Car Rental Review: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT

National's 2013 Chevrolet Mailbu 2LT

• Rented From: Stamford, CT
• Car Class: Full Size (FCAR)
• Miles Out: 18,992
• Miles In: 19,561
• Fuel Economy: 22 city/34 highway with 2.5L Ecotec 4-cylinder engine and 6 speed automatic
• MSRP as rented: $24,890

Pros:

• Cute little storage cubby behind the MyLink screen.
• Good gas mileage with nice highway cruising range
• LED lighting accents are nice.
• Liked the color trip computer. 

Cons:

• Mileage a bit on the high side, and it felt like it.
• Engine could use a bit more pep.
• XM trial subscription was up, although the MyLink system worked nicely with iPhone and Spotify.

On a weekend road trip to Boston during the early days of Spring, I was offered one of these as a free upgrade at my usual local National location. Having never rented one, I figured I might as well try it out.

This silver Malibu with Ohio plates came with a black cloth and leatherette interior, and is a mid-level 2LT model. Some standard features on the 2LT include MyLink, remote start, dual zone automatic climate control, 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, electric parking brake, 17" wheels, and 8-way power driver's seat with 4 way lumbar support. Equipped with no other options, this Malibu's MSRP is $24,890.

While the Malibu was comfortable, it could use a few improvements. The engine felt a bit sluggish for the size of this car, and sometimes merging onto the highway took a bit of work. The engine seemed buzzy and lacked refinement. Transmission shifts were smooth and seamless. 

All in all, it was a pretty good rental. I ended up driving almost 600 miles between Connecticut, Boston and Rhode Island. I wouldn't mind renting another one...perhaps a LTZ with the 2.0 liter turbo.

Car Rental Review: 2014 Ford Fusion Titanium

National's 2014 Ford Fusion Titanium

• Rented From: Las Vegas (McCarran International Airport) - Executive Selection
• Car Class: Full Size (FCAR)
• Miles Out: 3
• Miles In: 266
• Fuel Economy: 22 city/33 highway with 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 6 speed automatic
• MSRP as rented: $30,600

Pros:

• Nicely equipped with all of my favorite features: Push button start, aluminum pedals, 12-speaker Sony stereo, MyFordTouch, heated power leather seats, etc.
• Only had 3 miles on the odometer...still had that new car smell.
• Had a working SiriusXM subscription.
• Great fuel economy with peppy acceleration.
• Paid mid-size rate of $36.00 a day...definitely one of the best values for your rental dollar!

Cons:

• Not enough Titaniums in rental fleets.
• Would've loved a sunroof to top off the package.
• Needs premium fuel to get the best fuel economy numbers from the EcoBoost engine.

Having rented a Fusion SE Luxury last year, I was excited to have the opportunity to rent an almost-fully-loaded Fusion Titanium while on a trip to Las Vegas earlier this year. As an Executive member of the Emerald Club, I get to use what's called the "Executive Selection" part of the garage at the rental car center. Cars here are usually Full-Size and higher, and are usually nicer trimmed variants. They had two Titaniums in the row, and I picked this one that was brand new with only 3 miles on the clock. Registration paperwork indicated that it had just been tagged three days before.

As I entered this Orange-ish (Ford calls the color "Bronze Fire") Fusion, it's plush charcoal black leather interior greeted me, and ambient lighting accented the cupholder area, foot well, and door handle areas. Aluminum accented pedals are a Titanium standard feature, and help give the interior a sporty look.

This particular Fusion was pretty much fully loaded, except for a moonroof, navigation, and other driver assistance features that are available as part of various option packages. Standard features on the Titanium trim include a 12 speaker Sony audio system with HD Radio & SiriusXM, Sync with MyFordTouch 2.0, customizable SmartGauge, paddle shifters, leather seating with fully wrapped steering wheel and shift lever, rear parking sensors and backup camera, 10-way heated power front seats with driver's lumbar support and 3 position memory, heated mirrors with integrated blind spot mirrors and turn signal blinkers, Intelligent Access with push-button ignition, remote start, and dual zone automatic climate control. Exterior features that distinguish the Titanium from other trims include chromed dual exhaust, a decklid spoiler, and 18 inch machined aluminum wheels.

