Top Car-Rental Companies According to Our Readers in 2016

Renting a car can make or break your road trip experience. After all, a reliable vehicle is essential for exploring new destinations (how else will you embark on that adventure around Iceland?).

The quality of the cars and the level of customer service can turn your car rental into either a memorable highlight or a frustrating ordeal.

Each year, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences globally — evaluating the finest hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Car rental companies were assessed based on service, value, vehicle selection and availability, as well as rental locations.

"Renting from Enterprise has always been a fantastic experience for me," one reader commented. "Their customer service is top-notch, and they excel at offering the best options for every individual." It’s no surprise that Enterprise appears on the list year after year.

Another T+L reader, a fan of Alamo, praised it as "fast, budget-friendly, and worry-free."

Frequent travelers also praised Hertz Gold Rewards, an elite membership that ensures your vehicle is ready upon arrival and includes automatic upgrades when possible. "After trying various car rental companies, we only choose Hertz when available due to their outstanding service," shared another World's Best voter. She noted that while they may not always be the cheapest, she never encounters hidden fees in her final bill. Regular upgrades don’t hurt either.

But what does it take to be the best in this category? Keep reading to discover who claimed the top spot.