Are there any car rental companies to avoid?

[McMadelyn]

Yes, based on extensive consumer feedback and industry studies, Thrifty Car Rental is a company many travelers actively avoid. It received the lowest overall score (26 out of 100) in a major study by a leading consumer review publication. Owned by the Hertz Corporation alongside Dollar, Thrifty targets budget-conscious renters but often falls short in customer satisfaction due to widespread complaints about service quality and transparency.

The primary issues reported by customers center on aggressive upselling and unclear fee structures. Renters frequently encounter pressure at the counter to purchase additional insurance, fuel prepayment options, or other services they may not need. Final bills often include unexpected charges not fully disclosed during the online booking process, leading to "sticker shock" upon return.

Operational inefficiency is another significant concern. Long wait times at airport counters, even with a reservation, are commonplace. This is frequently attributed to understaffing and a fleet management system that struggles with vehicle availability during peak travel periods. The condition of the rental fleet is also a common point of criticism, with a higher-than-average number of reports of vehicles being poorly cleaned or having minor maintenance issues.

To make an informed choice, it's valuable to compare key players. Major industry studies consistently rank companies like Enterprise and National at the top for overall satisfaction, while budget-focused brands like Thrifty and its sibling Dollar often rank at the bottom.

Company	Typical Customer Rating	Key Strength	Common Complaint
Enterprise	High	Customer Service, Availability	Potentially Higher Base Rates
National	High	Streamlined Pickup (Emerald Club)	Premium Pricing
Hertz	Medium-High	Wide Range of Vehicle Options	Variable Pricing & Fee Clarity
Thrifty	Low	Low Advertised Base Price	Aggressive Upselling, Long Waits
Dollar	Low	Competitive Budget Pricing	Similar Issues as Thrifty

The core problem is a fundamental mismatch between advertised price and the actual rental experience. The initial low rate attracts customers, but the business model appears to rely on generating revenue through add-ons and fees after reservation. For a stress-free trip, the extra time, potential hidden costs, and service frustrations associated with Thrifty lead many experienced renters to choose a slightly more expensive but more transparent and reliable competitor.

[Luke]

As someone who rents cars 8-10 times a year for work, I have a hard rule: I skip Thrifty. The last time I used them, the advertised "total" online wasn't even close. At the counter, it was a barrage of insurance pitches. The line took over an hour. My "economy" car smelled like old smoke. That cheap rate ends up costing you in time and frustration. I now gladly pay a bit more for Enterprise or National. The process is smooth, the cars are clean, and the final bill matches the quote. My time and peace of mind are worth the difference.

[LaPaul]

Let’s talk about why that unbelievable deal from Thrifty might not be so wonderful. It’s all about the business model. They get you in the door with a rock-bottom price, knowing most customers will compare on that single number. But their profit comes from what happens next. At the airport counter, you’re tired from your flight. The agent is trained to methodically offer pre-paid fuel, loss damage waivers, and supplemental liability insurance. Saying "no" requires navigating a high-pressure script. Then, you might find a "concession recovery fee" or "vehicle licensing cost" added. The car you reserved is often not available, leading to an "upgrade" or a longer wait. For a hassle-free experience, look at the total cost of renting, not the base rate. Include your valuation of time spent in line and mental energy. Often, a company with a slightly higher upfront price is the truly economical choice.

[StLondyn]

My family learned this lesson the hard way on our vacation. We booked a Thrifty minivan because the price beat everyone else. Big mistake. The wait to get the van was almost two hours with two cranky kids. The agent insisted we needed their extra insurance even though our credit card covered it. We felt rushed and confused. When we returned the van, the agent did a super quick walk-around and said everything was fine. A week later, a charge for a "scratch on the rear bumper" appeared on my credit card. I had to spend hours on the phone disputing it with photos I thankfully took. We saved maybe $50 upfront but lost a whole morning of our trip and dealt with weeks of stress. Never again.

[McMaya]

Evaluating rental companies requires looking beyond marketing. Industry data consistently shows a pattern where certain budget brands, like Thrifty, trade low upfront costs for operational shortcomings that directly impact the customer journey. The frequent complaints aren't random; they point to systemic issues in training, fleet maintenance, and corporate policy. When a company receives a score as low as 26 out of 100 in a broad consumer survey, it indicates a failure to meet basic expectations across a large sample of renters. The ownership structure is also telling—Thrifty and Dollar share parentage and, anecdotally, share similar reputations for the pain points of upselling and wait times. For the savvy renter, the strategy is mitigation. If you must use a budget brand, always book through a reputable third-party site that clearly lists all mandatory fees, join their free loyalty program for potential faster processing, take extensive video of the vehicle at pickup and drop-off, and be prepared to politely but firmly decline all optional services at the counter. Your best defense is informed skepticism.