Car rental companies have some interesting names. Enterprise brings to mind hard work, while Budget Auto Rental and Alamo Auto Rental bring good value to mind. But no name is better than that of Thrifty car rental. Thrifty, as a word, is the ultimate in wise money decisions. Saving money, spending it only when necessary and then spending it well, those are good things. In other words, to be thrifty.

Thrifty Auto Rental began in the car rental business way back in 1958. It offered stock in the 1980’s before being purchased by Chrysler in 1989. Then it was merged with another rental company, Dollar. With one of the best known brands in the world, Thrifty continues to be tops in the car rental industry. The majority of its fleet is, as expected, Chrysler cars including both Dodge and Jeep.

Thrifty operates some other car related businesses. As many other rental companies, Thrifty sells its rental cars after their time of service as rentals is complete. It’s commonly thought that rental cars aren’t treated well by drivers. Most of the cars are treated well, however. Dealerships may be full of used cars from people who didn’t maintain them, while Thrifty cars are cared for on a clock work schedule. Furthermore, penalties for damage encourage rental car drivers to take extra special care of the car while in their charge. Rental company cars are, therefore, generally in better shape than most other used cars.

Long term parking at airports is another of Thrifty’s businesses. Long term parking offers low cost, safe lots for people who need to park their vehicles while traveling. Thrifty lots are somewhere near almost every airport in the world.

Back to the history of Thrifty, there are some pretty interesting aspects. Thrifty rented the Volkswagen Beetle before it became popular. The rental cost for a Beetle was $6. In the wild and wacky 60’s Thrifty took advantage of the general playboy mentality with Miss Thrifty. This was a lady, usually young and pretty, who would drive customers to Thrifty’s off airport facilities. She wore the plaid of the Scottish for some reason.

It’s not joke, is Thrifty car rental. But as with many companies it has its quirky side too. Maybe they’ll offer a free upgrade if you don a kilt.