Avis Fleet List (US & Canada Cars by Class)
Jan 26, 2019, 12:47 pm
#1336
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,683
Jan 29, 2019, 1:03 am
#1337
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 12
Quick review on a 2019 Kia Optima LX base model that I got for a mini-lease.
Interior: Very well laid out with high quality screens, materials, and switchgear. Good amount of space. Car feels well put together and refined.
Powertrain: No complaints here. Responsive and quick (0-60 in 7.5s) but the engine is quite rough sounding.
Safety/Tech: Android Auto/Carplay standard. Lane keeping assist and blind spot standard BUT beware! adaptive cruise is not.
Ride: Good steering, but body roll is high and you feel the imperfections in the road. VERY high road noise from the tires (Nexen NPriz AH8) at highway speeds
Overall: Happy with the car, would take it over a Malibu or Passat because of the better interior and powertrain. Would probably go with the Camry next time for adaptive cruise, better ride quality, and lower road noise despite it lacking Android Auto/Carplay.
Interior: Very well laid out with high quality screens, materials, and switchgear. Good amount of space. Car feels well put together and refined.
Powertrain: No complaints here. Responsive and quick (0-60 in 7.5s) but the engine is quite rough sounding.
Safety/Tech: Android Auto/Carplay standard. Lane keeping assist and blind spot standard BUT beware! adaptive cruise is not.
Ride: Good steering, but body roll is high and you feel the imperfections in the road. VERY high road noise from the tires (Nexen NPriz AH8) at highway speeds
Overall: Happy with the car, would take it over a Malibu or Passat because of the better interior and powertrain. Would probably go with the Camry next time for adaptive cruise, better ride quality, and lower road noise despite it lacking Android Auto/Carplay.
Jan 29, 2019, 2:13 pm
#1338
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,034
Was trying to use the app for a swap last week and found that they categorize the Passat as Premium (
) and Fusion Hybrid as Full-Size. Before I update the sticky post at the top, I'll wait to see if anyone else experiences that or if it was a one-off by a rogue location.
) and Fusion Hybrid as Full-Size. Before I update the sticky post at the top, I'll wait to see if anyone else experiences that or if it was a one-off by a rogue location.
Jan 30, 2019, 12:05 pm
#1339
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 12
Was trying to use the app for a swap last week and found that they categorize the Passat as Premium () and Fusion Hybrid as Full-Size. Before I update the sticky post at the top, I'll wait to see if anyone else experiences that or if it was a one-off by a rogue location.
) and Fusion Hybrid as Full-Size. Before I update the sticky post at the top, I'll wait to see if anyone else experiences that or if it was a one-off by a rogue location.
Jan 30, 2019, 3:11 pm
#1340
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
I was surprised to get a Ford Flex Limited on a FCAR reservation this week. I had no idea rental car companies still had these things, or that they ever had actually. It had 37,000 miles on it and was thoroughly unpleasant to drive.
Jan 30, 2019, 9:25 pm
#1341
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: gggrrrovvveee (ORD)
Programs: UA Pt, Marriott Ti, Hertz PC
Posts: 6,091
A little confused and hoping someone can help me out. Trying to book a car at YVR for a ski trip with the family (me, wife, 2 early teen/tween girls + 1 board/3 skis + luggage).
Avis page with car options shows Full Size Class E example of Impala, rather than standard class E Malibu. Also shows Class L Full Size SUV example of Acadia. In the wiki, Acadia is Class S Standard Elite SUV and L is premium SUV (e.g. Suburban).
Not sure how frequently Avis changes categories and how consistent it is from airport to airport. Anyone have experiences at YVR?
Side question: Any experiences with full size sedans vs. SUVs? I am not averse to paying more for the SUV, as I can use points to blunt the cost, but experiences would be helpful in making the decision. Thanks.
Avis page with car options shows Full Size Class E example of Impala, rather than standard class E Malibu. Also shows Class L Full Size SUV example of Acadia. In the wiki, Acadia is Class S Standard Elite SUV and L is premium SUV (e.g. Suburban).
Not sure how frequently Avis changes categories and how consistent it is from airport to airport. Anyone have experiences at YVR?
Side question: Any experiences with full size sedans vs. SUVs? I am not averse to paying more for the SUV, as I can use points to blunt the cost, but experiences would be helpful in making the decision. Thanks.
Jan 31, 2019, 4:35 pm
#1342
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 3
Hi
I have a group H car booked for Tampa in April.
Being a Brit I have a very limited knowledge of the US cars in that category.
Am I likely to get a choice, and if so, what would people recommend?
There are only 2 of us so space isn’t important.
I’d like something as comfortable/luxury as possible, and a decent sound system would be a bonus.
Thanks
I have a group H car booked for Tampa in April.
Being a Brit I have a very limited knowledge of the US cars in that category.
