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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallDollar is the clearest current answer to “the worst rental car company,” based on the latest national satisfaction evidence. Fox, Payless, Thrifty, Budget, and Avis also ranked below the current industry average. However, no ranking predicts every rental: the specific airport counter, franchise or licensee, available vehicle, reservation, and contract fees can change the experience substantially.
Short answer: Dollar is the clearest current candidate for the worst major rental-car brand in the United States and North American airport market. Fox, Payless, Thrifty, Budget, and Avis also performed below the latest J.D. Power industry average. But a national ranking is not a guarantee that every rental from one company will be bad—or that every rental from a higher-ranked brand will be trouble-free. Airport, franchise, vehicle availability, reservation type, and contract terms can matter as much as the logo on the counter.
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The most defensible way to use these rankings is as a screening tool. Scrutinize Dollar, Fox, Payless, and Thrifty first; compare Budget and Avis carefully; then check the specific location’s total price, protection terms, toll policy, card hold, and vehicle-condition procedure before booking.
The worst rental-car companies according to the latest rankings
J.D. Power’s 2025 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study is the clearest current like-for-like comparison found for this topic. It surveyed 8,722 business and leisure travelers who had rented from an airport location during the previous year. The study measured reservation, shuttle, pickup, vehicle, return, and costs-and-fees experiences on a 1,000-point scale. [c001]
#1 Best Overall
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- 360° Rotation & Dual-Axis Adjustment: This car phone holder features a 360° rotating base and 210° dual-axis folding metal arms, allowing easy angle adjustments to suit your needs. Whether in the car or at the office, switch between portrait and landscape modes effortlessly. Its unique folding design reduces the mount's size by 50% when not in use, keeping your space tidy. It remains stable and reliable even after 3000+ durability tests, ensuring long-term performance you can trust. (Protected by US Design Patent No. US D1,076,905 S)
- Strong Suction & Stable Hold: This car phone mount uses advanced rotating-lock vacuum suction, boosting suction by 45% compared to traditional press-on mounts. It stays stable on bumpy roads or during sudden stops. The 4-layer high-strength nano gel suction cup supports up to 78lbs and holds firm in extreme temperatures (-40°F to 300°F). Even after 9999+ durability tests and 200+ reattachments, it continues to deliver powerful suction and lasting stability.
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- Broad Compatibility & 1s Easy Installation: This cell phone car mount is designed for iPhone 18/17/16/15/14/13/12 series and for all MagSafe devices, plus it includes a magnetic ring to provide the same strong magnetic hold for non-MagSafe phones. Whether your phone is bare or in a case, it attaches in just one second with one hand. Its exceptional compatibility works with various car models, ensuring a secure and easy fit in any vehicle. Its wide compatibility ensures quick installation, strong attachment, and an easy fit across different phones and vehicles.
| Rank | Brand | J.D. Power score | Compared with industry average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enterprise | 734 | +43 |
| 2 | National | 721 | +30 |
| 3 (tie) | Advantage | 711 | +20 |
| 3 (tie) | Sixt | 711 | +20 |
| 5 | Hertz | 702 | +11 |
| 6 | ACE | 701 | +10 |
| 7 | Alamo | 695 | +4 |
| Industry average | 691 | ||
| 8 | Avis | 672 | -19 |
| 9 | Budget | 669 | -22 |
| 10 | Thrifty | 658 | -33 |
| 11 | Payless | 650 | -41 |
| 12 | Fox | 643 | -48 |
| 13 | Dollar | 641 | -50 |
The differences between neighboring brands should not be treated as precise predictions. A two-point gap, such as Fox’s 643 versus Dollar’s 641, may not represent a statistically meaningful difference. The useful signal is the broader separation from the 691-point industry average: Dollar and Fox were far below it, while Payless, Thrifty, Budget, and Avis also fell short. [c001]
An independent check comes from the 2026 ACSI Travel Study, which uses a 0-to-100 satisfaction scale. It reported Dollar at 71, Budget at 73, Enterprise and Hertz at 76, Avis at 77, and Alamo at 79, compared with a rental-car industry score of 76. ACSI also said complaints remained elevated and that complaint handling had not improved significantly. That is important: the quality of the resolution process can be as consequential as the car itself. [c002]
Brands to scrutinize first
1. Dollar
Dollar is the strongest evidence-based answer to the headline question. It ranked last in the 2025 J.D. Power study at 641 out of 1,000 and last among the individually reported brands in the 2026 ACSI results at 71 out of 100. [c001] [c002]
That does not mean every Dollar rental is poor. It means that, on the available national satisfaction evidence, Dollar deserves the most scrutiny before you commit. Compare the complete price—not just the advertised base rate—and look closely at tolls, fuel, protection products, deposits, return rules, and the condition-report process.
