IAHtraveler

As of February 2009, Avis no longer uses the letter designation for online reservations (they still show it, though, on coupons and on your receipt). They also don't have direct links to individual car classes. The full list of vehicle categories can be found HERE. If you notice any errors/typos, please PM me or post it.


Can you all please do me a favor and keep/start reporting any cars that you get or see on Avis lots that are not included in this thread? The vehicle class should be on your rental agreement, in the case that it's not the class that you reserved. Even if you don't know the classification, but see it on an Avis lot, post it and we'll figure out where Avis decided that it fit into their fleet. Also, we haven't had many ride reports in a while, so if you are kind enough to write one (no matter how long/short it is), they'll also be linked from this thread.

Thanks for the help in keeping this forum as informative as possible!
IAHtraveler

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IAHtraveler

<Reserved for future use>

air1jdg

I am pretty sure I saw a Volkswagen Passat at DFW tonight.

aisleorwindow

Thanks for maintaining this list IAHTraveler - very helpful!

Unfortunately, it looks like since the website was redesigned, all your links will need to be changed

Tuneman1984

Saw a Kia Rondo and Nissan Rogue at YYJ. Pretty sure the Rondo is a midsize (as it is at National/Alamo), and my best guess is Intermediate SUV for the Rogue.

Rax

Dodge Avenger at LAN for Group E.

Tuneman1984

Swung by the YYJ lot again today and saw a Mazda5, midsize iirc.

kgdal

Avis in ABQ refused to provide us with a vehicle similar to Chevy Trailblazer on our Standard SUV reservation and instead offered a Saturn Vue or Ford Edge. They argued that the Trailblazer and Explorer and similar are in the full-size category, not Group W. They finally provided an Explorer at same price as our Standard SUV reservation.

IAHtraveler

I haven't taken the time to update the top of this thread yet (with the links... my fault; it'll be done within a day or two). They no longer have the letter group designations, only names ("Full Size Car, Standard SUV, Premium SUV", etc).

Be careful with the "Standard SUV" bookings. Avis.com now shows 2 different "Standard SUV" categories: one is the Jeep Commander (7 ppl, 4 doors) and the other is the Chevy Trailblazer (5 people, 2/4 doors). I don't agree with Avis in your situation, but their website is so vague that an Edge or Vue technically qualify as a "Standard SUV" (5 people, 3 large bags, 2 small bags, 2/4 doors, AM/FM radio, A/C, Automatic, etc.). It's probably intentional that their site is so vague. They used to have a "Crossover SUV" category which included the Vue and Edge, but they dropped it.

Maybe we need to start carrying vehicle specs with us from now on? The Trailblazer (or similar) category should be close to what the TB has:
Max cargo capacity (seats folded): 80 cu. ft. (Vue is 56, Edge is 69)
Luggage capacity (seats upright): 42 cu. ft. (Vue 29, Edge 32)
Overall length: 192" (Vue 180, Edge 186)
Front hip room: 56" (Vue 53, Edge 55). If you don't think 1" makes a significant difference in seat size, go sit on a plane, then put a 1" spacer alongside yourself on the seat and come back and tell me what you think.

The list of comparisons goes on and on to prove that (at least in my book) the Vue or Edge is NOT similar to the Trailblazer. I would write to Avis and complain that what they tried to push on you was not similar to what you reserved and didn't like their treatment. You might get a few $10 vouchers, but more importantly, (if we all do this with their sizing crap) they might realize how much it annoys the customer. [rant over]

greendx

2 weeks ago in Omaha I was given a Dodge Challenger. I reserved an intermediate but I doubt that it falls under that category.

Tuneman1984

I've seen a handful of VW's at YEG. They have the Beetle as well, but I'm not sure how it's classified. They also have the City Jetta, a model only sold in Canada which is essentially a previous-gen Jetta with updated styling; it's a compact. Also they have the Tiguan as an Intermediate SUV.

IAHtraveler

Thanks to all for the continued support of this thread!

greendx, Can you pull up your receipt online and let me know what the car is classefied as? I'd be willing to bet that' it's a specialty vehicle.

5261OH45

Wow! Avis has cars besides Hyundai Sonatas and Mercury Grand Marquis? Imagine that!

IAHtraveler

Yup... and they now come with 30K + or coffee in your cupholders. All for free! Heck, maybe you'll be lucky enough to get coffee and a car that's been road tested for 30k! And if you ask nicely, they'll even give you some attitude for free.

writes123

premium class @ GSP airport: mercury or chrysler 300