I flew into John Wayne on business last fall. My co-worker had booked us a car with Thrifty at an unbelievable rate. The car was brand new and a very easy pickup. From what I remember, most car companies were on site.
We flew into SNA and used Fox Car rental. They didn't have the car class we had requested so they upgraded us to a Chrysler 300. That was a very nice car!
I usually just use Hotwire to get the best rate. All of the major rental car companies are in the parking garage that is right across the drive as you exit the terminal, no shuttle is needed. Just another good reason to fly into John Wayne airport.
I personally can't recommend one rental car company over another, I don't rent cars very often but I have never had a problem with any car I have ever rented.
Many times Thrifty runs these crazy sales and when they do the rental counter is a disaster. Took us FOREVER to get our car, (almost an hour) I vowed that I would pay more next time and go with Enterprise which was awsome. If saving $$ is your top priority then just be aware if they are running a nutso sale, that you will have to wait for them to shuttle the guy over to the parking lot, pick out a car for you and drive it back. They used to shuttle people TO the lot but they stopped that. Maybe they changed it back who knows.
I see they aren't on site, but they are less than half the price of Budget! Has anyone used this company? If so, do they transport you from the airport? (It would make sense, but at the prices they offer, ya never know!)