Enterprise Review

Enterprise Rent-A-Car was founded in 1957 by Jack Taylor in St. Louis, Missouri, and has grown into the largest car rental company in the world by fleet size. Operating under Enterprise Holdings, the privately held parent company also owns National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car, giving the group comprehensive market coverage from premium business travel through value leisure rental. What makes Enterprise unique among major rental brands is its neighborhood location model. While competitors focus primarily on airport locations, Enterprise built its business on suburban and city neighborhood offices that bring rental cars to where people live and work. The 'We'll pick you up' service -- where Enterprise staff collect customers from their home, office, or repair shop -- is a distinctive feature that no other major brand consistently offers. Enterprise serves a broader customer base than any other rental brand. Beyond traditional leisure and business travelers, Enterprise is a major provider of insurance replacement rentals, fleet management services, car sales, and temporary transportation solutions. This diversified business model creates a volume advantage that enables competitive pricing. With more than 2,000,000 vehicles and 10,000+ locations, Enterprise's scale is unmatched, though its international presence, particularly outside North America, is less developed than Hertz, Avis, or Europcar.

Enterprise maintains the largest rental fleet in the world, with more than 2 million vehicles across its brands. The fleet is primarily composed of domestic and Japanese-manufacturer vehicles in the US market, including popular models from Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai. European locations offer a broader mix of European and Asian manufacturers. Fleet age and quality fall in the above-average range. Vehicles are generally well-maintained and clean, though not as consistently new as Sixt's fleet. Enterprise's massive fleet volume means you may occasionally receive a vehicle with higher mileage, but the overall standard is reliable and functional. Vehicle category availability is strong across economy, compact, midsize, full-size, SUV, and minivan categories. Enterprise's volume makes it particularly reliable for SUV and minivan availability, which can be limited at smaller brands during peak seasons. Premium and luxury vehicle selection is available through the Enterprise Exotic Car Collection at select locations, including models from Porsche, Range Rover, Corvette, and other premium brands. However, this collection is limited to major markets and is not a core part of the brand's offering. Electric and hybrid vehicles are increasingly available in Enterprise's fleet, with the company committing to expanding its EV offerings. Availability varies by location, with major metropolitan areas and select airport locations offering the widest EV selection.

Enterprise delivers strong value through mid-range pricing that undercuts premium brands while offering a superior service experience. In the US market, daily rates for economy cars start from approximately USD 35-50 at airport locations, with neighborhood locations often pricing 10-20% lower due to the absence of airport surcharges. European rates start from approximately EUR 25-45 per day for compact vehicles. The neighborhood location pricing advantage is a significant differentiator. By renting from an Enterprise office near your home or workplace rather than at the airport, you can save substantially on the base rate while benefiting from the complimentary pickup service that brings you to the office. For renters on insurance replacement programs, Enterprise's direct-bill relationships with major insurers streamline the process and often provide negotiated rates that represent genuine value. Additional driver policies vary by location. In the US, Enterprise frequently includes a free additional driver for spouses on certain rate types. Young driver surcharges apply for renters under 25, though Enterprise's minimum age is 21 in most US markets, lower than some competitors. CDW inclusion follows market standards. In Europe, basic CDW is included with excess amounts of EUR 800-2,000 depending on vehicle category. In the US, CDW is optional and priced at approximately USD 15-25 per day.

Enterprise operates more than 10,000 locations, second only to Hertz in total count, with by far the largest number of neighborhood and suburban locations among all rental brands. In the United States, Enterprise's neighborhood location density is unmatched. Most suburban communities of significant size have an Enterprise office within a reasonable distance, making it the most accessible rental brand for local transportation needs. Airport presence is also strong, with Enterprise operating at all major US airports, often through the National/Alamo facility within the consolidated rental car center. The 'We'll pick you up' service is available at most neighborhood locations and remains a genuine competitive advantage for customers who need pickup from home, work, or an auto repair shop. International coverage has grown but remains less extensive than Hertz, Avis, or Europcar outside North America. European presence is concentrated in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Ireland, with more limited coverage in other European markets. Enterprise operates in approximately 90 countries, compared to 150+ for Hertz. For travelers who primarily rent in North America or the UK, this coverage gap may not matter. For those who need consistent brand access across diverse international destinations, Hertz or Europcar offer broader networks.

Enterprise Plus is a straightforward loyalty program that earns points toward free rental days through a simple, transparent earning structure. Membership is free and immediately provides basic benefits including expedited pickup and earning on every rental. Points are earned based on qualifying rental spending, with a consistent earning rate across all vehicle categories and locations. Free rental day redemption requires a relatively low point threshold compared to some competitor programs, and Enterprise Plus does not impose blackout dates on redemptions -- a significant advantage over programs that restrict free day availability during peak periods. The program does not have formal tier levels like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards or Avis Preferred. Instead, Enterprise Plus members gain recognition and improved service through rental frequency and relationship building at their regular locations. This informal approach reflects Enterprise's service culture but may disappoint travelers who prefer structured tier benefits with guaranteed upgrades and waived fees. Airline partnerships are available but limited compared to Hertz or Avis. Enterprise Plus does allow earning with select airline programs, and National Car Rental's Emerald Club, under the same parent company, offers a more structured tier program for frequent renters who prefer that approach.

Customer service is Enterprise's defining strength and most significant competitive advantage. The company consistently ranks highest among major rental brands in customer satisfaction surveys, including the J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study, where Enterprise has earned top rankings for multiple consecutive years. The service experience begins with the 'We'll pick you up' offering at neighborhood locations, which provides a personal touch that airport counter transactions cannot match. Staff at Enterprise locations are typically friendly, helpful, and less focused on aggressive upselling than competitors like Europcar or Budget. This reflects Enterprise's corporate culture, which emphasizes customer retention over transaction maximization. The counter experience is generally efficient, with shorter wait times at neighborhood locations compared to airport counters. Vehicle walkarounds are typically conducted with the customer, and staff are usually transparent about the vehicle condition and any existing damage. Post-rental billing at Enterprise is among the most straightforward in the industry. Damage claim processes are documented and generally fair, and billing disputes receive timely attention. Customer support is responsive, with phone and email channels providing resolution within reasonable timeframes. The Enterprise app provides booking, rental management, and pickup scheduling functionality. While not as feature-rich as the Sixt or Avis apps, it handles core functions reliably.