Hertz - Best car for 5 adults?

I'm going to be doing a 3 hour each way trip with 4 others (a total of 4 guys - all 5'11-6'1 & 1 girl about 5'5") - Currently, I've rented an Explorer/Envoy for our trip - but am debating whether I should spend another 20-40 bucks to make it a Crown Vic/Bonneville or a Deville/Towncar. This is completely a non-business rental (it's actually over New Years & it'll be a party weekend) - but we do have a 3-hour drive to our destination.

Out of the three categories - the SUV, the Crown Vic/Bonneville, and the Deville/Towncar - which would have the most amount of legroom & comfort in the backseat? I'm thinking the Deville/Towncar would be best (not only that, I think it'll be amusing to rollup to the place we're going in a Caddy or a Towncar :D ) - Suggestions on which category best seats 5 adults for a long drive?

You've described.

Thats just me though

Junkie

What makes the Avalon an attractive car? I've never driven one.

Also, any idea which of the above models would come with NeverLost - even if I didn't request it?

What makes the Avalon an attractive car? I've never driven one.

Nevermind - the Avalon doesn't appear to be an option out of TYS.

I would go for a Ford Explorer if you don't have too much luggage. It's got a 3rd row seat. I would rather be in it than middle of the 2nd row.

I would go for a Ford Explorer if you don't have too much luggage. It's got a 3rd row seat. I would rather be in it than middle of the 2nd row.

Really? I thought the Explorer was a 2-row vehicle - are you sure you're not thinking of the Expedition or Excursion? Those both add over 100 bucks to the total & I don't want to spend that much money. Same goes with a mini-van.

I guess I'm wrong - just checked Ford.com & it shows 3 seats - the back being a flip seat.

On the phone with Hertz & now they say in TYS, they only rent the 4Runner or the Envoy - neither of which have a 3rd row of seating.

The Caddy is looking good...

We did fine in a Buick LeSabre or what ever the biggest Buick is now.

(This was out of SBN, tho)

As for the Town Car/Crown Vic, just don't get rear-ended or it might be crispy-critter time for you all.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/07/22/eveningnews/main515830.shtml

http://www.crownvictoriasafetyalert.com/ActionWhatIDo.html

I'd definately go for the largest available car you can get so everyone can be comfortable for New Year's celebrations.

deville/town car or crown vic/grand marquis if you care about gas mileage, if not, the suv

the freestyle (if available in your area) would be not bad either

Another option if you want the 3rd row is a minivan. No style though.

Too bad Explorer's aren't available...

Avalon would be best if TYS had it (they're extremely roomy inside - see my "Ride Report" linked from the sticky), but a Town Car or Caddy would be a good second choice and a bit upscale from the Crown Vic/Grand Marquis.

I'd take a mini-van.

Agreed -- minivan is the way to go.

That said, I'd probably reserve a full or a premium and then try to talk my way into an upgrade. I've ended up with minivans several times recently without asking (upgrade from a C when I'm all alone.. no thanks) so there are typically many around. This is by far the most comfortable way for 5 adults to travel and nobody has to ride on the hump or "bi*ch" as commonly known ;)

The minivan is way overpriced - it adds over 100 bucks.

1. Toyota Avalon
2. Lincoln TC
3. Caddy
4. Crown Vic/Buick LeSabre (Lucerne?)

We found the 4runner cramped for 5 adults. No experience with the Envoy. The explorer 3rd row wuld allow one of the adults to sit in the third row, while the other two sit in the second.

If the Explorer is not available, try the Armada. Its as good.

Well, the Explorer & the Avalon are not available in TYS apparently - so I ended up going with the Lincoln/Seville. The total rental cost is 223.00 & I have 225 in vouchers (3 X 75.00 vouchers) so that should cover the entire rental cost - the Envoy was 147, so I was only using 2 vouchers for that. I don't want to accept the additional insurance & I won't have any credit card coverage since I'm not charging any portion of this rental (all vouchers!) - I guess I now have to check with my insurance if they cover "luxury" cars like the Caddy or Lincoln - if not, I'll have to drop it down to the Envoy or Crown Vic as I'm sure they'll cover those - I hope the Caddy/Lincoln are not considered luxury cars!

Have you considered a Ford five hundred??? It's is bigger than an Avalon, a huge back seat, has command seating ( you sit up 4 in higher than a regular sedan) and you might even get AWD. Also the trunk is adverised to hold 8 full sets of golf clubs.

The Ford 500 doesn't seem to be available at TYS either - though I would like to drive it eventually - looks like a fun car!

The only options are:

Chevrolet Classic, Toyota Corolla or Similar
Taurus, Sable or Similar
Crown Victoria, Bonneville or Similar
Deville, Towncar or Similar
Subaru Outback Wagon or Similar
Explorer, Envoy or Similar
Expedition or Similar
Ford Freestar or Similar

The Expedition & the Freestar are too expensive (280+) & I can get the Deville/Towncar with Neverlost confirmed for ~224 all-in. I have 3 x $75.00 vouchers which are combinable, so I think that's the best option & the best value for the certificates.