I always favor National over all others, though I rent from others if there is a big difference in the rate. If the rate is just a little higher, I'll pay more to stay with them. I've never had an unpleasant surprise. The rental is always to the penny what I was quoted. Others try to sell you things you don't need, charge for extra drivers, or keep you waiting forever for a car. I've never had a bad experience with National in any city or even in foreign countries.
National also is more reasonable on geographic restrictions. I took a cheap rate from Dollar in Denver once only to discover that we weren't allowed to take the vehicle out of the state. So much for a quick trip to New Mexico.
When we went to Canada this summer, several of the rental companies had extra fees for going into a second province. Not so National.
When we went across the border into Canada from Montana a few years ago, it was no problem with National.
Sheila