AI-Powered Universal Comparison Engine

Car rental companies: National Car Rental vs. Enterprise

Quick Verdict

National Car Rental stands out for its exceptional customer service and efficient pick-up process, making it a strong choice for travelers prioritizing convenience and a seamless experience. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, with its wider variety of vehicles and guaranteed rates for account holders, appeals to those seeking specific vehicle types and cost certainty. Both companies offer reliable services with thorough cleaning and maintenance practices.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeNational Car RentalEnterprise
Rental Car VarietyEconomy cars to SUVs, luxury options, compact, mid-size, and full-size cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, fuel-efficient car fleets.
Price TransparencyTransparent with upfront pricing.
Pick-up Process EfficiencyEmerald Club allows bypassing lines; Emerald Checkout via National app.
Drop-off Process EfficiencyDrop & Go service with email receipt.
Customer Service ResponsivenessQuality customer service, friendly and helpful staff, responsiveness to billing issues.
Vehicle CleanlinessComplete Clean Pledge with thorough cleaning and sanitization.
Vehicle MaintenanceHigh-quality standards, visual inspections before each rental.
Loyalty Program BenefitsEmerald Club - expedited service, car upgrades, Emerald Aisle access, credits towards free rental days, faster checkouts.
Geographic CoverageOver 1,500 locations worldwide.
Insurance OptionsDamage Waiver (DW), Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), Roadside Assistance Protection (RAP).
Additional Driver Fees~$12 per day (range $12-$25), may be waived for spouses/domestic partners/family/business associates.
Cancellation PolicyFlexible, generally free unless prepaid. Prepaid reservations may incur a cancellation fee of $50 (if canceled at least 24 hours in advance), or $100 (if canceled less than 24 hours before pickup).
Value Rating4/5
Pickup Experience Rating5/5
Customer Service Rating5/5

Overall Comparison

National Car Rental: Customer Service Rating 5/5, Pickup Experience Rating 5/5, Value Rating 4/5; Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Geographic Coverage in nearly 100 countries and territories, Additional Driver Fee typically $15.00 per day.

Pros and Cons

National Car Rental

Pros:
  • Diverse selection of vehicles
  • Transparent pricing
  • Efficient pick-up process with Emerald Club
  • Convenient drop-off process with Drop & Go
  • Quality customer service
  • Thorough vehicle cleaning with Complete Clean Pledge
  • Well-maintained vehicles
  • Rewarding loyalty program (Emerald Club)
  • Extensive geographic coverage
Cons:
  • Additional driver fees can apply
  • Prepaid reservations may incur cancellation fees

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Pros:
  • Wide variety of vehicles
  • Guaranteed rates with account numbers
  • Efficient drop-off process
  • Strong customer service reputation
  • Thorough vehicle cleaning process
  • Comprehensive vehicle maintenance
  • Rewarding loyalty program
  • Extensive geographic coverage
Cons:
  • Rates can change daily
  • Pick-up process can be slow
  • Interactive kiosks may need improvement
  • Potential issues with staff training on company policies
  • Additional driver fees may apply

User Experiences and Feedback