Enterprise - What's considered a full-size car?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 76
Enterprise - What's considered a full-size car?
I had a reservation for a full-size car at a local Enterprise and when I arrived to get my car, they said they were short on cars and only had a Pontiac Vibe. I told them I had a reservation for a full-size car and that's the size car I needed. The manager said that the Pontiac Vibe IS a full-size car and didn't seem to want to do anything else. I was left to either take the Vibe or go somewhere else. I think he was lying to me because the Pontiac Vibe doesn't seem like a full-size car to me. After I voiced my dissatisfaction with the whole situation, I ended up getting a Toyota Camry that had to be transferred from another Enterprise location (after almost an hour wait). So is the Pontiac Vibe a full-size car or not?
#2
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYJ
Programs: Aeroplan, Priority Club, National Exec Elite, Hertz #1 Gold, Avis First, Thrifty Bluechip
Posts: 1,924
I'm pretty sure that Enterprise follows the same fleet structure as National. The Pontiac Vibe is a twin to the Toyota Matrix, which I know is a STANDARD size car, one below Fullsize.
Some Fullsize examples include:
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Malibu
Dodge Charger
Mitsubishi Galant
Nissan Altima
Toyota Camry
There are others but those are some of the more common ones. The Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata are both residents of the Standard class, but as two of my favorites I often find myself taking them on Fullsize bookings since they're similarly-sized and even better equipped than some of the Fullsize offerings.
Some Fullsize examples include:
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Malibu
Dodge Charger
Mitsubishi Galant
Nissan Altima
Toyota Camry
There are others but those are some of the more common ones. The Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata are both residents of the Standard class, but as two of my favorites I often find myself taking them on Fullsize bookings since they're similarly-sized and even better equipped than some of the Fullsize offerings.
#3
Company Representative - Enterprise
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 25
I had a reservation for a full-size car at a local Enterprise and when I arrived to get my car, they said they were short on cars and only had a Pontiac Vibe. I told them I had a reservation for a full-size car and that's the size car I needed. The manager said that the Pontiac Vibe IS a full-size car and didn't seem to want to do anything else. I was left to either take the Vibe or go somewhere else. I think he was lying to me because the Pontiac Vibe doesn't seem like a full-size car to me. After I voiced my dissatisfaction with the whole situation, I ended up getting a Toyota Camry that had to be transferred from another Enterprise location (after almost an hour wait). So is the Pontiac Vibe a full-size car or not?
Please email me at care[at]enterprise.com with your rental agreement number, what location this was and the name of the manager you dealt with. When emailing please list reference #101028-001366 in the subject line.
- Elizabeth with Enterprise Rent-A-Car
#4
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AA 1.6MM EXP; UA GS; SPG LTG,Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,477
See, now this is customer service at its best. ^to Enterprise.
#5
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: UK, TLV, USA
Programs: LY Plat, BMI DC Gold, VS Gold, Hertz #1 Club Gold, Sixt Plat
Posts: 345
Here in the UK (for what it's worth), a full size car would be one of four options:
a) Vauxhall Insignia
b) Ford Mondeo (hopefully the Titanium model)
c) VW Passat
d) Toyota Avensis
For what it's worth, IMO the Avensis is the best model in this category - and most of them have free GPS installed as well
a) Vauxhall Insignia
b) Ford Mondeo (hopefully the Titanium model)
c) VW Passat
d) Toyota Avensis
For what it's worth, IMO the Avensis is the best model in this category - and most of them have free GPS installed as well
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
When Americans rent full-size cars, they expect gargantuan American boats like the Ford Crown Victoria. (Yes, I've heard people argue that even the Charger isn't a full-size vehicle...)
#7
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: UK, TLV, USA
Programs: LY Plat, BMI DC Gold, VS Gold, Hertz #1 Club Gold, Sixt Plat
Posts: 345
Lol. Yes, I had the Ford Crown Vic the first time I went to the US...and wow did it take getting used to. Felt like a bench in the front, with being absolutely massive inside!