Dollar also operates within the same corporate family as Hertz and Thrifty. Hertz investor-relations materials state that its subsidiaries and licensees operate the Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, and Firefly brands. Switching from Dollar to Thrifty may therefore change the brand and price, but it does not necessarily mean leaving the same broader corporate ecosystem. [c003]
A documented toll-fee warning
There is also a relevant historical consumer-protection matter in Florida. In 2019, the Florida attorney general announced a court-enforceable agreement involving Dollar and Thrifty’s disclosure of toll and PlatePass charges. The matter concerned cashless toll roads, additional fees associated with toll use, and charges for the optional PlatePass service. The agreement required clearer disclosures and refunds for eligible consumers who had been misled. [c004] [c005]
This is a historical Florida matter, not proof that every current Dollar or Thrifty rental has the same issue. It does, however, illustrate why toll terms deserve to be read before you drive away. Ask whether the administrative fee is charged per toll, per day, or for every day of the rental once the toll program is activated.
2. Fox Rent A Car
Fox ranked second from the bottom in J.D. Power’s 2025 study, scoring 643—only two points above Dollar. That places Fox in the same lowest-satisfaction tier for practical booking purposes. [c001]
Rank #2
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The study measures the customer’s reported airport-rental experience; it does not establish why Fox received that score or prove that a particular Fox location will perform poorly. If Fox is substantially cheaper, the price difference may still be worth considering, but inspect the final quote and location-specific terms rather than assuming the headline rate is the amount you will pay.
3. Payless
Payless scored 650, or 41 points below the J.D. Power industry average. [c001] Avis Budget Group describes Payless as a deep-value brand, alongside Avis and Budget. [c006]
Value positioning can involve trade-offs in counter service, location convenience, fleet age, included features, or the range of available vehicles. A low price is not itself evidence of poor service, and Payless may be a sensible choice for a traveler who understands those trade-offs. The practical mistake is booking it without checking what is and is not included.
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Thrifty scored 658, placing it fourth from the bottom in the J.D. Power ranking and 33 points below the industry average. [c001] Like Dollar, it is part of the Hertz corporate family. [c003]
Do not assume that choosing a different Hertz-family badge guarantees a materially different experience. Compare the actual pickup location, vehicle class, total price, cancellation terms, toll program, card requirements, and protection options attached to the reservation you are considering.
5. Budget and Avis
Budget scored 669 and Avis 672 in J.D. Power’s 2025 study—both below the 691 industry average. ACSI’s 2026 results also placed Budget below its industry score at 73, while Avis scored 77. [c001] [c002]
These results support caution, not a blanket declaration that Avis or Budget is among the very worst rental companies. Avis Budget Group describes Avis as a premium brand, Budget as a mid-tier value-oriented brand, and Payless as a deep-value brand. Its 2025 Form 10-K also says the group uses both company-operated locations and independent licensees. [c006]
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That corporate structure is one reason a specific counter can matter so much. Two locations carrying the same brand may differ in staffing, fleet condition, queue management, vehicle availability, and how aggressively optional products are presented. Treat Avis and Budget as brands to compare carefully—not automatic safe picks and not automatic deal-breakers.
Rank #3
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- 【Larger Suction Cup, Strongest Suction】The diameter of the suction cup has been increased from 2.5in to 2.8in, and the PU adhesive has been applied to increase the suction power by 44%. Over 85 pounds of suction means even the heaviest phones are secure on bumpy roads. The suction cup is easy to remove and can be washed clean and reused. Attention: Install suction cup on a flat surface, avoiding curves or leather surface
- 【Multi-Function Phone Stand for Dashboard / Windshield / Vent】Are you not sure which installation would best suit your vehicle? No problem the unit is extremely flexible!!! Dashboard, Windshield even air vent, all places work perfectly!
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Which rental-car companies have stronger current evidence?
Enterprise led J.D. Power’s 2025 ranking at 734, followed by National at 721. Alamo scored 695, just above the 691 industry average. In ACSI’s 2026 results, Alamo scored 79, while Enterprise scored 76. [c001] [c002]
- Enterprise: The highest-scoring brand in the latest J.D. Power airport study.
- National: Second in J.D. Power’s study and potentially especially relevant to business travelers.
- Alamo: Slightly above the J.D. Power average and the highest individually reported brand in the cited ACSI table.
These are comparatively stronger performers in the cited studies, not guarantees of a trouble-free rental or universal recommendations. A highly rated brand at a badly managed airport counter can still be a frustrating choice, while a lower-ranked brand may deliver an uneventful rental at a well-run location. Check the price and terms before treating a ranking as a booking decision.
