With all the mediocre experiences I've had lately with Avis, I wanted to make a mention of a great experience at DTW this evening. Upon arrival at the Avis lot, it was announced that we all had to go inside the booth as the reader board was not working. Upon entering the booth, I received a friendly greeting and an immediate apology for the board not working. When the agent saw that I preferred a car with satellite radio, she went as far as offering me an upgrade to a brand new Saturn SUV with satellite radio in it. She also offered me a Impala but who is going to turn down a brand new vehicle?? Since the Saturn was no where near the booth she even ran to drive the car to the booth instead of making me do the long walk.

A great experience all around and an email has already been sent about it!! ^

I've also had GREAT experiences at DTW, minus the long bus wait. When they had me a Lincoln once, I asked for another Luxury instead and the guy RAN to the car. They have also been good at return (except once having to wait for someone when their computers were down).

I'd turn that down in a heartbeat. The VUE seats are horrible and everything feels so cheap in it, IMHO. Once I got a brand new, stripped down version. I had it for a day before I exchanged it. Another time they had a new-ish one with lots of options in my space. I was in a hurry & figured I'd just deal with it for my 2 days. I got to the bottom floor of the parking garage before turning around & exchanging it.

I have rented at Avis, DTW for almost 10 months on the trot. I would rate then somewhere between Good and Very good.
- Never had to wait for long for Bus.
- Once I forgot my PDA on the bus and then called the bus driver who sent to me through another incoming bus. They also kept and returned few other personal belongings.
- I got Sonata with Satellite Radio quite a few times.
- As Avisfirst I have received upgrade many a times
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On the other hand
- They have given dirty and 30k+ cars as well.
- Returns had been a hassle many a times, with the bill printer not working or being out of paper or they being understaffed.
- I lost one important personal stuff in the returned car and couldn't recover despite calling them from the airport.
- Display board not working few times.

I actually agree with you about the VUE. This though is a Saturn Outlook that I've never driven before which I guess is more of a crossover than an SUV. Rides well and is a nice car. Much more comfortable than the VUE.