Hertz Rent A Car

Based on name recognition, I imagined that Hertz was one of the top rental car companies. Now I wonder if they’re even 2^nd tier…
I wanted to rent a car using my credit card rewards points, and Hertz was the only company they offered. I requested the car for 12 noon, and arrived at 12:12pm — should be no problem right? Found a sign on the door saying the staff had stepped out for «25 minutes». About 40 minutes passed, so I called the phone number listed on the sign for «immediate assistance.» The employee at another Hertz location apologized and said there’s only one guy working there. What the heck is up with that?
When the guy did get back, he was very nice and helpful. I had requested a «Toyota Corolla or equivalent,» but the only car he had available was a Chevy Impala. He said it was an upgrade, but it was actually terrible. Most uncomfortable driver’s seat I’ve ever sat in! No lower back support, impossible to adjust it comfortably — my back was stiff for two days after that trip.

I usually rent with Enterprise, but Hertz had so much a better deal I thought I’d try them this time. I made a reservation with this location online and received an email confirmation. I took the shuttle over from my hotel only to be told that no cars were available. A staff member drove me back to my hotel, as the waiting time on the shuttle was long. Later in the day, he called to say they had a car and he picked me up to get it. They then would not take my card and called me a cab at my expense to get me back to my hotel. At that point in the day, there were no rental car options in reach and I have had to cancel all the plans I had for the weekend. Avoid.

I can’t believe this is a business. Insanely long line, woefully incompetent staff, a complete and total joke. Avoid it at all costs. You are better off buying a bicycle, or just giving up entirely.
Update ⁵⁄₄ — I stand behind my original assessment, with one amendment: After a few more interactions the staff does not seem woefully incompetent, they are just given absolutely no chance to serve customers reasonably. Cars were there but «unavailable» due to a variety of random reasons. The car I actually received was smaller than the one I’d reserved, but since it was the only one available after waiting in line for 40 minutes, I took it. It also absolutely reeked of cigarette smoke — the worst I’ve ever smelled. And I now smell after riding in it. I’m still dumbfounded by this experience.

Never renting from Hertz again!
I needed a car for the last day of my Chicago trip. I booked it several days in advance.
I was scheduled to pick up my car at 11:00 a.m. At 10:30 a.m. I get a call that they have no cars available.
I ask if they can secure a car for me at another location. They tell me I should call the 800 number. The 800 number was of no use. I kept calling to see if they cold be of any use in helping me find a car. Waste of time.
We decided to go to the airport and rent a car there.
We went to speak with a representative from Hertz at Midway. We explained the situation and asked for help. He was able to get us a car, but we paid more than our original quote from the oak brook location. They were not even able to honor the price.
Worst customer service ever! Will not ever rent from hertz again.

First to review kids!
Yes, I have been using this off-​airport location because it is right by the Midwest Road office. Disclosure: I work right around the corner at 2021 Midwest Road.
They are not detail minded.