About Us

Welcome to Barkau Family of Dealerships

Since 1952 the Barkau family has been strong to provide the best customer experience. The awards show it; five-time Dealer Rater Used Car Dealer of the Year for the state of Illinois, Best of the Region 13 time award winner, eight-time winner of the Chrysler Pentastar Award, eight-time winner of the Customer 1st Award for Excellence and the WP Chrysler Award. We create long-term customers that spread across generational families.

What started out as a sideline business in 1952, has grown into, two pre-owned dealerships in Cedarville and Freeport, Barkau Automotive in Stockton, IL selling new Chevrolet, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and Barkau CDJR of Freeport selling new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. We are a bona fide family business with the second, third and fourth generations working in our dealerships daily.

Our customers tell us we do things differently…we make it easy and fun.

Whether you are an individual or on a tight budget, a customer wanting to order your dream car or a large fleet, we have the experienced staff of professionals to serve you. You don’t stay in business for 74 years by not doing it right. Come experience it yourself. We look forward to serving you.

Jim, Barb, Rick, Jeff (Willie), Cullen, Couy and Rhett Barkau

John H. Barkau, founder of JH Barkau & Sons was born September 3, 1909 in the small southern town of Okawville, IL. He was a visionary who started by selling pre-owned vehicles at a buddy’s gas station in Cedarville, IL. A passionate car enthusiast, with ambitions to become an icon in the automotive business, John’s aspiration was to bring affordable yet quality transportation to Northern Illinois and at the same time build long term relationships to his valued customers. He did just that, in 1952 JH Barkau & Sons in Cedarville, IL opened its doors. John’s passion has led the path of four generations of Barkau footprints and has grown into four dealerships – all family owned and operated. With generations of treasured repeat customers, 2025 marks the 74th Year Anniversary.