Avis Review

Avis was the first company to rent cars at airports when it was founded in 1946 at Willow Run Airport in Detroit. That airport-first DNA has shaped the brand's identity for nearly eight decades. Today, Avis operates under the Avis Budget Group umbrella alongside Budget and Zipcar, giving the parent company coverage across premium, value, and car-sharing segments. Avis positions itself as the rental brand for business travelers. Its corporate rate programs, business travel tools, and Avis Preferred loyalty program are all designed with the frequent business renter in mind. The 'We Try Harder' brand promise, established in 1962, remains one of the most recognizable taglines in the rental industry. With more than 5,500 locations across 165+ countries, Avis maintains strong global coverage. The company has invested in connected car technology, with many vehicles in its fleet equipped with Avis-connected features that allow renters to lock, unlock, and locate their vehicle through the Avis app. This technology positions Avis ahead of most competitors in digital rental experience innovation.

Avis maintains a large, diverse fleet that covers all standard vehicle categories from economy through luxury and specialty vehicles. Fleet quality is solid though not exceptional -- vehicles are generally well-maintained and in good condition, but average fleet age is slightly older than Sixt and comparable to Hertz. In the United States, Avis offers a strong selection of domestic and Japanese brand vehicles, including popular models from Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and Nissan. European locations feature a broader mix of European manufacturers, though the premium vehicle selection is less consistently impressive than at Sixt. Avis's connected car fleet is a genuine differentiator. Vehicles equipped with Avis Connected technology allow renters to use the app to check fuel levels, locate the vehicle in a parking lot, and lock or unlock doors remotely. While not available across the entire fleet, connected vehicles are increasingly common at major airport locations. SUV and minivan availability is strong at US locations, making Avis a solid option for family travelers who need larger vehicles. Luxury and premium categories are available at select locations through the Avis Prestige line, though availability is more limited than at Hertz or Sixt.

Avis operates at the upper end of the pricing spectrum, with base rates comparable to Hertz and typically higher than Enterprise, Budget, or Europcar. Economy car rates in the US start from approximately USD 40-60 per day, while European rates range from EUR 30-50 per day for compact vehicles depending on location and season. Where Avis delivers genuine value is through its corporate rate programs. Business travelers with negotiated corporate rates can access significant discounts -- often 20-35% below retail rates. These corporate programs include benefits like free additional drivers, LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) inclusion, and guaranteed vehicle availability. For individual travelers without corporate rates, Avis can be expensive. Additional driver fees of EUR 13-15 per day apply in Europe, and CDW excess amounts range from EUR 900 to EUR 2,300 depending on vehicle category. Young driver surcharges affect renters under 25 at most locations. Avis does offer a Pay Now rate option that provides 10-30% savings over standard Pay Later rates. The trade-off is that Pay Now bookings are typically non-refundable or subject to cancellation fees. For travelers with firm dates, this can represent meaningful savings.

Avis's airport heritage shows in its location network. The brand maintains a strong presence at virtually every major commercial airport worldwide, with prominent counter positions and convenient shuttle services. Total coverage spans more than 5,500 locations across 165+ countries. In the United States, Avis operates at all major and most regional airports, supplemented by a growing network of neighborhood locations, though the off-airport presence is smaller than Enterprise's. European coverage is comprehensive across Western, Southern, and Northern Europe, with coverage in Eastern European markets through franchise partnerships. Airport locations offer the widest vehicle selection, longest hours, and most consistent service experience. Avis's city locations tend to offer lower daily rates than airport counters due to the absence of airport surcharges and concession fees, which can add 10-15% to the base rate. Hours and vehicle availability at off-airport locations are more limited. One notable strength is Avis's one-way rental program. Domestic one-way rentals within the US and within individual European countries are widely available, often at modest surcharges. International one-way rentals across European borders are also possible, though fees vary by country combination.

Avis Preferred is a well-structured loyalty program designed for business travelers who rent frequently. Membership is free and provides Skip the Counter service at participating locations, where preferred members can walk directly to their assigned vehicle without stopping at the rental counter. The program operates on three tiers. Avis Preferred base membership offers expedited pickup, email rental agreements, and the ability to set vehicle preferences in your profile. Preferred Plus status, earned after 12 rentals in a calendar year, adds free weekend day rentals after qualifying weekly rentals, guaranteed upgrades when available, and priority vehicle assignment. Chairman's Club, invitation-only or achieved through 25+ rentals annually, provides the highest service level with guaranteed premium upgrades, complimentary additional drivers, and VIP counter access at major airports. Avis partners with major airlines for mile earning, including American Airlines, Delta, United, and British Airways. Hotel partnerships with Marriott and Hilton allow for cross-program earning. The Avis Signature Series credit card through Chase provides additional earning opportunities and complimentary Preferred status.

Customer service at Avis mirrors the industry pattern of strong performance at major airport locations with more variable quality at smaller and franchise-operated sites. Preferred members benefit from Skip the Counter service that significantly improves the pickup experience -- when vehicle assignments are accurate and keys are in place, it rivals the best pickup experiences in the industry. Counter wait times at non-preferred level can be substantial during peak periods. The Avis app provides digital check-in, rental management, and the connected car features that distinguish Avis from most competitors. However, the app's reliability has received mixed reviews, with occasional issues in vehicle assignment and digital key functionality. Post-rental billing is generally straightforward, though Avis Budget Group has faced some criticism for toll processing fees and damage claim handling. Dispute resolution timelines average 2-3 weeks for standard billing questions. Customer support is available by phone, email, and social media, with phone support typically providing the fastest resolution.