As someone new to the car class game, Paolo, this is a really helpful post!
To your question, I can add that I'm currently renting an 08 Impala and the key says "Class F" and contract "CLS F" (no Y on either).
Additionally, here is
an old thread with some conflicting opinions on what the Y means.
From that thread, this seems to be the consensus:
Originally Posted by
StSebastian
Technically the "Y" modifier in the front is supposed to mean "premium" within that class. Thus "F" is full-size, and "YF" is premium full-size.
I have to admit quite frequently I can't tell the difference.
Which is affirmed by this:
Originally Posted by
crnk
There is a pretty clear difference with the Y, and [StSebastian's] premium [definition] sums up the designation.
Y_ means: you cannot reserve that specific class. it is only available on day of upsales and upgrades.
premium--usually some of the following: leather seats, sunroof, special trim packages, a car slightly more luxurious than the rest in the class, but would not fit into the next class.
I find it hard to believe they hold cars back from being reserved, but I suspect the Y as premium is the case.
Finally, this post is contradicted by my current rental. It may have been been true but doesn't seem to represent the current practice:
Originally Posted by
Fly_from_BNA
What I have seen appears that the Y designator is a non Ford vehicle. Until recently Ford had controlling interest in Hertz. Now they are owned by The Carisile Group. So a Taurus is class F but an Impala is YF.