National Car Rental

Reviews

• BK

  Bart K

  2 days ago
  1.0
  We recently experienced a nightmare scenario regarding a scheduled and confirmed rental we secured with National - downtown Chicago location. When we arrived to pick up our car, 10 minutes early, we were told they had no cars, and will likely be up to 6 hours -- if not longer, until they could accommodate us. Like a Seinfeld episode, I shared our confirmation as well as my status with National. The individual working the counter pointed out the 16 other people waiting for their cars..... WHAT??? To make matters worse, National had no plan or work around to remedy the situation. We flew into Chicago specifically to attend a 4th of July party approx. 75 miles away. So no car, no solution, no plan, no nothing. We ended up having to spend another day in the city and could only get a car at O'Hare airport. Se we paid for our hotel, paid for our transportation. Not a peep from National.
• BS

  B S

  2 days ago
  5.0
  Thank you very much to National car rental. The staff in Chicago was extremely helpful and friendly, and when I returned the car in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the staff again, was extremely friendly and helpful. I would definitely use National car rental again. The car rental company I used prior to this canceled my reservation without reason and then denied that they canceled it. This may sound crazy, but this is absolutely what happened. That cancellation caused me to end up with a smaller car that did not fit me. National car rental on the other hand did not have the car that I requested, and they upgraded me instead of canceling my appointment.
• JU

  Jonathan Uy

  4 days ago
  4.0
  Nice, very new car. Great rental with one exception. I signed up for the automatic toll program not realizing that I would be charged each day even if I didn't incur a toll charge. When I returned, the employee confirmed that this was the only automated toll option. This is very disappointing as it is different from how National used to do it and its competitors still do by charging the fee only on days when a toll charge is incurred.
• JS

  Jessica Stout

  4 days ago
  5.0
  My husband and I are working towards visiting all 30 MLB parks as a married couple, so this year was no different as we visited 3. Unfortunately, due to weather, our flight home was delayed multiple times and then ultimately canceled at ORD (Chicago). After spending 18hrs in the airport, we decided that it would probably be quicker and less stressful to rent a car and drive home. Thankfully, there were cars available as there were thousands of other people who are also stranded. From the first interaction with the lovely lady at the front desk, to the car attendant who ultimately said that there was a jeep compass available (making my tired heart giddy!), to the gentleman we checked out with in our home airport of LVIA (ABE) each interaction was amazing. We understand that renting a car oftentimes means that it may not be the best experience or a car that we would choose ourselves, but our car was clean, comfortable, and it got us home safely, driving through multiple torrential downpours. We've used other rental services in the past, and because of this experience, my husband and I are thinking of switching car rental agencies as we continue our journey. Thank you for being the silver lining to an otherwise awful weekend of travel!
• BO

  Benjamin Oliver

  Jun 25, 2026
  3.0
  As an Elite member who rents with National multiple times every month, the experience in the UK is consistently disappointing compared to the outstanding service offered in the US and Canada. In North America, I can land, collect my luggage, walk straight to the Emerald Aisle, choose any vehicle in my booked category or above, show my licence at the exit barrier and be on my way within 10 minutes. It's fast, efficient and exactly what a loyalty programme should be. At Heathrow London, it's the complete opposite. Despite being an Elite member, I'm still expected to queue for 20 minutes or more before an agent escorts me to a vehicle. More often than not, it's the smallest car possible, despite the fact I travel for work, carry tools and luggage, and need a practical vehicle. I then have to waste time negotiating for something more suitable, only to be told I can't have a larger vehicle unless I pay extra. It completely defeats the purpose of being a loyal customer. I don't want to queue, negotiate or justify why I need a usable vehicle every time I rent. I simply want the same seamless experience that National already delivers so well in the US and Canada. National UK seriously needs to modernise its rental process and recognise the value of its loyal Elite members. Until then, the UK experience falls well short of the standard the National brand is capable of delivering.

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