This question is a little contradictory to your first few posts, referring to a Toyota Camry!

There aren't too many American, Japanese or Korean cars with handling/ride similar to German cars and most car hire companies in the US use these (because they're cheap).

As NYCTaximan notes, cars with ride/handling close to a Mercedes or other German cars are not in the economy, compact, intermediate, standard or full size classes - Avis has Cadillac CTS in the Luxury class, which is about the closest you'll get to German ride/handling (pretty close, from what I've read in many reviews).

Hertz has Mercedes C & E Class available in their prestige class (guaranteed), but the cost is considerably more.

If you can get a Ford Fusion (intermediate/standard car based on Mazda 6/Ford Mondeo in Europe, often classed as full size by hire car companies, according to many posters on this forum), they are supposed to handle well.

I want the same (European handling), hence my earlier question about being able to guarantee any other cars than a Toyota Camry (which I wouldn't choose to drive even if you paid me!).

I wish they still had Pontiac G8's - Australian made large size rear drive car (based on Holden Commodore) that handles similarly to a BMW 5 series or Mercedes.

Since it's only myself and a mate, I've chosen a Chevrolet Camaro (also based on the Holden Commodore and has European handling) for 3 weeks from Hertz in SFO in July.

Had there been more than two of us, I think I would have tried to get a Cadillac CTS (STS is supposed to be pretty good too, but not DTS).

I have driven the Camaro and it drives well. But if you are a tall person, it is hard to get in and out of the car. I've gotten lots of thumbs up when I had the Camaro. ^

As a Chairman's Club member I have had a sampling of a variety of non-luxury and luxury cars, or in some cases, "Cool Cars" as Avis calls them, including the Cadillac CTS, Cadillac STS, Lincoln MKS, Infiniti G37, Buick Enclave, 2010 Ford Taurus (Limited and SEL), GMC Acadia, Volvo S60, and several others. I also own a Mercedes personally, and in the past have owned a Cadillac Escalade, a Volvo XC90, two other Mercedes, a Lincoln MKX, and those are just in the last ten years! I am a car lover too. All of the above listed vehicles from Avis have been at least above average for handling, with both Cadillacs, Infiniti, Volvo, both models of Taurus having excellent handling and ride, approximately as good, or better, than applicable Mercedes and BMW's. Also, after all, it is just a rental, the obsession over whether a car is absolutely as good as a German car is a bit much. All of the above listed vehicles are truly above average vehicles, so what is the worry?

PS. I would not drive a Camry, or any other Toyota product for that matter, if Avis paid me!

I am very tall - 6'9"/205cm. Many cars are difficult to get in and out of for me, so I can live with that. I'm most concerned about leg room and to a lesser extent, head room, as I have long legs in proportion to my body.

Next criteria is something that handles well, followed by looks/style.

For reference, I've driven with no problems:Mercedes C Class, Audi A4, Mini, Pontiac G8 (most comfortable - drive them often). Have also driven, but not so comfortable: Toyota Yaris, Corolla.

I would just get in the car and see if its comfortable before you drive off the lot.

Does anyone know if either of the two will let you pick your car on the lot at MCO (Orlando). I'm considering going full-size, then hoping for the best.

Essentially all companies will let you pick a car, if you ask them! Just walk over to the counter and tell them you do not like the car you were given, but you saw a car in space X that you like, can you have that one, or one just like it. As long as it is in the same car class, and sometimes when it isn't, they will give you what you ask for.