Enterprise takes the top spot for service, but its base price of $47 a day is not as competitive as that of its sister company, Alamo. Yet Enterprise, which has 5,800 U.S. locations, gives customers a break on many of the add-on fees that can trip you up once you get to the counter. For example, Enterprise generally charges $20 a day for drivers ages 21 to 25, while many of its peers charge as much as $35 a day. Enterprise also gives long-term renters a break with its Month or More plan, which offers bigger discounts the longer you rent.
Car rentals can cause a lot of headaches, but Alamo alleviates many of the pain points. The ease of the return process in particular earned kudos from consumers, according to J.D. Power’s 2016 ranking. Alamo performs well among cost-conscious younger travelers, says J.D. Power’s Richard Garlick. Prices for a budget or compact car run about $42 a day, 7% less than average. The company is an especially good choice if you’re planning to share the driving with friends: Alamo charges $12 a day for a second driver, less than most of its rivals.