No, you generally cannot reserve a specific make and model with a standard rental car reservation. When you book a car, you are reserving a vehicle class (like a "Standard SUV" or "Midsize Sedan"), not the exact model. Rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis maintain fleets with various makes and models within each class to manage availability and maintenance. While you can sometimes indicate a "preference" for a brand like Toyota or Ford, the final vehicle you receive is assigned based on what's available at the counter on your day of pickup.
Your best chance of getting a specific model is by renting from a luxury or exotic car rental service, where you pay a premium to reserve a precisely defined vehicle. For standard rentals, your strategy should focus on the class. If you need an SUV for a ski trip with AWD, book an "Intermediate SUV" or larger, knowing it could be a Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or similar. Certain rental companies have programs that offer more certainty; for example, Hertz's "Ultimate Choice" program at some locations allows you to pick any car from a specific aisle.
To improve your odds, consider these tips:
- Rent at Major Airports: Larger airport locations have bigger, more diverse fleets.
- Achieve Elite Status: Loyalty program elite members often get earlier vehicle selection.
- Call the Location Directly: A day before your rental, call the specific branch (not the general reservation line) and politely ask if they can note your preference.
- Be Flexible on Time: Picking up during off-peak hours (e.g., Tuesday afternoon instead of Friday evening) means more cars are likely to be available.
| Rental Company | Policy on Specific Models | Best Chance for a Specific Model |
|---|
| Enterprise | Guarantees vehicle class, not model. | Express Check-in members may select from available vehicles in their class. |
| Hertz | Assigns a specific model only in "Precision Booking" for certain luxury cars. | "Ultimate Choice" locations allow you to choose from an aisle of cars in your class. |
| Avis | Reserves a car group (e.g., "Group C"). | "Avis Preferred" members can skip the counter and sometimes choose from available cars. |
| Sixt | Often has a more brand-focused fleet (e.g., BMW, Mercedes). | Higher likelihood of European luxury models within a premium class reservation. |
| Budget | Focuses on car class affordability. | Calling the local branch ahead of time to inquire about current inventory. |
