Good idea or bad idea, or does it depend on the city?

How about rates and recommended companies?

Renting a car is the only way to go. Period. Don't use one for either Santo Domingo or Santiago but anywhere else is fine. The country has a pretty good highway system and having your own car gives you the freedom of mobility. Try the highway from Puerto Plata to Samana for one of the prettiest drives you will ever take. Samana, the area and not the city, is a must visit and you will need a car for that.

I used National and picked my brand new car up at their central SD office. They have offices in the airports also. I did everything online and they were totally up to speed in all our transactions. No hassles or scams of any kind.

Here's a picture of the car along with someone I met there. We had just gone through the drive up window at MacDs for some sickning apple pie crap that she wanted and were stopped at the nearby Shell superstore for gas and munchies.

I hope the apple pie wasn't misused:

I used Alamo on my last trip, got a Economy ride for about 22.00 US per day, not bad. Driving is an experience, due to the crazy Dominican taxis and the huge ass potholes. but, a car is an asset to pick up chicas and to get around without getting ripped off by cabbies. Alamo was cool and no problems, albeit a bit slow for service, but hey, its the Dr, what do you expect? Mojo.

Pennies for my thoughts;
I wouldn't rent a car in the DR, no way, way too much liability if you get involved in a car accident. i rather pay taxi or whatever and done with it.
no need to get a rental in order to get pussy, as simple as that. i guess to each his own.

MP