Rental Car Experiences -- 2010

[RH77]

So, I haven't posted in a while -- call it a combination of buying a Hybrid and not really reporting a lot of efficient activity. Between a combination of back surgery and our first kiddo, my vehicle choices for work rentals have been less-than-efficient.

The following list represents vehicles rented and driven in late '09 and 2010. I used to review FE-friendly vehicles, but time constraints have offered little opportunity to review and post FE results and driving opinion this past year.

If you're interested in a particular model, feel free to post it and I can respond with a rundown of the experience and FE. Overall, awards go to the Ford Focus and Fusion (4-cylinder) for best fleet efficiency and quality, with an honorable mention to Kia/Hyundai for practicality and FE. The Jeep Compass wins the "What Were They Thinking Award", with the Camry as the most bland offering (over my own 2010 Honda Insight Sedan, which has been rated by every car mag as lacking a soul -- more on that later -- it's not that bad for the efficient driver with both cost and fuel economy).

Here's the list in the following format...

Year (2 separate listings for major re-designs), Make, Model, Trim Levels Driven, and Engine and Transmission in Trim Tested (detailed listing: 2.5L-4/CVT = 2.5L 4-Cylinder and Drivetrain):

2010 Buick LaCrosse, CX (3.0L-6)
2010/2011 Buick Lucerne, CXL-3/CXL (3.9L-6)
2010/2011 Cadillac DTS, Base (4.6L-8)
2010 Chevy Camaro, 1LT (3.6-6)
2010 Chevy Cobalt Sedan, LS/LT (2.2L-4)
2010/2011 Chevy Impala, LS/LT/LTZ (3.5L-6/3.9L-6)
2010/2011 Chevy Malibu, LS/LT1/LT2/LTZ (2.4L-4/3.6L-6)
2010 Chrysler 300, Touring (2.7L-6)
2010 Chrysler Sebring Sedan, Touring (2.4L-4)
2010 Chrysler Town and Country, LX/Touring/Limited (3.8L-6/4.0L-6)
2010 Dodge Avenger, SXT-Express-R/T (2.4L-4)
2010 Dodge Charger, Base/3.5L (2.7L-6/3.5L-6)
2010 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Quad Cab, SLT (4.7L-8)
2010 Ford Edge, SEL (3.5L-6/FWD)
2011 Ford Edge, Limited (3.5L-6/FWD)
2010/2011 Ford Escape, Limited (3.0L-6/FWD)
2010/2011 Ford Flex, Limited (3.5L-6/FWD)
2010/2011 Ford Focus, SE/SES (2.0L-4)
2010/2011 Ford Fusion, SE/SEL (2.5L-4/3.0L-6)
2011 Ford Taurus, SEL (3.5L-6)
2010 Honda Accord Sedan, LX (2.4L-4)
2010 Hyundai Accent Sedan, GLS (1.6L-4)
2010 Hyundai Azera, Limited (3.8L-6)
2010 Hyundai Elantra, GLS (2.0L-4)
2010/2011 Hyundai Elantra, SE (2.4L-4)
2010 Jeep Compass, Sport, (2.4L-4/CVT)
2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Laredo, (3.7L-6/RWD)
2010 Kia Forte Sedan, EX (2.0L-4)
2010 Kia Optima, LX (2.4L-4)
2010 Kia Sorento, Base (2.4L-4)
2010 Kia Sportage, LX (2.0L-4/AWD)
2010/2011 Kia Soul, "!" (2.0L-4)
2010/2011 Lincoln MKZ, Base (3.5L-6)
2010 Mazda 3 Sedan, i Touring (2.0L-4)
2010/2011 Grand Marquis, LS (4.6L-8)
2010/2011 Nissan Altima, 2.5 S (2.5L-4/CVT)
2009 Subaru Outback (Wagon), 2.5i (2.5L-H4)
2010 Toyota Avalon, Limted (3.5L-6)
2010/2011 Toyota Camry, LE/XLE (2.4L-4)
2010 Toyota Prius, II (1.8L-Hybrid-CVT)
2010 Volkswagon Jetta Sedan, SE PZEV (2.5L-5)

Happy Motoring!

RH77

[gone-ot]

..it'll be interesting to see which car rental agency gets & uses what vehicles in 2011, but I don't forsee the Volt™ being one of them (ha,ha)!

[Schelter]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

..it'll be interesting to see which car rental agency gets & uses what vehicles in 2011, but I don't forsee the Volt™ being one of them (ha,ha)!

I'll let you know when I see anything new as I work for Enterprise/National. Enterprise actually has a poster up in their branches which proclaims the most efficient fleet @ 28 mpg avg.

[RH77]

Originally Posted by Schelter

I'll let you know when I see anything new as I work for Enterprise/National. Enterprise actually has a poster up in their branches which proclaims the most efficient fleet @ 28 mpg avg.

National is actually who I rent from (Exec status for about 5 yrs, avg 2 cars/week). I love being able to pick whatever I like and the rewards program is the best in the business. Plus there's the occasional Prius and other efficient offerings that I like to find. Keep up the great work -- as you can see, I practically live in rental cars

..it'll be interesting to see which car rental agency gets & uses what vehicles in 2011, but I don't forsee the Volt™ being one of them (ha,ha)!

I hope to see more Fords on the lot -- I haven't tried the Fiesta yet, for example. But for average fleet use, the Fusion is my favorite. The Impala is the most common fleet vehicle, but it's nice to have a change of pace.

To predict 2011, I expect to see more Chryslers products. I bet there are lots to choose from since they haven't sold well. Kia/Hyundai seems to have a large presence (anymore, you can't go wrong with those). I hope to come across the Cruze and more efficient compacts. The average business renter expects an upgrade, so I see lots of large vehicles in the mix. I usually wander around to find (potentially) something with good FE (Satellite radio is another big plus).

So far this year, I had an Dodge Avenger R/T (2.4L-4) last week for about 800 miles. With mostly highway driving, it averaged close to 30 mpg. Next week, I should add 2 more to the list.

RH77

[Schelter]

If you are just renting for highway use the Sonata, Impala, and Fusion are all cushy rides that get 35+mpg if you drive them nice

[RH77]

Originally Posted by Schelter

If you are just renting for highway use the Sonata, Impala, and Fusion are all cushy rides that get 35+mpg if you drive them nice

I definitely agree. Hyundai really nailed the re-designed Sonata. It really gives the Camry and Accord a run for their money on many levels.

With the Imp, the trick is to find the 3.5L non Flex-Fuel (usually LS or Fleet "FS" for 2011), and drive mostly highway miles. For me, a nice find is a compact with added extras, like a Focus with leather, heated seats, sat radio, etc.

In my opinion, the best fleet vehicle of the last 10 years was the 6th-Gen Malibu/Classic (2006-2009). The EcoTec-4 was great around town, with the V-6 perfect for highway driving. It drove well, had a great driving position, was comfortable for rear passengers, and was a big improvement over the existing model with gas-saving features like electric power steering. I loved it. The Maxx model "wagon" had a neat sliding rear seat for cargo or leg room, but was too funky-looking for sales and was quickly discontinued. I don't like the new one very much. The 4-cyl/6-speed auto is good for FE I suppose.

RH77