Top Rental Car Companies for Your Road Trip

We’re in the midst of a road-trip renaissance, especially for domestic vacations. According to a 2017–18 report from travel-marketing firm MMGY Global, 39 percent of U.S.-based leisure travel involves a road trip — a 17 percent increase from 2016. With more people getting behind the wheel to explore destinations both new and familiar, it’s fitting that travelers hold strong opinions about car-rental companies.

World’s Best Awards Survey Insights

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — sharing opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Car-rental companies were rated based on their service, value, vehicle selection and availability, and rental locations.

Shifts in Rankings

A surprise in the latest rankings: last year’s No. 4 company, Avis, drops off the list, allowing Alamo to take that position. The shift also made way for the only European company in the category, Sixt, to slide in at No. 5. One reader remarked, “Have rented from them several times over the years and never had a bad experience. Many times I find they have a luxury car for the same price you would pay their competitors for an average car.”

Service Excellence from Enterprise

Beyond vehicle selection, professionalism and hospitality were crucial in securing the repeat No. 2 position for Enterprise. A fan commented, “The company goes out of its way to get you the vehicle you need when you need it.” This kind of personal touch resonates positively, especially in the current age of ride-sharing services, which, despite their convenience in urban environments such as Los Angeles, have not substantially diminished the demand for long-term rental services that traditional companies provide.