Top 4 Car Rental Companies as Rated by Drivers
A recent study reveals that as prices, staff friendliness, and car availability normalize, customers are growing more satisfied with their car rentals. J.D. Power, a consumer opinion data company, conducted its annual North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study, collecting feedback from over 8,600 travelers who rented cars at airports between August 2022 and August 2023. Here are the rental car companies that consumers prefer the most.
1. Enterprise
Customer satisfaction score: 866 out of 1,000 points
For the third consecutive year, Enterprise secured the top spot. Established by World War II veteran Jack Taylor in St. Louis in 1957 with just seven cars, the Missouri-based company has now expanded to well over 8,000 locations across numerous countries.
2. National
Customer satisfaction score: 865 out of 1,000 points
Securing the second spot is National, which originated in 1947 when two dozen rental car companies joined forces as a single chain. In 2007, it became part of Enterprise, just like the next preferred company at No. 3.
3. Alamo
Customer satisfaction score: 862 out of 1,000 points
Alamo, founded in 1974 in Florida, set itself apart by providing unlimited free mileage. In 2002, it became the official rental car company for Disney World and Disneyland. By 2007, it joined the Enterprise family, confirming that, technically, the top brands are all part of the same company.
4. Hertz
Customer satisfaction score: 845 out of 1,000 points
Boasting 90 years of service, Hertz proudly declares itself as "the only true global rental car company." In addition to its extensive experience, Hertz acquired less well-known rental car "competitors" Dollar and Thrifty in 2012.
Performance of Other Companies
In the J.D. Power study, the following rental car companies scored below the average of 843 points:
- Avis: 825 out of 1,000 points
- Budget: 822 points
- Dollar: 817 points
- Thrifty: 808 points
