Sixt

So here's the thing about Sixt-it's kind of like that friend who showed up to the party fashionably late but made a huge entrance. Founded way back in 1912 in Bavaria (yeah, over 113 years ago), this German car rental company has been quietly building an empire while most Americans were busy with Hertz and Enterprise. But don't let that fool you. In 2011, the company opened its first branch in the USA in Florida, and they've been aggressively expanding ever since.

What makes Sixt different? Well, they're basically the premium option that doesn't always charge premium prices. They have over 222,000 rental vehicles in their fleet, which hosts models from some of the best car manufacturers in the world, including German favorites such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi and more. Notice how they emphasize those German luxury brands? That's their whole vibe-"Don't rent a car. Rent THE car," as their tagline goes.

And they're not just about traditional car rentals anymore. Sixt SE acts as a parent and holding company of the Sixt Group, which is internationally active in the business areas of vehicle rental, car sharing, ride-hailing, and subscription. Basically, they're trying to be your one-stop mobility shop. You can rent a car for a day, subscribe to one for months, or even use their ride-hailing service in certain markets. All through one app, which-let's be honest-is pretty convenient in 2025.

Here's where it gets interesting though. In December 2023, the company announced it was phasing out Teslas from its lineup following a price cut that hurt residual values. The next month, the company announced it was buying as many as 250,000 vehicles from Stellantis NV. That's a massive fleet order, and it shows they're not messing around with their expansion plans. They're also known for being early adopters-SIXT becomes the first car rental company in the world to offer iPhone booking back in 2008.

But let's talk about what you actually care about: the experience. They have 2,200 locations in 100+ countries with the largest premium car fleet in the world. Airport locations are their bread and butter, but they've got downtown spots too. The booking process is pretty straightforward-you can do it online, through their app, or at the counter. They offer two main rate types: "Stay Flexible" (pay at pickup, cancel anytime) and "Best Price" (prepaid, with cancellation fees).

Now, here's something you should know. Like most rental companies, Sixt has its share of customer service drama. You'll find plenty of reviews online-some glowing, some absolutely scathing. The common complaints? Damage claims after returns, unexpected charges, and the usual rental car industry shenanigans. But you'll also find people raving about the quality of the vehicles and smooth pickup experiences. It's kind of a mixed bag, honestly.

One thing that's undeniable: their marketing game is strong. Especially in Germany, they're famous for provocative, witty advertising that plays on current events. They've brought some of that edge to the U.S. market, though maybe toned down a bit for American sensibilities.

The company is still majority-owned by the Sixt family, which is pretty rare for a company this size. That family control means they can make bold moves without answering to a bunch of shareholders every quarter.

Bottom line? Sixt is a solid option if you want something nicer than the standard rental car experience without breaking the bank. Just make sure you document everything at pickup and return-take photos, check for damage, the whole nine yards. That's good advice for any rental company, but especially important when you're dealing with premium vehicles. And if you're traveling internationally, they're definitely worth considering since they have such a massive global footprint.