Why complaint counts and star ratings can mislead
Online complaints are useful for discovering recurring themes: billing disputes, long lines, vehicle-condition concerns, damage claims, toll charges, and difficulty reaching customer service. They are not reliable failure-rate calculations. Complaint sites and review platforms are self-selected, and they generally do not reveal the total number of rentals, the mix of airport and neighborhood locations, or the proportion of franchise-operated transactions.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsJ.D. Power and ACSI use structured survey methods, although they measure different populations and scales. That makes them more useful for broad comparisons than an unadjusted count of one-star reviews. Use individual complaints to identify questions to ask and risks to check—not as proof that every rental from that company will go wrong. [c001] [c002]
How to avoid a bad rental-car experience
1. Compare the final price, not the teaser rate
The Federal Trade Commission warns that an advertised rental rate may not equal the final amount. Possible additions include taxes, vehicle-licensing or energy-recovery fees, airport surcharges, fuel charges, early- or late-return fees, protection products, and card authorization holds. Review the quote and contract before booking. [c007]
Before paying, confirm:
- the base rental rate and every tax or mandatory fee;
- airport facility charges and other location-specific surcharges;
- the total price for the selected vehicle class, not merely an estimated starting price;
- the fuel policy and refueling price;
- early-return and late-return rules;
- the deposit or authorization hold and the card accepted at pickup;
- one-way, additional-driver, underage-driver, and mileage charges; and
- the cancellation or no-show policy.
If you want to compare rental-car rates, compare identical dates, pickup and return locations, vehicle classes, driver ages, mileage assumptions, protection selections, and fuel policies. A cheaper first screen can become more expensive after mandatory and optional charges are included.
2. Read the toll-program terms
Ask how tolls are processed before entering a cashless toll road. Find out whether the rental company charges a per-use administrative fee, a daily fee, a fee on every rental day, or a combination. Also ask whether you may use your own compatible transponder and what steps are required to associate it with the rental.
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Do not rely only on a verbal explanation. Check the written contract or rental-location policy, because toll arrangements can vary by company, state, vehicle, and location. The historical Florida Dollar/Thrifty matter is a useful reminder that a toll can cost more than the toll authority’s underlying charge. [c004] [c005]
Rank #4
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3. Do not confuse a damage waiver with liability insurance
A collision-damage waiver or loss-damage waiver generally addresses the rental vehicle’s damage or theft subject to its terms. It is not automatically the same as liability coverage for injuries or property damage to other people, and it may not cover personal belongings or every type of loss.
The FTC notes that some credit cards offer rental protection, but eligibility may depend on paying for the rental with that card and declining the rental company’s coverage. Check your card’s current guide to benefits before pickup, including exclusions, vehicle-type restrictions, rental-duration limits, geographic restrictions, and whether the benefit is primary or secondary. Do not assume that having a credit card means you are fully covered. [c007]
4. Understand the card hold
The rental company may authorize or block more than the agreed rental price to cover fuel, tolls, damage, late fees, or other possible charges. The hold can reduce your available credit or checking-account balance until the company releases it and the bank processes the release.
This matters particularly when using a debit card or traveling with limited available funds. Ask before pickup how much will be held, how long release normally takes, which card is accepted, and whether the amount changes if you decline or purchase a protection product. The amount and release timing can depend on the rental contract, location, payment method, and bank. [c007]
5. Photograph the vehicle before leaving
Take time-stamped photos or video before departing the lot. Capture:
- each side and corner of the exterior;
- wheels, tires, windshield, mirrors, bumpers, and roof when practical;
- the interior, seats, trunk, and visible stains or damage;
- the odometer and fuel gauge;
- warning lights or dashboard messages; and
- the vehicle identification number and the condition report, when visible.
Repeat the process at return and keep the original files. Ask an employee to add previously unlisted damage to the inspection record before you leave. Documentation cannot guarantee that a dispute will be decided in your favor, but it creates a clearer record than relying on memory.
6. Follow the fuel and return-time rules exactly
Photograph the fuel gauge and mileage at pickup and return, save fuel receipts when the contract requires a full tank, and retain the final receipt. Ask what happens if you return early: some reservations are priced differently when the rental period changes, and an early return does not necessarily produce a refund. Also confirm the late-return grace period, after-hours procedure, key-drop instructions, and when the rental clock stops. [c007]
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7. Protect your personal data in connected vehicles
Newer rental cars may retain navigation destinations, locations, paired-phone numbers, call or message logs, contacts, and other personal data after the vehicle is returned. The FTC recommends deleting paired devices and personal information before drop-off. [c007]
Best Value
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A practical way to reduce reliance on an unfamiliar vehicle’s infotainment system is to pack a portable car phone mount for navigation. Check that the mount is compatible with your phone, case, charging setup, and the rental vehicle before purchasing or using it. A removable mount is a convenience and privacy aid; it does not prevent billing, damage, toll, or insurance disputes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do when a rental company adds an unexpected charge
- Collect the record. Save the reservation, contract, inspection report, final receipt, fuel receipt, toll statements, photos, bank or card statement, and every email or chat transcript.
