All the "known name" franchises are owned and operated locally so that doesn't mean much. Those mentioned most for service and dependability are Dependable, Amalie and Discount while Avis receives few negatives. Budget seems very iffy at least where their airport location is concerned when they apparently run out of vehicles, don't honor reservations and have a lackadaisical/bad attitude to go along with the problems encountered on busy days. However, their Sapphire location seems to do a much better job. Hope that helps! You don't need a 4WD for St Thomas and neither do you need it for day trips to St John.