Am I likely to get a choice, and if so, what would people recommend?
There are only 2 of us so space isn’t important.
I’d like something as comfortable/luxury as possible, and a decent sound system would be a bonus.
Thanks
Feb 27, 2019, 9:47 am
#1344
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 1
Avis Boston
Hi everyone!
I'm planning to rent with Avis in Boston in August (Avis Preferred). I will stay for a few days days in Charlestown before taking the car. I wanted to know if I would have a better choice of cars at the Logan Center or if I would be better off going to a center downtown (Backbay most likely) knowing that I would take the car in the morning. Thanks for your advice.
I'm planning to rent with Avis in Boston in August (Avis Preferred). I will stay for a few days days in Charlestown before taking the car. I wanted to know if I would have a better choice of cars at the Logan Center or if I would be better off going to a center downtown (Backbay most likely) knowing that I would take the car in the morning. Thanks for your advice.
Feb 27, 2019, 8:40 pm
#1345
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,034
Hi everyone!
I'm planning to rent with Avis in Boston in August (Avis Preferred). I will stay for a few days days in Charlestown before taking the car. I wanted to know if I would have a better choice of cars at the Logan Center or if I would be better off going to a center downtown (Backbay most likely) knowing that I would take the car in the morning. Thanks for your advice.
I'm planning to rent with Avis in Boston in August (Avis Preferred). I will stay for a few days days in Charlestown before taking the car. I wanted to know if I would have a better choice of cars at the Logan Center or if I would be better off going to a center downtown (Backbay most likely) knowing that I would take the car in the morning. Thanks for your advice.
Have a look at Class E in the Wiki post.
Mar 8, 2019, 6:06 pm
#1346
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: BUF
Programs: Marriott, Wyndham, Choice Rewards, IHG One, SWA RR, JetBlue TB, Enterprise +, Alamo Insider, Avis PC
Posts: 7
I just reserved an Intermediate SUV with Avis at JFK. I also included the GPS in the rental. Even though the website says it is a Ford Escape or similar, what SUV normally is available in that class at JFK?
Mar 19, 2019, 2:05 am
#1347
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 3
Hi
I have a group H car booked for Tampa in April.
Being a Brit I have a very limited knowledge of the US cars in that category.
Am I likely to get a choice, and if so, what would people recommend?
There are only 2 of us so space isn’t important.
I’d like something as comfortable/luxury as possible, and a decent sound system would be a bonus.
Thanks
I have a group H car booked for Tampa in April.
Being a Brit I have a very limited knowledge of the US cars in that category.
Am I likely to get a choice, and if so, what would people recommend?
There are only 2 of us so space isn’t important.
I’d like something as comfortable/luxury as possible, and a decent sound system would be a bonus.
Thanks
Mar 19, 2019, 3:40 am
#1348
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: Mucci (for services to Gin), VS Au, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond, Avis Pref+, Hertz 5*
Posts: 980
Group H is "Luxury". In my market (San Francisco) that usually means either a Volvo S90 or a Chrysler 300. I quite like the 300s (I'm also a Brit, but I've lived here for 14 years now) as they are rear wheel drive and unusually for rentals come nicely specified usually in "S" trim. The S90s are comfortable and most of the ones I've had from Hertz have had the semi autonomous Pilot Assist that makes freeway driving a breeze.
I've never seen either car with the upgraded audio on the Hertz lot which is a shame, especially with the S90 as the Bowers & Wilkins is one of the finest audio systems I've ever heard in a car. That said the standard fit systems on both cars seemed decent.
I've never seen either car with the upgraded audio on the Hertz lot which is a shame, especially with the S90 as the Bowers & Wilkins is one of the finest audio systems I've ever heard in a car. That said the standard fit systems on both cars seemed decent.
Last edited by tony2x; Mar 19, 2019 at 3:44 am Reason: Adding more detail.
Mar 19, 2019, 11:30 am
#1349
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 3
Thanks.
I’ve heard the B&W system in the S90 is spectacular.
I think it’s a pretty costly option though, so probably unlikely to find it on a rental.
I did hear the Kia 900 is a better car than people expect, but I guess I’ll have to wait & see what’s there.
I’ve heard the B&W system in the S90 is spectacular.
I think it’s a pretty costly option though, so probably unlikely to find it on a rental.
I did hear the Kia 900 is a better car than people expect, but I guess I’ll have to wait & see what’s there.
Mar 19, 2019, 11:50 am
#1350
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,034
For the K900: When it first came to the US in ~2014, Avis had a handful and it's one of the best cars I've ever driven. I took it every time I could find it. I didn't push it to it's full potential, but I'd take that over a 7 Series, E Class, or anything else that's seen on Avis lots without thinking twice. I'm hopeful to see one of the new ones on a rental lot soon.