True, and this is its last year. It's gone after the 2011 model year.

But putting it into perspective, if the worst thing that happens to me is getting a Buick Lucerne as a rental, then I'll take it. Pig and all.

To answer the original question, I actually think I'd be the most disappointed with getting a cloth-interior Honda Accord as a premium. It's a fine vehicle, but a cloth-interior, minimal-frills family sedan seems more like a full-size than a premium rental. Same thing with the Taurus SEL (not the better equipped Limited, which makes sense as a premium).

In full size, my preference is the 2011 Charger. I'd avoid the Impala LS/LT Malibu LS/LT, and the Camry LE; not because they are bad, but because there's nothing really special or unique about them.

In standard, my preference would be the Sonata, Jetta or a Fusion. I might consider a 2011 200 or 2011 Avenger, depending on the trim level. I'd avoid the HHR.

At the end of the day, though, getting something cool is icing on the cake. Main thing is getting something reasonably new, clean, and reliable for the short amount of time I'm driving it.