A true success story in the making
Founded in Los Angeles in 1958, Budget Car Rental operates today with 157,000 vehicles and nearly 3,400 locations spread across 128 countries, including 120 offices in France. That footprint tells the story of a brand that grew from modest beginnings into a global player.
To see how far it has come, look back to its origins when Morris Mirkin and his wife started out with just a fleet of 10 vehicles. Their initial goal was simple: offer airport car rentals for a modest $4 per day.
Following in the footsteps of Avis?
In March 2003, Budget Car Rental joined the Avis Budget Group. That corporate backing fueled its worldwide expansion while keeping the focus on its core values of expertise, flexibility, and quality service. Practically speaking, every vehicle in the fleet is less than a year old, undergoes regular maintenance, and receives a full inspection before every rental to deliver on the brand promise of customer satisfaction and value.
That commitment shows in customer metrics, such as a satisfaction study showing that 8 out of 10 customers recommend the service.
The world's third-largest car rental company with a focus on value
It is quite a journey for a small family business that started from scratch and grew into the world's third-largest car rental company, with desks in major cities, train stations, and airports. With a network that large, it is hard to miss them when you need to book an economy car, an SUV, a moving van, or a commercial truck. Those are just a few options from a diverse fleet, backed by add-ons and extras designed to help travelers stick to one golden rule: book in advance and pay online to secure the best rates and keep your trip affordable.
One final note: here is what you need to know about booking a rental car with a debit card.
I rented a car in Lyon on December 21, 2025, for 9 days with my daughter. She got sick, and I had to take her to the hospital. I returned the car on December 23. I asked for a refund, which was refused at first, then after pushing, they offered me a very small refund. I accepted. Almost a month later, I still have not received anything in my bank account despite NUMEROUS follow ups that have gone unanswered!!! Avoid them!!