Both Enterprise and Budget are popular car rental companies with their own strengths and weaknesses. Enterprise is known for its customer service and cleanliness, while Budget is known for its affordability. Customers should consider their priorities and compare prices before making a decision.
| Attribute | Enterprise | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Price | Rental prices vary based on location, vehicle type, and time of year. For example, in Los Angeles, a small car can be around $32/day, while a minivan might be $66/day. In Philadelphia, a small car can be around $47/day. Prices can be lower in certain months. | Affordable and value-for-money vehicle rentals, competitive pricing, deals and discounts available. Prices in New York start from $37/day, and in Los Angeles, from $25/day. |
| Vehicle Selection | Enterprise offers a wide variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and luxury vehicles. They offer various sizes and types to suit different needs. Enterprise also has commercial-grade cargo vans and trucks. | Variety of vehicles including economy cars, SUVs, and vans. Vehicle options include vans (seating 7-15), SUVs, pickup trucks, and sedans (from economy to deluxe). Examples of available vehicles include Kia Rio, Kia Soul, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta. |
| Pick-up/Drop-off Locations | Enterprise has a large network of locations, including airport and neighborhood branches, with over 9,000 branches globally. They also offer a 'We'll Pick You Up' service at some locations. | Over 3,000 locations worldwide, often found near airports and in central business districts. Budget Fastbreak allows you to skip the queue at selected locations. |
| Customer Service Quality | Enterprise has been recognized as a customer experience leader in the car rental industry. They focus on customer satisfaction and empower employees to resolve issues. Their 'Customer Service First' philosophy emphasizes convenience and personal service. Enterprise uses the Enterprise Service Quality Index (ESQi) to measure customer satisfaction. | Ranked among the top car rental companies for customer service, user-friendly technology, including online booking platforms and mobile apps. |
| Vehicle Cleanliness | Enterprise has a 'Complete Clean Pledge' program to ensure vehicles are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized with a disinfectant, paying attention to high-touch points. Customers may see notifications in their vehicles confirming the cleaning. | Committed to providing clean cars, 100% smoke-free fleet in the U.S. and Canada. |
| Rental Agreement Clarity | Enterprise strives to be transparent about costs with no hidden fees. | Aims to be upfront about costs, booking typically includes Collision Damage Waiver, vehicle theft cover, tax, location charges, and sometimes unlimited mileage. |
| Extra Fees Transparency | Extra fees may apply for using a credit card issued outside the EU, parking fines, winter tires, extra drivers, or drivers under 25. Some fees, like airport concession fees, can be avoided by renting from a city location. | Issues with transparency regarding extra fees, with customers reporting unexpected charges. Hidden fees can include environmental levies and location surcharges. |
| Insurance Options | Enterprise provides various optional protection products, including Damage Waiver (DW), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP), and Roadside Assistance Protection (RAP). The cost varies depending on the coverage, rental location, and rental duration. | Offers various car coverage options, such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), and Personal Accident and Effects (PAE). |
| Loyalty Programs | Enterprise Plus is the loyalty program for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. It is free to join and allows members to earn points for every qualifying rental dollar spent. Points can be redeemed for free rental days. | Fastbreak program allows members to skip the lines and head straight to their car, free to join, members can earn Budget Bucks. |
| Online Booking Experience | Enterprise is increasing efforts to provide high-tech, low-touch digital tools to make the rental process intuitive and easy. | User-friendly online booking platforms and mobile app. |
| Car Upgrade Availability | Car upgrades may be available. | Fastbreak members may receive occasional free upgrades, coupons for upgrades available, subject to availability. |
| GPS Navigation System Quality | GPS navigation systems may be offered as an extra service. | Not available. |