Fox Car Rental Review

If you need to hire a car, a simple Google search typically throws up a few familiar names. However, one that might be listed which you may not be aware of is Fox Car Rental.

Founded in 1989, the company is quite small, operating in just over 100 different destinations. Predominantly, this is in locations within the USA, but they also have a presence in places as far afield as Antigua, Argentina, the Philippines and the UK.

The company has headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Los Angeles, California, and is part of the Europcar Mobility Group.

Employing over 1000 staff, it focuses primarily on servicing the low-cost leisure car rental market and has a diverse selection of over 20,000 vehicles.

Since its launch, Fox has steadily established itself as a notable player in the airport rental market and positions itself as a force in the value car rental space.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Fox?

Choosing Fox Car Rental makes sense if you’re trying to keep your travel costs low without sacrificing too much in terms of vehicle quality.

Most people should find their prices are attractive, especially if they are traveling on a tight budget or just prefer spending their money on activities and experiences rather than transportation.

Fox is particularly appealing for longer trips, where savings quickly add up as compared to other players on the market. It’s also a very practical option if you’re flexible about what type of car you want, as they often provide good deals on their varied fleet of vehicles.

If you’re traveling to popular tourist destinations in the USA like Florida, California, New York and Nevada, Fox typically has convenient airport locations you can pick up a vehicle from. This should make picking up and dropping off a car fairly straightforward for those who want to quickly move on to another destination.

They also offer one-way rentals, which can be very useful for those flying into one destination and out of another.

Additionally, using Fox can be ideal for younger drivers who might face expensive surcharges elsewhere, as the company’s fees can often be lower for drivers under 25.

When Doesn’t It Make Sense to Use Fox?

If you place a high emphasis on reliability, convenience, and a seamless rental experience, then Fox Car Rental might not be your best choice.

For instance, if you require a vehicle because you are traveling for an important business meeting or special occasion and can’t afford delays, unexpected changes, or subpar vehicle conditions, then you might be better off renting from a higher-tier company that might save you unnecessary stress.

Similarly, if you prefer the certainty of knowing the exact make and model of your rental car, Fox might disappoint you due to their “or similar” policy, which often results in you being given a different vehicle rather than the one you booked.

As most of Fox’s locations are found mainly in major cities and airports, you are best off choosing another company if you need to hire a car from a smaller town or more remote destination because their limited network could prove inconvenient.

While being one of the cheaper companies on the market and operating throughout many airport locations, there are times when catching a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft might end up being more affordable or less of a hassle. This will save you from having to navigate your way around an unfamiliar city in a car you are not used to driving.

Pros and Cons of Booking with Fox

Booking a vehicle with Fox Car Rental does come with clear advantages and disadvantages, which you will need to consider before securing your reservation.

Pros

On the plus side, Fox typically offers highly competitive prices when compared to their competitors, which makes them a very attractive option for travelers who are on a tighter budget.

Overall, the low daily rates and frequent deals they offer can result in significant savings, especially for those wanting to hire a vehicle for longer rental periods. Additionally, they usually have a decent selection of vehicles, which range from compact economy cars to larger SUVs, which offer a bit of flexibility to cater for different travel needs.

As Fox’s offices are located in airport locations within popular cities, they provide convenience for easy pickup and drop-offs, which can save time for those in a hurry. Moreover, for younger drivers under 25 years old they can be a lot more affordable as their surcharges are often lower compared to others.

Cons

However, booking with Fox isn’t without its drawbacks because customers commonly complain about inconsistent service quality across locations, which can be quite frustrating.

You should also be aware that cars may sometimes be older or in poorer condition compared to the premium brands you get elsewhere, and their roadside assistance might not be as good as that offered by companies.

Some of their customers have complained that the company’s policies included hidden fees or strict restrictions that were buried in the fine print, which resulted in them receiving unwelcome surprises in their billing.

Another potential issue with Fox is that their locations are limited mainly to major airports. Therefore, it means they offer fewer options for those traveling to smaller or remote destinations.

Booking Experience

Generally, you should find the act of booking a vehicle with Fox Car Rental quite straightforward. But your experience can vary depending on how you choose to reserve it.

By and large, their website is user-friendly, which allows travelers to quickly find what cars are available, compare prices, and confirm reservations online.

The booking system clearly highlights different vehicle options and prices, so it should make it easy to select something that falls within your budget.

However, while the initial booking experience is usually smooth, there can be challenges afterwards, especially when it comes to managing your reservation or making changes. Some customers have reported difficulty in reaching customer service support staff to amend bookings or have other issues they need to resolve.

Perhaps most importantly, it’s crucial to carefully read all the terms and conditions during your booking process because some hidden fees or strict cancellation policies may apply.

Important Things to Note Before Renting with Enterprise

Before hiring a vehicle with Fox Car Rentals, it is good to know what you are getting yourself into.

With that in mind, here are some important things to be aware of:

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Fox Car Rental offers attractive low prices, but customers should always double-check for hidden fees.

Some previous renters have indicated that taxes, facility charges, additional driver fees, or mileage limits were not clear to them during the initial booking process.

Therefore, you should always carefully review your agreement before finalizing a payment to avoid any surprises.

Insurance & Deposit Policies

Fox typically requires renters to have insurance coverage, either through personal policies, credit card providers, or by purchasing coverage at the counter.

These deposit requirements can be significant, and the amount will vary depending on where you want to rent a car from and the vehicle type.

Vehicle Condition & Inspection

It is important to note that vehicle conditions at Fox can vary significantly. For this reason, you should always inspect your rental car thoroughly when you pick it up and document any existing damage in video or photographic form.

If you see any scratches or dents, always insist on having them recorded by staff before you drive it away. Doing this will minimize your risk of disputes arising upon return of the vehicle.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

Unfortunately, Fox’s cancellation policies can be strict. Therefore, it is worth checking your eligibility for refunds and last-minute cancellations, as you might be impacted by fees or non-refundable charges.

It’s advisable to take the time to really understand their specific cancellation policy at the time of your booking and get deadlines confirmed in writing for full or partial refunds.

Customer Service

The quality of customer service you can receive from staff at different Fox locations can be inconsistent if feedback on review sites is anything to go by.

While some customers experience prompt, helpful service, others encounter delays or indifferent attitudes. So, you should be aware of this potential variance.

Alternatives to Fox

If you’re unsure about renting from Fox Car Rental, there are several reliable alternatives you can consider.

Probably, the biggest direct competitors are Alamo or Budget, which offer competitive pricing at similar levels to Fox. They also tend to have a broader location coverage and generally more consistent quality of vehicle.

Other options you can choose, which excel at customer service, are Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Dollar and Avis.

Final Verdict: Should You Rent from Fox

Whether or not you choose to rent from Fox is entirely up to you, but it makes sense if you are looking for a cheap rental vehicle.

Ultimately, choosing Fox means balancing lower prices against the possibility of a less-than-perfect experience. But overall, as they have been in business for over 35 years, they are a decent enough choice.