Avis is one of the oldest and most established car rental brands in the world, founded in 1946 and operating at over 5,500 locations across 165 countries. Owned by Avis Budget Group, it built its global identity around the airport traveler and remains one of the most consistent options for business and frequent travelers who value reliable international coverage and a solid loyalty program.
✓ Pros
- Avis Preferred skip-the-counter access
- Strong global network in 165 countries
- Prestige Collection with BMW and Mercedes
- Good corporate and AAA discount rates
- Solid business travel infrastructure
✗ Cons
- Points earn on base rate only (not fees)
- Service quality uneven across locations
- Higher prices than Budget at same airports
- 18-month loyalty points expiration
Avis Car Rental Review
Avis has been trying harder since 1962, when the company launched one of the most famous advertising campaigns in history by openly acknowledging that it was number two in the market. The campaign worked because it was credible. Avis built a reputation as the brand that compensated for not being the biggest by being more attentive to the customer. Whether that reputation fully holds in 2026 depends on where you rent and what you expect.
Avis Preferred: Solid Skip-the-Counter Experience
Avis Preferred provides a dedicated counter lane and skip-the-counter access at most major airport locations. Members can go directly to their vehicle using the Avis app, bypassing the counter entirely. The program earns points on the base rate, though notably not on fees and add-ons, which reduces earning for renters who regularly add insurance or additional drivers.
Points expire after 18 months of inactivity. Avis Preferred Plus, unlocked at 12 rentals per year, adds confirmed upgrades and priority service. Avis Preferred Select at 25 rentals per year provides the highest tier of benefits including free additional drivers and guaranteed vehicle class.
Fleet: Quality at the Top End
Avis tends to run a newer average fleet age at its premium locations compared to several competitors. The Prestige Collection includes BMW 3 and 5 series, Mercedes C and E class, and Volvo options at select major airports, making Avis a strong choice for travelers who want a premium European vehicle without paying exotic rates.
The standard fleet covers all practical categories well. SUVs and mid-size vehicles are consistently available at airport locations. The fleet skews toward Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, and Chrysler products at the lower end of the range.
International Coverage
165 countries is a genuine competitive advantage. For travelers doing complex multi-country itineraries, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia Pacific, Avis provides a more consistent experience than most alternatives. The loyalty program works internationally, which matters for business travelers who need to accumulate and redeem points across different regions.
Pricing and Value
Avis sits in the middle tier on price: consistently more expensive than Budget and Payless, its siblings in the Avis Budget Group family, but typically competitive with Hertz. Corporate discount codes and AAA rates can bring Avis rates to or below Enterprise at some locations. Checking these rates before booking is always worth the extra two minutes.
Who Avis Is Best For
- Frequent business travelers who value Preferred skip-the-counter access and consistent international coverage
- Premium vehicle renters interested in BMW, Mercedes, or Volvo through the Prestige Collection
- International itineraries where consistent loyalty program recognition across 165 countries matters
- Corporate account holders where negotiated rates and billing consolidation are priorities
Where Avis Falls Short
Service consistency is the most commonly cited gap. Avis performs well at its flagship locations and poorly at others, without the structural customer service accountability that makes Enterprise more predictable. At airport locations where it shares a facility with Budget, the price difference can make Avis feel overpriced for what you receive. The loyalty earning structure, which excludes fees from point calculations, is also less generous than it appears on paper.