Discover how Widewail clients outperform industry averages in review volume, star ratings, and response rates to build stronger automotive dealership reputations.
Review volume. Star ratings. Negative feedback. Response rates.
These aren’t just metrics—they’re the building blocks of your dealership’s reputation. And in 2025, your online reputation is your first impression. Before a customer ever walks your lot, they’ve already Googled you, read the reviews, and started forming opinions.
So… how do you stack up?
Let’s look at the data from Quarter 1 of 2025.
The numbers say it all: compared to industry averages, Widewail’s automotive clients see higher ratings, higher review volumes, and better customer satisfaction. We will break these numbers down and examine how Widewail’s platform helps dealerships get ahead.
Think 11.5 reviews a month is enough? The average dealership does.
But Widewail customers are bringing in 3x more, averaging 35 reviews/month.
That’s 3x the:
More reviews = more proof you and your team deliver a great experience.
Invite, Widewail’s automated review request tool, sends personalized SMS requests at the perfect moment—post-sale or service when customers are most engaged—so every customer has the opportunity to leave feedback. No manual follow-ups. No extra workload for your team. Just steady, predictable review growth that compounds over time.
Also worth a look: 15 ways to get more reviews.
A tenth of a star might seem insignificant, but it can shape how customers see you. The auto industry average sits at 4.64 stars. Widewail clients average 4.77. In a market where shoppers compare dealerships side-by-side online, that small edge can tip the decision in your favor.
Keeping ratings high takes more than damage control. Widewail’s review response service, Engage, helps dealerships spot sentiment trends early, respond quickly and consistently, and resolve issues before they drag scores down. Every 0.1-star lift can translate into measurable gains in leads and conversions.
Of course, strong ratings aren’t just about managing the negatives—they’re fueled by a steady stream of positive reviews. That’s still Invite at work—making sure your customers are equipped with the right tools to share their experiences. Let’s see it in action:
Case Study: McGovern Auto Group’s First 90 Days with Invite
| Metric | Before Invite | 90 Days After Invite | Change |
| Total Reviews | 3,536 | 5,268 | +49% |
| Negative Review Percentage | 8% | 5% | -17% |
McGovern Auto Group also ranked #8 among Automotive News Top 150 for the lowest percentage of negative reviews during this time.
Most of this growth came from Google (+59%, from 2,820 to 4,484 reviews) and Facebook (+139%, from 46 to 110 reviews). Even with a surge in total reviews, the share of negative ones dropped.
Of all reviews in the Widewail database, 88% of reviews are positive—proof that higher volume doesn’t mean more complaints.
McGovern didn’t just get more reviews; they got better reviews. Invite fueled the volume. Engage kept ratings high. Together, they built a stronger online reputation that wins buyer trust before a shopper ever steps on the lot.
Read the full study here: How McGovern Auto Group Streamlined Reviews Across 30+ Dealerships
Negative feedback is inevitable, and it’s not the enemy.
In fact, dealerships without negative feedback are seen as less trustworthy to customers, because it's just not realistic. But how you handle negative reviews can make or break your reputation.
The average dealership sees 9% of reviews rated 1 or 2 stars. For Widewail clients, that drops to just 6%, a 33% improvement.
That’s fewer public complaints and more private resolutions.
Widewail helps dealerships:
The result? A more trustworthy reputation that buyers and search engines take seriously.
Most dealerships respond to about 88% of their reviews. Widewail customers hit 100%—every single time.
Because every review deserves a response. Positive or negative, customers expect to be acknowledged when they take time to share their experiences, and silence sends the wrong message.
What sets Widewail apart?
At Widewail, every response is written by a real person. Our expert response team crafts replies by hand, using your dealership’s voice and brand tone—so every customer interaction feels authentic and intentional.
It’s not just about checking a box. It’s about building trust.
Protect and grow your reputation without adding to your team’s workload. Missed responses = missed opportunities. Widewail helps you make every one count.
Across the Widewail Network:
If your review volume is low, your average rating is stagnant, or you’re still managing responses manually—there’s a better way.
If you’re ready to see what Widewail can do for your business, let’s talk.
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