Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Hertz Wins ‘Top Rated Overall' in Zagat Car Rental Survey

Out of 10 major car rental companies, Hertz, National Car Rental and Enterprise Rent-A-Car took No. 1 spots in the various categories, while Hertz was the 'Top Rated Overall.'

by Staff
May 15, 2012
1 min to read


Zagat, a provider of consumer-based ratings and reviews, released the results of its latest U.S. Car Rental Survey covering 10 leading brands: Advantage, Alamo Rent A Car, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent A Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, National Car Rental, Rent-A-Wreck and Thrifty Car Rental.

Surveyors were asked to select the best rental car brands in a variety of additional categories for a total of 20 categories. Hertz made a clean sweep of top ratings for vehicles, reliability, service and popularity, netting the title of Top Overall. Following Hertz, National took the No. 2 spot edging out Avis. National was also rated the best value.

Enterprise won for Deals and Promotions, Neighborhood Rentals and Car Pick-Up Experience, while Hertz won the remaining categories.

The surveyors, predominantly men, rented cars 11.4 times on average in the past year — 6.7 times for business and 4.7 for leisure. In addition to providing ratings on Zagat's 30-point scale, the surveyors offered comments about their experiences with the various rental car brands.

“Having closely followed the car rental industry over the past 20 years, it comes as no surprise to see Hertz, National and Avis dominating,” said Tim Zagat, co-chair of Zagat. “However, the degree of Hertz's victory in this year's survey is most impressive.”

Click here for the full ratings and reviews of each car rental brand.

More Rental Operations

A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A black Audi SUV superimposed on a historic scene from downtown Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Carwiz Sets Up Rental Operations In Central Asia

The global franchise operation reaches a first in its rental fleet portfolio with new service in Uzbekistan.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A raging brushfire in the countryside.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 30, 2026

Where Rental Fleets Must Adjust To Shifting Catastrophe Risks

West Coast disasters pose unique challenges and liabilities for rental fleet operators, who are advised to take steps tailored to their specific situations.

Read More →
ARN Industry Newsmakers thumbnail page with ARN and ICRS logos and shots of Nick DiPrima and Martin Romjue
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 27, 2026

Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage

Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.

Read More →
Photo of CEO Krešimir Dobrilović against a gray modernist crooked-tile mural display.

Carwiz Opens Car Rental Service In Panama

A Carwiz partner in Puerto Rico is taking on the Panama franchise with operations in the nation's largest airport.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A world map with Flexways logo and new locations headline.

Flexways Opens 10 Locations Among Franchise, Affiliate Rental Networks

The integrated business model combines each operator’s local expertise with international standards to boost sales.

Read More →
Photo of a suitcase, passport, and smartphone.

Traveler Customer Satisfaction Up This Year Data Study Shows

The study looks at customer analytics to size up performance in car rentals, rideshare, airlines, lodging, and OTAs.

Read More →
A rental car between two placards showing a symbolic revenue increase from $300 to $1600.

New Consulting Company Ready To Boost Point-of-Sale Revenue

Revcuity, an outgrowth of Frontline Performance Group, aims to help clients capture more revenue moments with face-to-face customers, including in the car rental space.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Martin Romjue stands at conference stage podium close to a dangling, glistening chandelier.
Rental Operationsby StaffApril 15, 2026

Meet The (Semi-New) ARN Editor

Martin Romjue has been editing and reporting for ARN since 2023 and fully transitioned to the role of chairman of the International Car Rental Show in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...