Dollar Car Rental Review

Dollar Car Rental has been a trusted name in the car hire industry for over 60 years.

Founded by Henry J. Caruso in 1965, the company is a subsidiary of the Hertz Corporation and currently has around 570 locations in 61 countries around the world.

It is renowned for offering affordable rates and a wide selection of vehicles, which makes the company a great choice for travelers who want reliable transportation without high costs.

Dollar’s rewards program – Dollar Express – is viewed favourably within the industry, and their fleet includes a variety of reliable vehicles, such as compact, intermediate, full-size, and SUV options.

Many of these can be picked up at major airports or CBD locations, which is why their customer base is predominantly business travelers and tourists.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Dollar?

Dollar offers competitive rates which make it an excellent option for those planning a vacation or business trip and need to hire a rental car on a limited budget.

Given that it has most of its locations at major airports and city centers within the USA, it’s especially convenient for those flying into destinations within the country who require convenient transportation to travel on to somewhere else.

It is also a good idea to book from Dollar if you are a family or traveling in a large group because they have a good selection of bigger-sized SUVs and minivans that can easily transport you all.

At the same time, they have good fuel-efficient compact car options for solo travelers or couples that you can pick up relatively cheaply.

If you need to hire vehicles on a regular basis, the Dollar Express Rewards program offers fast pick-up and return services, along with special discounts, which might make it an attractive choice for you. They also regularly run one-time, new customer promotions and deals that you may want to take advantage of.

When Doesn’t It Make Sense?

As Dollar Car Rental leans more towards offering customers budget-friendly rates, it may not always be the best choice for every traveler, particularly those who want to book luxury vehicles.

Additionally, if you are travelling to a destination where the company does not have a big presence, you might be limited as to where you can drop the vehicle off if you take out a one-way rental.

While the company offers cheaper day rates than many of its competitors, it may not be financially worth hiring a car if there is good public transportation where you are visiting.

Moreover, if ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber have a big presence there, they might prove to be a quicker, more cost-effective, and convenient alternative to renting a vehicle for a whole day.

Choosing to take public transport or using a ride-sharing service will also save you the hassle of trying to navigate your way around where you are visiting or finding a parking spot or gas station.

If you are under the age of 25, you will most likely be hit with a young driver fee, so depending on where you intend to visit, you may find hiring an e-bike more viable.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Vehicle from Dollar

Just like every other car rental firm, Dollar has some aspects of their business they excel at and other parts they perhaps need to work on.

Here is a quick rundown of what customers perceive to be their main pros and cons, judging by feedback on Google Reviews and websites like Trustpilot.

Pros

One of Dollar Car Rental’s biggest strengths is its affordability because its base rates are often lower than their competitors. This makes the company a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers and those looking to save money.

Dollar is also known for having a broad selection of vehicles to choose from, including compact cars, SUVs, and minivans, which should satisfy the needs of most solo travelers, families, and groups.

Additionally, the company has a strong presence in the USA, with locations in all the major cities, including Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Denver, Phoenix, and Chicago. They also operate in countries like Honduras, Nicaragua, and Iceland, which can provide you with a reliable option in places where you might struggle with a language barrier.

If you are a member of the Dollar Express Rewards program, you’ll be able to benefit from a faster check-in experience and potentially more discounted rates and the company also offers one-way rentals, which is convenient if you want to travel around a particular country or destination.

Cons

While Dollar is well known for offering low prices, some customers have advised they end up paying more than they thought they would have to after additional fees for insurance and extra drivers were included.

Some reviews also suggested they received inconsistent service at various locations, and wait times for vehicle collection were longer than desired. However, it must be said that this does not apply to all field offices across the board.

Unlike some of the other more established rental brands in the marketplace, Dollar does not have as big a global presence in places like Africa, Asia or South America, or for that matter, across the USA.

As touched upon earlier, it also has a more limited selection of high-end or specialty vehicles, which means it may not be the best option for luxury travelers, while its cancellation policies might not be as appealing as its competitors.

Dollar Booking Experience

Judging by comments made on social media and Google reviews, booking a rental car with Dollar is a straightforward process, which you can do through its website, mobile app, and third-party travel platforms.

As the reservation system allows users to compare vehicle types, pricing, and add-ons, it makes it easy for people to find a rental vehicle that fits their budget and needs.

However, you should be aware that the pick-up experience can vary depending on the location. As a general rule, major airport locations seem to have a smoother process, while you may experience longer wait times at off-airport branches.

It is probably fair to say too, that if you are a member of the Dollar Express Rewards program, you’ll experience more seamless check-ins and enjoy a few more added perks than those who are not.

Additionally, customer expectations are important because the Dollar booking experience is probably best suited for travelers who are looking for a simple rental process without luxury expectations.

Important Things to Note Before Renting with Dollar

Overall, Dollar is a good brand name in the car rental marketplace and is viewed in a generally positive light.

That said, here are some things you should be aware of before committing to a booking with them. They are as follows:

Pricing & Hidden Fees

While Dollar is known for its competitive base rates, you may be subjected to additional fees, which could increase the cost of your rental.

You might find that charges for insurance, toll passes, additional drivers, and young renters may not be included in the initial quote, so it is important to read the terms carefully to avoid being hit with unexpected expenses.

Insurance & Deposit Policies

Like most car rental companies, Dollar offers decent insurance coverage options, but it can be expensive if it is purchased at the counter.

For this reason, it is worth checking if you have existing coverage through your credit card or personal auto policy because you might find you need extra protection.

Additionally, you will typically need to give a security deposit to procure your vehicle, which may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the location from where you pick it up.

Vehicle Condition & Inspection

Whenever you hire a vehicle through a car rental company like Dollar, you should always inspect it for signs of pre-existing damage. It is a good idea to take a video of it then and when you drop it off to avoid disputes over scratches or dents.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

The terms and conditions of cancellation policies will vary depending on whether you choose a prepaid or a pay-at-counter option.

Generally, prepaid bookings may have cancellation fees, while pay-at-counter reservations offer more flexibility.

Customer Service

Dollar’s level of customer service is perceived quite favourably, although human nature dictates that it may vary by location.

While some renters have a smooth experience, others report long wait times and inconsistent service, so you should be aware of the potential variance.

Alternatives to Dollar

It is very rare that Dollar is the only car rental option in town, so you’ll find the likes of Hertz, Alamo, Europcar, Sixt, National, Budget, and others should be alternatives wherever you go.

This is particularly true in major cities and tourist locations, while at other destinations, you might find small local players that you might like to support or offer even cheaper rates.