But here in Europe etc, the cars are somewhat smaller (body-work wise), and therefore it's considered a full size. (As an example, take the Toyota Camry - the US version is longer and wider, although has the same size engine). I find that it causes the car to be slightly more diffilcult to handle efficiently, and the 'extra' bodywork causes the engine to have to work more, IMO...
But here in Europe etc, the cars are somewhat smaller (body-work wise), and therefore it's considered a full size. (As an example, take the Toyota Camry - the US version is longer and wider, although has the same size engine). I find that it causes the car to be slightly more diffilcult to handle efficiently, and the 'extra' bodywork causes the engine to have to work more, IMO...
#8
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYJ
Programs: Aeroplan, Priority Club, National Exec Elite, Hertz #1 Gold, Avis First, Thrifty Bluechip
Posts: 1,924
If U.S. rental car companies tried giving our Passats as fullsize cars, there would be a mutiny! I think the Vibe is bigger than the Passat, and it's a standard-sized car!
When Americans rent full-size cars, they expect gargantuan American boats like the Ford Crown Victoria. (Yes, I've heard people argue that even the Charger isn't a full-size vehicle...)
When Americans rent full-size cars, they expect gargantuan American boats like the Ford Crown Victoria. (Yes, I've heard people argue that even the Charger isn't a full-size vehicle...)
#9
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Programs: United Premier Gold
Posts: 252
I have rented a bunch lately with Enterprise and all full size
Impala
Camry
Sonata
Impala
Camry
Sonata
#10
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 123
My last three Enterprise rentals have had the classification of the vehicle on the key fob. ccar - compact car, icar - midsize/intermediate car, scar - standard car , fcar - fullsize. Provides good ammunition in any discussion.
Full list of codes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACRISS_...ification_Code
Full list of codes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACRISS_...ification_Code
#11
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
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During my Enterprise days I had to push the Passat, Vibe, Chevy HHR, PT Crusier (God Help me on that One), Kia Rondo, Kia Optima and plenty else as Full Size cars when we were short. I'm not surprised they tried this on you, it happens when branches are caught short.
Be happy they didn't try the "Free Upgrade to a Minivan!" line.
Be happy they didn't try the "Free Upgrade to a Minivan!" line.
#12
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Ohio, USA
Posts: 38
So is the Chevy HHR REALLY a FULL-SIZE car??? At Enterprise here in Cleveland they tell me (on an ADVANCE reservation) that I may get a Chevy HHR since it is considered full-size. Can anyone clarify if it is really a full-size vehicle or I am being had! Thanks!
P.S. They also told me the following are fulll size: Pontiac G6, Nissan Altima and Mazda 6. Hmmm.
P.S. They also told me the following are fulll size: Pontiac G6, Nissan Altima and Mazda 6. Hmmm.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
So is the Chevy HHR REALLY a FULL-SIZE car??? At Enterprise here in Cleveland they tell me (on an ADVANCE reservation) that I may get a Chevy HHR since it is considered full-size. Can anyone clarify if it is really a full-size vehicle or I am being had! Thanks!
P.S. They also told me the following are fulll size: Pontiac G6, Nissan Altima and Mazda 6. Hmmm.
P.S. They also told me the following are fulll size: Pontiac G6, Nissan Altima and Mazda 6. Hmmm.
Part of the issue is that Enterprise subscribes to the model of classifying cars by cost. Cheapo Kias will be classified larger than smaller domestics or premium Japanese cars, because they are more expensive.
#14
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Arlington, Va.
Posts: 321
I picked up a full-size Thursday at a local location in Bailey's Crossroad, Va.
Was given a choice of:
Chevy Malibu (stock full of them on lot)
Hyundai Elantra
Mazda 6
I chose the Mazda 6, has 4,000 miles on it, delivered in mid-December and working great for now
Was given a choice of:
Chevy Malibu (stock full of them on lot)
Hyundai Elantra
Mazda 6
I chose the Mazda 6, has 4,000 miles on it, delivered in mid-December and working great for now
#15
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
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An Elantra? Are you sure you don't mean a Sonata? The Elantra is an Intermediate sized car at best. Oh and I would have made the same choice as you.