When it comes to renting a car for any event or purpose, there are already established car rental companies to go with, this includes Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and quite several other good ones out there. But what’s the difference between Avis vs Enterprise car rental?
Avis is a global leader in the car rentals business; the company has been around since 1948 and is available in over 5,000 locations worldwide. On the other hand, Enterprise is also a globally renowned car rental company available in over 6,000 locations.
Both companies offer fair pricing in their car rental services. This article explores the differences and similarities between Avis and Enterprise.
Avis Car rental Overview
Founded in 1948 by Warren Avis, the company, Avis, was named after the founder – who started the business in 1948, in Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States, with just 3 cars (at that moment).
However, currently, Avis boasts of fleets comprising virtually any kind of vehicle you’d ever need to hire – from regular cars, SUVs, minivans, to utility vehicles and sports cars. The current headquarters of AVIS is in Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey, United States.
You’d find Avis Car Rental depots in many airports across 100+ countries; the company is available at 5,000+ locations across Africa, America, Asia, and Europe. In terms of market cap, Avis Car Rental is the biggest car rental company in the world.
Notwithstanding, it operates as a subsidiary under Avis Budget Group. The cost of renting a car with Avis is a bit high compared with other top companies like Budget and Dollar Rent-A-Car.
See Also: Avis Vs Budget
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Overview
Originally “Executive Leasing Company” when it was established by Jack C. Taylor in 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States (where the company still has its headquarters), Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an American car rental company – the flagship brand of Enterprise Holdings.
It is regarded as a “Premium” car rental company and its fleet boasts of various luxury car models. The parent organization, Enterprise Holding, also owns budget-friendly car rental subsidiaries, Alamo Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental.
Enterprise is currently the largest car rental company in the US, having over 9,000 “home city” locations, and 419 airport locations. The company has a customer loyalty program that offers members VIP passes and exclusive bonuses.
Avis Vs Enterprise: Key Differences
Hereunder are the key comparison of Avis Car Rental vs Enterprise Rent-A-Car. There is actually no much difference between the two companies.
1. Locations/Regions Served
Enterprise operates in over 9,500 locations across Africa, the Middle East, America, Asia & Pacific, and Europe. You’d find Enterprise depots in many popular airports in 80+ countries worldwide.
Avis is not left out, the company operates in 5,000+ locations across Africa, the Middle East, America, Asia & Pacific, Europe, and Australia. You’d also, most likely find Avis car rental offices in popular airports – in the countries where the company’s presence is registered.
2. Type of Vehicles Offered
Both Avis and Enterprise offer a wide variety of cars. Enterprise categorically offers Exotic cars, Moving Trucks & Vans, Cars, SUVs, and Sedans. Of course, there are premium models of these cars available for hire in various Enterprise locations.
Avis, on the other hand, offers sports cars, convertibles, luxury SUVs, sedans, and other high-end cars. The truth is that Avis has the best luxury cars than any other car rental service provider worldwide.
3. Booking Requirements
You need to be at least 21 years to rent a car with Enterprise or Avis; in some locations, the minimum age is 24 or 25 years.
Also, you must have a valid driving license, which you must have held for at least one year. These requirements apply to almost all car rental companies.
4. Fees and Rental Costs
Each of these companies, Enterprise and Avis, have sub-brands; so, if you think you’re paying high to hire a car from Enterprise or Avis, you can consider their sub-brands, which typically offer the same car models at cheaper rates.
The sub-brands of Enterprise are Alamo Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental, while Avis’ sub-brands include Budget Rent-A-Car, Zipstar, and Payless. Similarly, the fees differ; you could be paying up to $1,000 as a delivery fee from Enterprise; and up to $2,000 when you go with Avis.
Note: The delivery depends on the car you rented and the location; delivery fees can also get as low as $170 – $200 with both companies. Notwithstanding, Avis’ prices are typically higher than Enterprise’.
5. Test Drive
Avis offers up to 2-hour test drives in most locations while Enterprise offers “scheduled” test drives in most of its locations worldwide.
6. Mileage Concerns
Both companies offer limited and unlimited mileage rentals; it depends on the location where you’re renting the car, the type of car you’re looking to rent, and any other factor that may apply. For rentals with limited mileage, you’d get charged for the additional miles you drove.
7. Loyalty Program
Most car rental companies offer customer loyalty programs to reward their customers with VIP treatments and good discounts. The Enterprise loyalty program is Enterprise Plus, while the Avis loyalty program is Avis Preferred. The programs have unique benefits.
Summary
Avis vs Enterprise? That’s a close one! Avis is a world-leading car rental company with the highest number of “Premium/Luxury” vehicles. It is also the most expensive car rental company and the biggest by Market Cap.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is equally a renowned car rental company operating in more locations than Avis. It has sub-brands that offer car rentals at a cheaper price. Enterprise’s fleet also comprises various luxury/premium car models – but not really as many as Avis’ fleet.