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Discover real customer reviews of top car rental companies in 2024. From Budget and Hertz to Enterprise and Avis, we break down ratings, common complaints like hidden fees and damage charges, and share actionable tips to save money and avoid headaches on your next trip.
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Renting a car can make or break your travel plans, offering freedom to explore destinations on your schedule. But with thousands of customer reviews pouring in yearly, it's clear not all companies deliver smooth rides. In 2024, aggregate ratings hover around 1.1-1.5 stars across major players, highlighting issues like surprise charges, poor vehicle condition, and unresponsive service.
We've analyzed over 40,000 recent reviews to bring you fresh insights. Expect data on satisfaction scores (out of 5), common pain points, and wins. Whether you're road-tripping or grabbing an airport shuttle, these reviews help you choose wisely. Pro tip: Pair your rental with smart budgeting—check our Budget Planner for expense tracking.
| Company | Rating (out of 5) | Review Count | Avg. Wait Time (min) | Fuel Policy Score | Customer Service Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Car Rental | 1.2 | 5,678 | 45 | 2.1 | 1.8 |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | 1.3 | 4,567 | 35 | 2.3 | 2.0 |
| Hertz | 1.1 | 12,345 | 50 | 1.9 | 1.6 |
| Avis Rent A Car | 1.2 | 3,210 | 40 | 2.0 | 1.9 |
| Alamo Rent A Car | 1.3 | 2,100 | 38 | 2.2 | 2.1 |
| National Car Rental | 1.4 | 1,890 | 32 | 2.4 | 2.2 |
| Sixt Rent a Car | 1.5 | 890 | 28 | 2.5 | 2.3 |
| Fox Rent A Car | 1.1 | 1,200 | 55 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
| Thrifty Car Rental | 1.2 | 2,500 | 42 | 2.0 | 1.7 |
| Dollar Car Rental | 1.1 | 1,800 | 48 | 1.9 | 1.6 |
Scores based on 2024 customer feedback analysis. Higher scores indicate better experiences.
See detailed Hertz Car Rental Reviews for more.
Budget promises affordable rates, but customers report frequent upsells. Pros: Competitive base prices (avg. $45/day economy), wide locations. Cons: 28% complain of pre-existing damage charges (e.g., $1,200 for bumper scratches), long lines.
Verdict: Best for short urban trips if you inspect thoroughly. Track costs with our Cash Envelope Wallet.
Known for neighborhood branches, Enterprise scores slightly higher on service. Pros: Flexible pickups (avg. 35-min wait), free mileage on many deals. Cons: Fuel disputes in 22% of reviews—full-to-full policies often ignored.
Verdict: Solid for local rentals. Check current deals via our Budget Truck Rental insights for similar budget tips.
Hertz leads in review volume, but not quality. Pros: Modern fleets (newer cars 65% of time), app for quick bookings. Cons: Damage claims spike (35% of negatives), plus credit holds up to $500.
Actionable Tip: Budget 20% extra for fees. Our Budget Planner helps forecast $200+ savings per trip.
For passive income alternatives, explore Short Term Rental Investing.
Unauthorized damage or toll fees—always document with photos and video walkthroughs.
Sixt and National lead at 2.3/5, per 2024 reviews.
$300-600 base + $100 fees/fuel. Use Cash Envelope Wallet for cash control.
Often not—hidden costs erase savings. Check Budget Truck Rental Reviews.
Yes, pay cash/debit at select spots like Fox, but verify policies.
Enhance your journey with these guides:
Safe travels—rent smart!
