Last year 1999 I rented about 200 days from Avis. They never did anything special for me except when I read on FT that they have a Select program. I called Avis and they sent me out a card showing my "Select" status, but they never would have unless I had asked.

Some locations treat me better than others (I only rent from Avis) which depends more upon how well the location is managed. I often get a free upgrade. Sometimes they are super nice, like the time in Ft Lauderdale when I had reserved the very cheapest $139 per week special (it was for family vacation) and they upgraded me without my asking to a brand new Camry.

Some locations, in the summer, will have the car waiting for me with engine on, air conditioning already running. In winter, sometimes the heat is on.

Rental car business is never very profitable, while airlines can occasionally make quite a bit of money, but it is my feeling that Avis is fine, so I've stuck with them.