In this article, we are going to discuss 5 rental car companies, ranked from worst to best. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the history of the car rental business, biggest player in the market, effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, shortage of vehicles, introduction of EVs and future prospects of the car rental industry and go directly to 16 Rental Car Companies, Ranked from Worst to Best.
5. Avis Car Rental
Average Overall Score: 0.53
Owned by the Avis Budget Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:CAR), the company was founded in Michigan in 1946. With over 1,500 locations in the country, Avis controls about 10% of the market share, making it the third-largest car rental company in the United States.
Though it is more on the expensive side, Avis offers a variety of deals and discounts to its clientele and even offers long-term rental options, with rental terms as long as 11 months.
4. National Car Rental
Average Overall Score: 0.58
Although National Car Rental has only 314 locations in the U.S. and its prices are above average, the company has tons of vehicles to choose from and their Emerald Club loyalty program is one of the best and easiest to understand.
The company boasts an outstanding mobile app, seven rentals earn you a free rental day and you can also redeem your reward points at any of National’s 1500 worldwide locations.
3. Alamo Rent a Car
Average Overall Score: 0.64
Based in Missouri, Alamo Rent a Car is owned by Enterprise Holdings, along with other agencies. Alamo has over 247 locations across the U.S. and handles about 7% of the market share.
The company offers an extensive fleet of vehicles, reliable customer service, an efficient loyalty program, affordable upfront rates along with further deals and discounts and even special discounts for military members and teachers, making it one of the best rental car companies in the US.
2. Hertz
Average Overall Cost: 0.69
The Hertz Corporation is a Florida based company, founded in 1918. It operates its namesake Hertz brand, along with several other brands, all under the umbrella of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:HTZ).
While Hertz is not exactly an affordable option, it is the second-largest rental car company in the U.S. Hertz is more on the luxury side of the car rental market and as such, it doesn’t offer any budget deals, but with over 2,000 locations nationwide, a complicated but truly rewarding rewards program, a minimum rental age of 20, a wide selection of cars and airport shuttle services, Hertz truly deserves its rank as highest overall in customer satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power Survey.
1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Average Overall Cost: 0.81
Based in Missouri, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is the flagship brand of Enterprise Holdings, which also owns other agencies, including Alamo and National.
With over 4,000 locations spread across the United States, Enterprise handles a 40% share of the American rental car market. The company is popular for its super competitive rates, lack of hidden charges (a rarity in this industry), excellent customer service, a wide variety of vehicles to choose from, a superb loyalty program and its extensive network of pickup and drop-off locations.
Enterprise also offers special discounts to military members, veterans and government employees. The company will even pick you up for free from your hotel or even your home to take you to the rental office.
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