The vehicle was a joy to drive. The EcoBoost engine provides awesome acceleration, allowing me to merge into highway traffic with ease. Turbo lag was minimal. Fuel economy was pretty decent - with averages in the high-20's with regular gas. EcoBoost engines do get better gas mileage with Premium fuel, so that's something to keep in mind. Race-inspired paddle shifters give the driver the opportunity to control the 6 speed transmission manually, and the transmission also offers a "Sport" mode for a slightly more exciting ride.

For the rate I paid - which was around $36 a day - this is probably one of the best rental values out there, that is, if you can find one. Lesser trimmed SE's are staples in rental fleets, while Titaniums are sometimes a rare find. With National, Titaniums are usually found in the Executive Selection. 

I'll be back in Las Vegas in two weeks...I certainly would not snagging another one of these. Fingers crossed!

Car Rental Review: 2014 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T Wolfsburg Edition

National's 2014 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T Wolfsburg Edition:

• Rented from: Philadelphia 30th Street Station
• Car Class: Full Size (FCAR)
• Miles Out: 10,903
• Miles In: 11,089
• Fuel Economy: 24 city, 34 highway with 1.8 liter turbocharged 4-cyl engine and 6 speed Tiptronic automatic
• MSRP as rented: $23,995

Pros:

• Perky turbocharged 4 cylinder engine with little turbo lag
• Roomy interior
• Spacious trunk
• Wolfsburg Edition offers a few more standard features than the base level S models National usually rent out.
• Firm, comfortable ride with good fuel economy

Cons:

• Sirius trial was up.
• Not as loaded as other FCAR's I've rented, such as the Ford Fusion Titanium
• Proprietary MDI cable in this particular vehicle was for the last generation iPhone/iPod (VW should just go USB like everyone else.)
• Not a fan of the imitation leather.

On another day trip to Philadelphia July 4th weekend, I was offered a Passat as an upgrade. Having never rented one, I took it thinking it would be the base level S model that I talked the agent out of giving me at my local station a few weeks before. I was surprised to see that this one was a Wolfsburg Edition, which is a slight step up from the S (there was a S model in the stall next to this one...some poor sap ended up with it...guess it was just luck!). 

The Wolfsburg Edition adds fancy fender badges, special rubber floor mats, heated V-Tex leatherette seats, a 8 way power driver's seat with power lumbar, and a six speaker stereo with MDI hookup and Sirius satellite radio (unfortunately, the trial subscription was up, though). 

One of the nice things about the Wolfsburg is that it comes with the 1.8 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder - check for the TSI badge on the right side of the trunk lid. 170 horses and awesome fuel economy to boot - I averaged nearly 30 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. The engine was peppy and turbo lag was minimal. I've yet to drive a Passat or any VW with the normal 2.5 liter 5-cylinder, but from what I've read so far, it leaves much to be desired.

The Passat had the typical features for cars in this price range, but alas, having been spoiled by fully loaded FCAR rentals such as the Ford Fusion Titanium, this vehicle leaves me wanting more. I was particularly annoyed that the MDI cable that came with this car was for the last generation iPhone - that also makes me wonder why Volkswagen won't get with the program and offer a USB port like everybody else. There is Bluetooth Audio, but the track information does not show on the stereo, nor can you can control the tracks like you can in some other cars. 

Despite it's shortcomings, it was a pleasant enough rental. If I had to choose between this and say, a base Nissan Altima, I'd choose this. My favorite FCAR these days is a Ford Fusion Titanium...something that gives you one of the best values for your rental dollar!

