Enterprise Rent-A-Car

- 3115 Beacon St, North Chicago, IL 60064

For residents of North Chicago and the surrounding communities in Lake County, Illinois, needing a rental car is a common occurrence, whether for daily commutes, weekend trips, or as a temporary replacement vehicle. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a well-known name in the industry, and its location at 3115 Beacon St in North Chicago serves as a local option for these needs. However, unlike some of our previous discussions which highlighted positive experiences, this article will take a different approach, reflecting the candid feedback provided by local customers.

While Enterprise generally strives for a high standard of service across its vast network, individual branch experiences can vary. For locals relying on this specific location in North Chicago, understanding recent customer experiences is crucial for setting realistic expectations and making informed decisions about their car rental needs. This review will aim to be clear, informative, and reflect a professional yet direct tone, focusing on factual accounts from actual users.

Our objective is to provide a comprehensive look at the Enterprise Rent-A-Car in North Chicago from the perspective of Illinois residents. We will delve into its location and accessibility, common services expected from an Enterprise branch, and importantly, the specific features and highlights (or areas of concern) as reported by customers. We will also include contact information and conclude with a summary of why this particular location might be suitable for certain local needs, while acknowledging areas that may require careful consideration.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is located at 3115 Beacon St, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA. This address places it within the city of North Chicago, a part of Lake County. Beacon Street is generally a local road within residential and commercial areas, which typically implies a neighborhood-oriented branch rather than a large airport facility.

North Chicago itself is situated near major routes, including Sheridan Road (IL-131) and Green Bay Road (IL-137), which provide connections to other parts of Lake County like Waukegan, Zion, and Great Lakes Naval Base. Access to the branch for those driving is generally straightforward via these local roads. For customers relying on ride-sharing services, the address should be easily discoverable.

Standard operating hours for Enterprise neighborhood branches like this one are often:

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Sunday: Closed

It is important for customers to verify current operating hours directly with the branch, especially given reports of unexpected closures or delays. Enterprise typically offers a "We'll Pick You Up" service within a certain radius, which can be a significant convenience for locals whose vehicle is unavailable. However, based on customer feedback, confirming this service and its reliability in advance with this specific location would be prudent.

As a branch of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the North Chicago location is expected to offer a standard range of services common across the brand, catering to various personal and potential business needs for the local community. These services generally include:

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Enterprise typically offers a variety of vehicle classes. Customers can usually choose from:

  • Economy and Compact Cars: For budget-friendly and fuel-efficient travel.

  • Mid-size and Full-size Sedans: Offering more comfort and space for families or longer trips.

  • SUVs: Ranging from smaller crossovers to full-size models, suitable for varied terrains or cargo needs.

  • Minivans: Ideal for larger groups or families needing ample passenger and luggage space.

  • Specialty Vehicles: While luxury vehicles are part of the broader Enterprise fleet (e.g., Exotic Car Collection), availability at specific neighborhood branches like North Chicago may vary and often requires advance booking or transfers from larger hubs. Customer reviews specifically mention issues with obtaining luxury vehicles despite booking in advance.

• Flexible Rental Periods: Rentals can typically be arranged for daily, weekly, or monthly durations to accommodate short-term needs, insurance replacements, or extended personal/business use.

• Online Reservation System: Enterprise provides an online platform for booking vehicles, which is generally a convenient way to secure a reservation. However, customer feedback for this location suggests that advance booking does not always guarantee vehicle availability, especially for specific categories.

• Protection Products: Optional waivers and protection plans (like Damage Waiver and Supplemental Liability Protection) are usually offered to reduce renter responsibility in case of vehicle damage or accidents.

• After-Hours Return: Most Enterprise locations offer a key drop-box for after-hours returns, providing some flexibility for customers outside of regular business hours. Customers remain responsible for the vehicle until the branch reopens and inspects it.

Based on the provided customer reviews, while Enterprise as a brand has established services, this specific North Chicago location has exhibited significant areas of concern that local users should be aware of.

• Inconsistent Customer Service: Multiple reviews highlight "absolutely terrible customer service," with specific mentions of "sarcasm, zero professionalism, and no apology" from management (Shane) regarding delays and issues. This contrasts sharply with expectations of a customer-centric brand.

• Reliability of Reservations and Vehicle Availability: A major concern is the unreliability of confirmed reservations. Customers report being told their car isn't ready or available even after booking "a month prior" for specific luxury vehicles. The statement, "So there is essentially no point in booking in advance?" from an employee (Moe) and agreement to it, is a critical red flag regarding booking reliability.

• Delays and Unannounced Closures: Experiences include showing up for an 8 AM confirmed reservation only to find the branch closed, with staff arriving significantly late (9:20 AM for a 9 AM promise). This directly impacts customers with time-sensitive commitments like "important work meeting."

• Vehicle Quality and Downgrades: One customer reported receiving a car an "hour late, downgraded, and the horn didn’t work—a clear safety issue." This points to potential issues with vehicle preparation and safety checks at this specific branch.

• Lack of Empathy and Disregard for Customer Loyalty: Loyal customers, renting for "over 2 years," reported being treated with "disrespect" and feeling that the location "don’t value loyal customers, and clearly don’t care about doing the bare minimum." This suggests a significant decline in service quality, particularly since a change in management ("since Moe left").

• Perceived Profiling: One customer, a "28-year-old man who appears quite a bit younger," felt he was "profiled" and refused a reserved luxury vehicle despite multiple suitable cars being in the lot. This raises serious concerns about fairness and equitable service.

For general inquiries or to attempt to make a reservation, you can contact the Enterprise Rent-A-Car branch in North Chicago using the following details:

Address: 3115 Beacon St, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA

Phone: (847) 473-5290

Mobile Phone: +1 847-473-5290

For residents of North Chicago and the surrounding areas in Illinois, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car at 3115 Beacon St could potentially serve as a local option due to its convenient neighborhood location. Its presence within the community offers the theoretical advantage of being a nearby alternative to airport rentals, potentially providing a quicker pickup and drop-off for those living or working in the immediate vicinity. For spontaneous, short-term needs where vehicle type is less critical, or if other local options are completely unavailable, it might be considered in a "pinch," as one reviewer suggested.

However, it is crucial for locals to approach this particular branch with significant caution and revised expectations, as highlighted by numerous recent customer experiences. The severe and consistent negative feedback regarding "terrible customer service," unreliability of reservations, unexpected delays, and instances of unprofessional conduct from management (Shane, Moe) paint a concerning picture. Issues such as cars not being ready, late staff arrivals, safety concerns with vehicles (e.g., non-functioning horn), and even perceived profiling, directly undermine the trust and convenience that a local car rental service should offer.

While the broader Enterprise brand generally maintains high standards, the performance of this specific North Chicago location, as described by its customers, appears to be a significant deviation. Loyal customers have reported a dramatic decline in service quality, prompting strong advice to "avoid this location." Therefore, while geographically suitable, local users in Illinois should thoroughly consider these severe concerns. It would be advisable to call ahead to confirm details, manage expectations regarding vehicle availability and service quality, and perhaps have alternative transportation plans or consider other rental companies like Hertz, which was explicitly recommended by a dissatisfied customer for better experiences.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

3115 Beacon St, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA