Our Readers' Top Car-Rental Companies for 2018
We're experiencing a revival of road trips, particularly for domestic travel. A report from travel-marketing firm MMGY Global indicates that 39 percent of leisure travel in the U.S. now involves a road trip—an increase of 17 percent since 2016. As more travelers hit the road to discover both new and familiar destinations, opinions on car-rental companies have become more pronounced.
Each year, T+L conducts its World's Best Awards survey, inviting readers to share their thoughts on global travel experiences—ranking top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Car-rental companies are evaluated based on their service, value, vehicle variety and availability, and rental locations.
In a surprising twist for 2018, last year's No. 4, Avis, has dropped off the rankings, allowing Alamo to take its place. This shift also opened the door for the only European contender, Sixt, to enter at No. 5. "I've rented from them multiple times and never encountered a bad experience," commented one reader. "They often offer luxury vehicles for the same rate others charge for standard cars."
Beyond vehicle options, professionalism and hospitality were crucial for Enterprise, securing its repeat No. 2 ranking. "They go above and beyond to ensure you get the vehicle you want when you need it," noted one fan. Many readers highlighted how this personal touch is particularly valuable in the age of ride-sharing services, which, despite their convenience in urban areas like Los Angeles, haven't diminished the demand for long-term rentals offered by traditional companies.
Continue reading for the complete list of winners.
5. Sixt Rent A Car
Image Courtesy of SixtRating: 73.89
4. Alamo Car Rentals
Photo by iStockphoto/Getty ImagesRating: 74.53
3. Hertz
Photo by Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg/Getty ImagesRating: 76.43
2. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Image by iStockphoto/Getty ImagesRating: 78.69
1. National Car Rental
Image by Getty ImagesRating: 80.37
Maintaining its top position for the fifth consecutive year, National stands out with its well-maintained fleet, exceptional customer service, and wide vehicle selection. "Their service and value are unmatched by any other car rental company," remarked a reader. Fans consistently praised the Emerald Club loyalty program, which lets members skip the check-in line and select their vehicles from dedicated areas. "Choosing my own car is crucial to making National my preferred choice," one traveler expressed. Another agreed, stating, "The toughest decision is picking which car to take. It's a brilliant idea with smooth check-out and return processes."
Explore all our readers' top picks for hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards.
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