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4.4

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: January 30th, 2022

Top Ranked Companies

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The Good

  • Low, competitive prices
  • Available in 48 states
  • Online check-in

Economy Price Range

Dollar's rates are extremely low and very competitive in the industry. Note: While they may have some of the lowest prices in the business, extras fees and taxes are sure to bring the price range up. Dollar offers a Best Rate Guarantee, meaning that if a customer finds a lower rate on another website that they will match the price and give a ten percent discount. Dollar also has a program for businesses, called Dollar 4Business. Dollar 4Business provides small- to mid-sized businesses with discounts, as well as waiving fees for multiple drivers or underage drivers, free rental points and more.

States Available

Dollar locations can be found in 48 states. Customers can find a Dollar location in the majority of the U.S. There are some companies that have locations in all 50 states and others that only have locations in less than 25 states.

Airports Locations

Dollar has rental counters at most major airports throughout North America. Almost anywhere you land in the U.S. and Canada, a Dollar site is there. Dollar has one of the highest number or locations available for car rentals, increasing availability and convenience for travelers.

Toll Prepay Option

Dollar offers what they call PlatePass T, a toll pass you can order and prepay through their website during the check out process. This makes a customers' commute much easier and saves time compared to ordering it at the rental counter last minute. This also saves the driver from having to pay cash at toll booths and waiting in a long line to pay.

Online Check-In

Dollar offers online check-in through their RapidRental check-in platform which requires a customer's driver's license, date of birth, and other vital driver's information. This speeds up the rental process without having to do it in person.
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The Bad

  • Lack of transparency with cancellation policy
  • Roadside assistance programs
  • No instant return

Luxury Price Range

Luxury vehicle rates are average in the car rental industry. Some companies in the industry offer better rates for luxury cars.

Cancellation Policies

Dollar does not appear to discuss a cancellation policy in their Terms and Conditions or anywhere on their website. You can cancel a reservation online, but we are not clear whether there are associated feeds or not.

Roadside Assistance

Dollar offers their roadside assistance or Premium Emergency Roadside Service (PERS), as part of what they call protection packages-either the Risk Eliminator, Risk Reducer or Risk Freedom package. It's not the best option because you have to pay for a whole package to get one feature. Most companies in the industry offer roadside assistance for as low as $4.99 per day. Also, you can't know how much it costs until you contact the local rental location you plan on using. This is due to the fact that this service is not guaranteed at every location.

On-Site Fuel Discount

Dollar does not offer an on-site fuel discount. If the traveler uses the car for less than 100 miles and fills the fuel off-site, they will only need to present a fuel receipt and not be charged a service fee.

Instant Return

Dollar requires that you return the car in person. There is no instant return. Most companies make you return the car in person. Dollar customers should be aware that they will be charged a $20 fee for returning vehicles before their scheduled drop-off date and time. Some customers have even reported receiving an early drop-off charge for returning their car a mere twenty minutes before the scheduled time.
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The Bottom Line

If you are traveling on a budget, you won't find many places with lower prices than Dollar's economy car rental rates. In fact, if you do find lower Dollar rates on another site, you will receive an even greater discount on your rental. These kinds of rates are ideal for frequent travelers not looking to break the bank, or for business travelers who can receive discounts and benefits with a membership. Dollar's online check-in feature is a valuable time-saver for busy travelers. However, some of their additional features (or lack thereof) are not ideal, but the company's low pricing makes their services worth considering.
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Star Rating

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3.5

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42 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

24%

4 grade

40%

3 grade

12%

2 grade

5%

1 grade

19%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Breanna Jones Salt Lake City, UT

Whenever I've needed a rental, this is where I check first because prices are usually the best. I have been happy with every rental. Cars are always really clean when I get them. I left sunglasses in my rental once and was actually able to get them back.

9 years ago

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Ashley Pleasant Grove, UT

We rented on line through Dollar rent a car and were really pleased with the price. When we arrived in Denver, Colorado, we took our shuttle to the Dollar rent a car place and the line was out the door. There was only 1 person helping and we waited for over an hour. When we got to the front they said that particular car we prepaid for wasn't available anymore so they upgraded us for free! We loved it, but hated the wait after our flight.

7 years ago

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Lesa Burgess Pleasant Grove, UT

Dollar is an affordable rental car service that has a good rewards program. It's free to join the rewards program which makes things easy and nothing to commit to financially. If you want a second driver, their additional driver fee is super cheap. This isn't something I generally use often when I travel but it is a nice luxury for those that do travel in pairs.

8 years ago

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Joanna Hester Gilbert, AZ

This summer we have taken a lot of road trips. We didn't want to run the miles up on our car, so we searched for rental cars. I found great car at Dollar at a price lower than all the competitors.

8 years ago

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Steve Knight Salt Lake City, UT

I use their website and find that they often have good rates and availability. I've only had one case in which they didn't have the vehicle I reserved. Instead of upgrading me for free, they were going to charge me. Other than that one disappointment, my experience has been good.

5 years ago

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Ryan Harpenau Fayetteville, AR

I went to the beach in August and had trouble with getting plane ticket so I got a rental car from Dollar and it was super easy and a lot better cost than other companies available. I ended up not needing the car, but since you don't pay upfront all you have to do to cancel is just not show up which is super easy.

5 years ago

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Rischelle Mikkelson American Fork, UT

Dollar rent a car is often on airport which is great. They have a good loyalty program and are connected to many airline frequent flyer programs. Their cars are new and clean and their staff are always professional and courteous.

7 years ago

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Ted Johnson Pleasant Grove, UT

I usually just to a search of cars and try and find the best deal and cheapest price. In that search I often come across Dollar car rental and I am glad because I have used them many times and I know they have great cars and are reliable and take care of me as a customer to make everything as smooth as they can.

7 years ago

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BLF Pleasant Grove, UT

We rented from Dollar rental for one of our vacations and really liked the car for the price. We did have to ride a little bit in a van to get to the rental place but that wasn't a problem because we saved over a hundred dollars.

7 years ago

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Kristin G Pleasant Grove, UT

We have only used dollar Rent-A-Car once in Denver Colorado. We had to wait in line for over an hour to receive our car but when we did receive it they upgraded us to a larger automobile. We appreciated the compensation and would rent from them again .

8 years ago

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L. Fowler Pleasant Grove, UT

I have booked several times through Dollar and have been able to rent a dependable car for a good price. They are often a little cheaper than the big name companies, because their rental facility is ofter of the airport site and you have to take a shuttle. I don't mind taking a shuttle to pay less for a car.

8 years ago

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Carol Knight Salt Lake City, UT

Dollar rental car is a good cost effective company to rent a car from. They are always a company I like to check and compare prices against competitors.

5 years ago

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Joy Hill Pleasant Grove, UT

Average experience. I wish the check in process was faster and easier. Every time I show up at a rental place it seems like there is an error in my reservation...

7 years ago

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Hannah Barth Tallahassee, FL

My rental car from Dollar was decent and the drop off after the fact went smoothly. It is however a little pricey sometimes.

4 years ago

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Dave Brinton

Dollar rent a car is usually the most economical option. When booking for my family I always consider Dollar. Pretty good cars. Great prices.

8 years ago

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Amy Boren American Fork, UT

It was simple to pick up the car and they were kind and happy employees. The car ran great and the trip went smoothly.

7 years ago

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Katie Lewis Eagle Mountain, UT

This company was very professional and easy to book with.. everything was ready when I got there

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021