After renting a Mid-Size SUV (Ford Escape or similar) in a few different locations during a recent promotion, I reserved this vehicle at SEA-TAC for a recent trip to the San Juan Islands with a group of friends. Upon arrival, I was first told that no vehicles in this class were available and was offered an "upgrade" to a Minivan or was told I could wait 15 minutes while they located a vehicle.
After 45 minutes, I was told my vehicle was ready. When I went to pick up the vehicle, I found I was being given a Pontiac Vibe. This is in no way "similar" to a Ford Escape! Despite complaints to the manager at the location and emails to
customer service upon my return,
Budget still considers these vehicles (which have more than a 10 cu ft difference in luggage space according to Edmunds.com) to be comparable vehicles. I would have never reserved if I was told this was a "Pontiac Vibe or similar". I will never rent from Budget again.
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