- Ask the rental company for an itemized explanation. Contact the location or customer-service department promptly. Request the contract provision supporting the charge, the date and location of the alleged event, and any inspection or toll documentation.
- Dispute incorrect items in writing. Clearly identify the charge, explain why it is incorrect, attach supporting evidence, and request a specific correction or refund. Keep copies and note dates, names, and reference numbers.
- Escalate unresolved complaints. The FTC recommends reporting unresolved problems to the FTC and the relevant state attorney general. USAGov likewise directs consumers with rental-car complaints to their state consumer-protection agency or the FTC. [c007] [c008]
- Contact the card issuer if the charge is wrong. For a credit-card billing dispute, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says to contact the card issuer promptly and send a written billing-error notice within 60 calendar days after the charge appeared on the statement to preserve applicable billing-error protections. Pay undisputed charges on time and retain proof of the dispute submission. [c009] [c010]
The 60-day billing-error period is tied to the statement on which the charge appeared, not necessarily the day you returned the car. Do not wait for a prolonged back-and-forth with the rental company if a formal card dispute may be necessary. Follow the issuer’s instructions and use the billing-dispute address or process specified for that purpose.
A practical booking decision framework
Use the national rankings to decide how much scrutiny a booking deserves, then evaluate the actual rental:
| If this is true… | Do this |
|---|---|
| The brand is Dollar or Fox | Start with a full-price and contract comparison against at least two alternatives. Pay special attention to tolls, holds, protection, vehicle condition, and the location’s recent operational reviews. |
| The brand is Payless or Thrifty | Confirm what the value rate excludes and whether the counter, vehicle class, mileage, and toll terms justify the savings. |
| The brand is Budget or Avis | Do not assume the brand is automatically safe or automatically bad. Compare the specific airport or neighborhood location and the complete contract. |
| The price difference is small | A higher-ranked alternative may be worth considering if its total price, pickup process, and cancellation terms are comparable. |
| The lowest-ranked brand is dramatically cheaper | Calculate the cost of likely add-ons and the value of your time before deciding. A low base rate is not necessarily a low total cost. |
| You are using a debit card or have limited available credit | Ask for the exact authorization hold and release process before booking. |
| You will drive on toll roads | Obtain the written toll-program terms and determine whether your own transponder can be used. |
| You depend on navigation | Prepare a privacy-conscious navigation plan, delete personal data at return, and consider a compatible removable phone mount. |
Bottom line: which rental-car companies should you avoid?
If minimizing the odds of a poor national-average airport-rental experience is your priority, scrutinize Dollar, Fox, Payless, and Thrifty first. They occupied the bottom four positions in J.D. Power’s 2025 ranking. Budget and Avis also scored below average, although the evidence does not place them in the same bottom tier as Dollar and Fox. [c001]
Enterprise, National, and Alamo have stronger current satisfaction evidence, but no brand eliminates the risks of an unclear contract, a large card hold, toll fees, an unrecorded scratch, or a poorly run location. The smartest booking is the one with a transparent total price, manageable protection terms, a clear toll policy, a documented vehicle condition, and a return process you understand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the worst rental-car company right now?
Dollar ranked last among the brands individually reported in both the 2025 J.D. Power rental-car study and the cited 2026 ACSI results. That makes it the clearest national-average low performer, but it does not mean every Dollar location or rental will be bad.
Which rental-car companies should I scrutinize besides Dollar?
Fox, Payless, and Thrifty joined Dollar at the bottom of J.D. Power’s 2025 airport-rental ranking. Budget and Avis also scored below the 691-point industry average, though they were not as far below average as Dollar or Fox.
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Not necessarily. A brand’s score reflects a broad sample of reported experiences, while your result depends heavily on the airport, franchise or licensee, staffing, available fleet, reservation, and contract terms.
Is a rental-car damage waiver the same as insurance?
A damage or loss waiver generally concerns the rental vehicle and is not automatically liability insurance or personal-property coverage. Check your credit-card benefits and other insurance before deciding, because eligibility, exclusions, duration, vehicle, and location rules can apply.
What should I do about an unexpected rental-car charge?
Contact the rental company first and request an itemized explanation. If it is not resolved, the FTC and USAGov direct consumers to the FTC and relevant state consumer-protection agency. For a credit-card billing error, contact the issuer promptly and send a written billing-error notice within 60 calendar days after the charge appeared on the statement to preserve applicable protections.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Dollar is the clearest current low performer, with Fox, Payless, and Thrifty also near the bottom of the latest airport-rental satisfaction ranking. Budget and Avis were below average as well. Treat the rankings as a screening tool—not a guarantee—and protect yourself by comparing the complete price, reading toll and coverage terms, documenting the car, understanding the card hold, and saving every receipt.
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