Car Rental Review: 2014 GMC Acadia SLT1 AWD

National's 2014 GMC Acadia SLT1 AWD

• Rented from: Stamford, CT
• Car Class: Premium Crossover (PGAR)
• Miles Out: 4900
• Miles In: 6916
• Fuel Economy: 16 city/23 highway with 3.6L V6 engine and 6 speed automatic 
• MSRP as Rented: $43,745

Pros:

• Working XM satellite radio
• Comfortable leather seats, as well as 2nd row captain's chairs that recline for long rides.
• Decent room for cargo even with all three rows up.
• Smooth ride on the highway. 
• Nicely loaded with goodies such as IntelliLink, power liftgate, remote start, tri-zone climate control, heated power seats, backup sensors and camera, and 10 speaker Bose audio.
• New for 2014: 2 charge-only USB ports in the second row

Cons:

• A bit thirsty on gas.
• Plasticky interior bits are kinda tacky, but not as tacky as the plastic wood in the Chevy Traverse.
• Soft touch buttons are still finicky.
• GM has not updated the keys to the new switch-blade style for these SUV's yet...so you are stuck trying to manage two sets of keys and separate fobs that are usually bound together. Use a carabiner if you've got one.
• Main USB port for the audio system is still in the awkward cubby location on the dash.

For Memorial Day weekend, I went on a road trip to North Carolina with my family. I originally booked my usual Intermediate reservation, hoping I would get upgraded into a full-size car on arrival - something that has happened many a time this year.

I get to the counter on Thursday afternoon after work and was offered a Jetta, a RAV4 and something else I can't remember. Considering the fact I was planning on traveling with 4 other people, I see the white Acadia and inquire about it. 

Unfortunately, since it was the holiday weekend, the manager wasn't allowed to upgrade me into it for free. He did however give me the lowest upgrade charge per day he could, which was $15. It could've been worse. I agreed to the charge and was on my way.

I rented it's platform-mate, the Chevy Traverse, last year. It is pretty much the same...except the lighting is GMC red, the MyLink system is now "IntelliLink", and the similarly trimmed GMC retails for around $5K more.

It pretty much rides the same as the Traverse. My family enjoyed having some extra room. There was still plenty of room for all our stuff.

Car Rental Review: 2014 Chrysler 300C AWD

2014 Chrysler 300C AWD

National's 2014 Chrysler 300C All-Wheel-Drive

• Rented From: Philadelphia 30th Street Station
• Car Class: Premium Special (PXAR)
• Miles Out: 20,359
• Miles In: 20,496
• Fuel Economy: 15 city, 23 highway with 5.7L Hemi V8 engine and 5 speed auto
• MSRP as rented: $40,195

Pros:

• Almost fully equipped...leather, heated and ventilated seats, heated and ventilated cup holders, heated mirrors and steering wheel, 10-way power driver seat with lumbar, Keyless ignition, the works.
• V8 engine is powerful, not too bad on gas.
• Garmin-based factory navigation is standard and sweet - also shows the next turn in the trip computer on the dash!
• Plush leather seats are comfortable.
• Roomy trunk.
• Working SiriusXM with Traffic! (Chrysler usually gives a 1 year trial subscription.)

Cons:

• While V8 was not too bad on gas, it's still thirsty with a 19 gallon tank.
• AWD makes vehicle a bit heavier. Can easily squeal rear tires in full RWD mode.
• No sunroof in this particular vehicle.
• Mileage was on the high side for the year only being half-over...it had Ohio plates so chances are it was one-wayed to the PHL area at some point.

"That thing got a Hemi?"

Why, yes it does!

Taking advantage of a Free Day I had, I figured I'd try to score one of these on a recent day trip to Philadelphia. National allows you to use a Free Day on a reservation up to a Premium (due to the way the Emerald Club works, the system downgrades the reservation to a Full Size, and then applies the Free Day coupon to that price.). When the girl at the counter offered a 300C, I immediately jumped at the chance....it's definitely a lot better than the last Premium rental I received there - which was a base trim Nissan Maxima.

