CHEAP CAR RENTAL AT PHOENIX AIRPORT: THE BEST COMPANIES

Located in Maricopca County, Sky Harbor International is the main airport serving the city of Phoenix, Arizona. It is a large, three terminal hub, although there is no terminal one, with terminals ranging from 2-4. Located adjacent to the airport is the Sky Harbor Center, which not only includes the Greyhound Bus Station, but also the rental car center. Within this mini-hub are most of the car rental agencies serving the airport. This is where arrivals to the airport will need to go to pick up their vehicle.

PHX Airport (Photo_: Josh Hallet via Flickr)

With about 15 companies located in the rental car center, picking the right rental provider can be a bit of a minefield. But do not fear, we’ve looked at each of the options at Sky Harbor airport and narrowed down the best three companies according to customer satisfaction, fleet availability and price.

MOST AFFORDABLE: THRIFTY

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Kicking off our list, in the “most affordable” category are Thrifty Car Rental. According to their positive user reviews, not only are they reliable, but customers love the low prices. And from our research, they are right. Customers can select between inexpensive economy, compact and specialty vehicle options. The lowest price we found was an economy vehicle for $30.59 per day, before taxes and fees. Compare that with National Car Rental, whose cheapest option was $36.77 before taxes, and you’re left with a six-dollar difference. Thrifty also offer “Wild Card” deals, meaning that for just $34.21 they pick the vehicle, and customers can wind up with either a compact vehicle or a larger car. In other words, a good deal all around.

BEST FOR LUXURY CARS: AVIS

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Avis win out in the luxury department because they offer high-end vehicles at competitive prices. Want to roll away from Sky Harbor International in a convertible mustang? You can do so for just $112. Ditto for a Cadillac XTS, which can be had for $138.00. There are also Chevy Impalas and Dodge Chargers on offer, as well as several BMWs, Volvos and Mercedes. Another added bonus is that Avis offer steep discounts for those who book their vehicles online, rather than at the counter. And customers have responded to all of these benefits by giving Avis overwhelmingly positive online reviews.

BEST FOR FAMILIES: ALAMO

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Alamo earn the top spot in the “best for families” category because they offer things all parents can get behind: good prices, good safety options, and a wide vehicle selection. For example, they offer solid mid-size vehicles, suitable for five people, that start at just $38.14 per day, before taxes and fees. Those with even bigger broods can go larger and choose mid-size SUVs (starting at just $57.06 per day), and even passenger vans. Alamo also make it easy to select safety options. On the booking page it’s simply a matter of selecting the desired child safety seat from the “choose extras” page and then you can complete your booking. Alamo offer child safety seats at $9.99 per day. Customers also love Alamo’s fleet of new cars and their stellar customer service.