re: How do rental cars work?

I usually rent with Hertz as I get a pretty good discount with them, however, at times I've done Enterprise as well.

Generally my rule for using a rental car to drive somewhere is, if the drive is more than 6 hours one way, I rent a car.

Definetly check the off-airport locations. Airport rentals add all sorts of crazy fees and taxes.

I don't find much of a difference between Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, etc - all the big chains are fine. I've never rented from one of the local cheaper places.