The V8 was very, very peppy. The engine is still paired with an older 5-speed automatic (the 3.6L V6 version comes with a new 8-speed), but it doesn't impair performance too much.

This is one of the most technologically advanced cars out there. It has almost everything...and most of it is controlled from the 8.4 inch Uconnect screen on the dash. You can control things like the dual zone automatic climate control, radio, rear sunshade, the heated steering wheel, and lots of other stuff. It can actually get a bit overwhelming.

While I probably wouldn't pay to upgrade to this, I definitely wouldn't mind a free upgrade!

Car Rental Review: 2013 Ford Escape SEL 4WD

2013 Ford Escape SEL

National's Ford Escape SEL 4WD

• Rented From: Stamford, CT
• Car Class: Intermediate 4WD SUV (IFAR)  
• Miles Out: 23,918
• Miles In: 24,633
• Fuel Economy: 23 city/33 highway with 1.6L EcoBoost 4-cylinder and 6 speed automatic
• MSRP as rented: $28,170

One of my favorite features of Ford vehicles...an entry keypad. The code is usually in the glove box.

Pros:

• Interior is based on the Focus, so it's very familiar.
• The car in general is tons better the boxy last generation model.
• Engine is powerful and awesome on gas. The tank is also on the smaller side as well.
• Since the SEL is the middle trim grade, it had my favorite Ford goodies such as a USB port, Sync, MyFordTouch and automatic climate control.

Cons:

• No Vista Roof :-(
• Trial XM subscription was up.

The new Escape is certainly an improvement over the old one. I put over 700 miles on it over the 3 days I had it. The rate I paid was $43.99 a day, which is the usual intermediate rate at the location I rent from regularly. I'm not sure if National orders these in the Titanium trim, which is the highest trim level you can get. If you snag one of those, you're in for a treat...those have the Vista panoramic roof, foot activated liftgate, and keyless start. Even still, the SEL is awesomely equipped for the money.

Car Rental Review: 2014 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT AWD

National Car Rental's 2014 Chevy Traverse 2LT AWD

• Rented from: Philadelphia 30th Street Station - free upgrade as I'm an Emerald Club member
• Car Class: Premium Crossover (PGAR)
• Miles Out: 2408
• Miles In: 2583
• Fuel Economy: 16 city/23 highway with 3.6L V6 engine and 6 speed automatic 
• MSRP as Rented: $38,865 

Pros: 

• A little better looking than the last generation.
• SiriusXM satellite radio was still working...as seen up above. Also, this generation has the MyLink system which is just kick ass!
• Loaded with goodies such as backup sensors, rear-view camera, remote start, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
• Not too awful on gas.
• Easy to maneuver and drive. 

Cons:

• They stuck the USB port inside the cubby on the dashboard...took me a while to find it (I actually had to look in the owner's manual to figure out where they put it.)
• Wood-like plastic trim is awfully tacky looking.
• Soft touch buttons were finicky and sometimes didn't want to work right.
• No dual-pane moonroof like in the LTZ's.
• No leather, which is just as well. It was almost 100 degrees the day I rented it.

While a pleasure to drive, there are better PGAR's to rent. You might be able to snag one of the Traverse's platform mates, the GMC Acadia SLT or Buick Enclave...those are even better equipped.

Car Rental Review: 2013 Kia Forte

2013 Kia Forte EX

National Car Rental's 2013 Kia Forte EX

• Rented from: Stamford, CT
• Miles out: 11,112 mi
• Miles in: 11,350 mi
• Class: ICAR
• 26 city/29 highway with a 2.0L I-4 engine and 6 speed automatic 

Not a bad ride, but at times it felt sluggish and underpowered. It had most of the standard features most compact cars have these days, like a USB port, satellite radio, etc. Unfortunately, the USB port did not want to play nice with my iPhone and the satellite radio subscription was up. Oh well.

I think I really prefer Japanese models...just sayin'.