Enterprise Review

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is the world's largest car rental company by fleet size and revenue, with over 9,500 locations worldwide. Known for its "We'll Pick You Up" service and extensive neighborhood branch network, Enterprise offers a uniquely personal rental experience.

Enterprise operates the largest rental car fleet in the world, with over 2 million vehicles across its family of brands (which includes National and Alamo). The fleet leans toward practical, comfortable vehicles from American and Japanese manufacturers. Expect Toyotas, Chevrolets, Fords, and Nissans rather than the European premium brands found at Sixt. The vehicle range covers all major categories, from economy sedans to full-size SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, and cargo vans. This practical selection makes Enterprise particularly well-suited for family road trips, moving projects, and everyday transportation needs. Commercial vehicle availability is among the best in the industry. What makes Enterprise's selection unique is the neighborhood branch model. Unlike competitors that focus on airport locations, Enterprise operates thousands of branches in residential and commercial areas across the US. This means you can rent a car close to your home or office, which is invaluable when your personal vehicle is in the shop or you need a temporary replacement. The fleet condition is generally good, with vehicles typically retired after 1-2 years of service. However, the selection at neighborhood branches is smaller than at airport mega-locations, and specific vehicle requests are less likely to be guaranteed. Booking early and specifying preferences gives you the best chance of getting the vehicle type you want.

Enterprise's pricing is consistently competitive, particularly for domestic US rentals where its massive fleet allows for economies of scale. The company often matches or beats airport competitors on base rates, and its neighborhood locations frequently offer even lower prices than the airport equivalents for the same vehicle class. The pricing structure is relatively straightforward compared to competitors. Base rates include basic CDW, taxes are clearly displayed, and the total price at checkout closely matches what you pay at the counter. While upselling at the counter still occurs, Enterprise staff are generally less aggressive than Hertz or Sixt in pushing insurance upgrades. Weekend and weekly rates provide excellent value, with weekly pricing sometimes costing less than five days at the daily rate. The company also runs frequent promotions through its website and email newsletters. Enterprise Plus members occasionally receive targeted offers that provide genuine savings. One area where costs can add up is with additional drivers, young driver surcharges, and optional equipment like GPS and car seats. These extras are priced comparably to competitors but can significantly increase the total cost. Bring your own navigation and car seats to keep costs down.

Enterprise's standout feature is its "We'll Pick You Up" service, which remains unique in the industry. If you are renting from a neighborhood branch, an Enterprise employee will drive to your home, office, or repair shop and pick you up at no extra charge. This personal touch eliminates the need for a taxi or rideshare to reach the rental office. The Enterprise app handles basic booking, modification, and loyalty program management but lacks the advanced features of Sixt's or Hertz's apps. Digital check-in is available at select airport locations, and the app stores rental agreements and receipts. However, keyless vehicle access and photo-based returns have not been widely deployed. Enterprise Plus, the loyalty program, offers free rentals after accumulating enough points. The earning rate is straightforward, and earned free days can be used at any Enterprise, National, or Alamo location. While the program lacks the premium perks of competitors' top tiers, it delivers reliable value for regular renters. The Enterprise CarShare program offers hourly rentals in select cities, providing a car-sharing option that bridges the gap between traditional rentals and services like Zipcar. This is useful for urban residents who need a car occasionally but do not want a full-day rental every time.

Enterprise's insurance structure starts with basic CDW included in the rental rate, which covers major collision damage but leaves a deductible of $500-1,500 depending on the vehicle class and location. This basic coverage is generally adequate for travelers with existing car insurance that extends to rentals. The "Damage Waiver" upgrade eliminates the deductible entirely for $15-25 per day. "Supplemental Liability Protection" adds $1 million in liability coverage for $12-15 per day, which is valuable for travelers whose personal auto insurance does not extend to rental vehicles. "Personal Accident Insurance" and "Personal Effects Coverage" are also available. Enterprise is generally fair in its damage claims process, with a reputation for reasonable assessments. The company uses a standardized vehicle inspection process and provides detailed documentation of any damage found at return. Pre-existing damage is typically well-documented at pickup, reducing the risk of false claims. For US renters, it is worth checking whether your personal auto insurance policy covers rental cars before purchasing Enterprise's add-ons. Many policies provide identical coverage at no additional cost. Credit card rental coverage can also eliminate the need for the Damage Waiver, saving $15-25 per day on your rental.

Enterprise consistently ranks among the top car rental companies for customer satisfaction, a distinction it has maintained for over two decades in J.D. Power surveys. The company's culture emphasizes customer service, and this is evident in the generally positive interactions at most locations. Support is available through phone, email, and social media, with phone being the most responsive channel. Wait times average 3-7 minutes, and agents are typically helpful and empowered to resolve common issues. The neighborhood branch model also means you can walk into a local office for face-to-face assistance. The personal, local nature of Enterprise's service model is its biggest advantage. Branch managers have significant autonomy in resolving customer complaints, offering upgrades, and accommodating special requests. This decentralized approach means issues are often resolved faster and more favorably than with companies that route everything through a central call center. Post-rental billing disputes and damage claims are handled through a centralized Damage Recovery Unit. While the process is professional, it can take 2-4 weeks for resolution. Enterprise's generally fair approach to damage claims has earned it a better reputation in this area than many competitors.