Actually, I think Malibus and Intrigues are in two different car classes. In rental car-speak, car sizes all seem to move upward one class compared to the normal marketing terminology. Thus the Pontiac Grand Am and Olds Alero are considered "mid-size" while the Pontiac Grand Prix and Olds Intrigue are "full-size". This moves cars like the Buick LeSabre and Pontiac Bonneville into a premium classification, since they are even larger. I believe the Grand Prix and Intrigue share their basic platforms (same wheelbase, engine choices, overall length and most important for many travelers, trunk size) with the Buick Regal in the GM family of cars, as do the smaller Grand Am, Alero, and Chevy Malibu. Engine size is typically larger on the "full-size" at 3.8 L vs. 3.1 L on many of the mid-size. I usually reserve full-size on the EA and try to get a Grand Prix, Intrigue, or Toyota Camry, going to the full-size aisle if necessary. In all honesty, I do not remember seeing Malibus on the full-size aisle, but there certainly were a bunch of them (almost all white!) on the EA last time at MCO. I took an Intrigue.
At Orlando, you still pick out your car even after counter service. They do not assign you a specific vehicle. After you complete the transaction at the counter, you are directed to the corresponding aisle where you select from the available vehicles. If you use EA and specify full-size, the confirmation reads something like "full-size or your choice on the Emerald Aisle". You bypass the counter and select from either the EA or if nothing on the aisle looks good, take a car from the full-size aisle (assuming you have reserved full-size in your EA request, since full-size and intermediate are usually the same price for Emerald Club members). You can also bypass the counter using Emerald Choice and selecting a specific vehicle type (useful if you want to be sure you get a van or convertible, for example). Because renters can select from the available vehicles on the various aisles, the counter personnel do not necessarily have information about specific vehicles that are available at any given time, since an EA or Emerald Choice customer might take the last "whatever" during the time interval between when you leave the counter and when you arrive at the aisle to select your car.
Since you are renting at Sarasota Airport, the situation is different. The National web site indicates that the services available at Sarasota are Counter and Meet and Greet. I believe MG means they have a specific vehicle already assigned so you bypass the counter and find the car with your name on it while Counter will allow you to do as you plan, discuss with the agent vehicle availability to be sure you get something of appropriate size. If you find they want to put you in a Malibu, politely request one of the larger full-size cars like a Grand Prix or Intrigue.
Ralph
