ON THE GROUND: We flew into Tampa International Airport and took the train to the main terminal, then followed the signs to the Rental Car Center — yes, a two-train journey. Tampa’s Rental Car Center is well designed, though it received criticism when it opened because some travelers preferred the old layout across the street. In my experience signage is clear; passengers often ask me where the car rental area is at Tampa and I usually say, “Just follow the signs.” When I travel through an airport I try to move quickly and efficiently.
PICKUP: Because I booked through Travelocity, I needed to stop at the counter. During the pandemic many Enterprise-brand rentals now direct customers to the National check-in counter, so I hadn’t updated my profile. Hudson at the counter was helpful and walked me through the process. I had reserved a pickup truck since I planned to transport a few items. Behind Hudson, staff were discussing availability among affiliated brands, asking whether Alamo or National had pickups. I paid little attention; I received my receipts and was asked if I knew where to go. I followed directions to the correct escalator — rental companies are assigned to different levels — and a couple behind us missed their stop when they took the wrong escalator.
An Enterprise representative named Taylor greeted me at the desk. She was professional, friendly and wore a patterned mask. She explained they did not have any pickup trucks available. I told her I wished I had been informed earlier so I could have chosen another company. Taylor was intent on resolving the issue but neither National nor Alamo had pickups either. She showed me several large Ford Expedition XL SUVs and described them as an upgrade. The first vehicle smelled strongly of cigarette smoke; the second, a silver one, smelled less but still showed some evidence of prior smoking. Taylor handled the situation with calm professionalism, explained vehicle features and even demonstrated how the rear seats folded down with a switch — a handy option for carrying cargo. We then completed a careful walkaround inspection, noting dents, scratches and dings before I accepted the vehicle.
PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER
ON THE ROAD: The SUV turned out to be an excellent choice. After filling the tank the dashboard displayed 578 miles until empty, which meant I could make a long 345-mile drive without needing to refuel. The Expedition XL was comfortable, handled well in heavy rain, and offered more than enough cargo space for the items I was transporting. Had I received the pickup, I would have needed to cover everything to protect it from the downpour. The SUV also featured a solid sound system with satellite radio, one of the best backup cameras I’ve used, and strong power for highway driving. After the trip I could easily see myself owning a vehicle like this.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
Good employees matter — attentive, problem-solving staff can turn a frustrating situation into a positive experience.
Ford builds a capable SUV that’s comfortable and efficient for long road trips, offering generous cargo space and useful features like folding rear seats and an excellent backup camera.