO BARKAU FAMILY OF DEALERSHIPS
In 1952, John Barkau started a small pre-owned dealership in Cedarville, IL which was to become JH Barkau & Sons Automobiles. His goal was to bring good, affordable transportation to the Illinois state line area. John was joined by his son, Jim Barkau, who eventually took over the dealership. Jim was joined in the business by his sons, Rick and Willie and in 1990 the Barkaus’ opened a second pre-owned location in Freeport, IL. A new Service Center was built, and the original Cedarville location was renovated in the early 2000 ‘s. In 2006, the Barkau Family fulfilled a longtime goal when they purchased a Chevrolet dealership in Lena, IL. When the opportunity arose to purchase a Stockton, IL new car store in 2007, which held both GM and Chrysler dealerships, the Barkau Family again made the move to expand the vehicle lines that they could offer. They now had Chevrolet, Buick, Chrysler Dodge, Jeep and Ram available. The buildings were completely rebuilt and even though it was a different location, they did business in the same manner that had earned them so many generations of repeat customers. In 2014, they added Barkau Collision Center Autobody in Freeport in order to better serve their growing customer base. The newest edition, a Freeport Chrysler dealership now known as Barkau CDJR Freeport, was added in July of 2018. Now, with Rick’s sons, Cullen, Couy and Rhett joining the family business, the 4th generation of the Barkau Family continues to serve not only the Northern Illinois Stateline area but, with the internet, the world.
The testament to the way the Barkau Family does business is cemented in the National Awards they have received.
- 8-time Chrysler Pentastar Award winner
- 8-time FCA Customer Frist Award for Excellence Award winner
- 13 – time Consumer Satisfaction Award winner
- 5-time Dealer of the Year Award winner
- WP Chrysler Award winner
Our valued customers say good things about us. In the long run, does anything matter more?
We welcome you to the Barkau Family of Dealerships.