Can you rent a car using a cash instead of a credit card?

It depends on the rental company's policies. Most rental companies I'm aware of require a major credit card to keep on file in case the customer damages the vehicle in some way (such as destroying the inside of the car, breaking seats, spilling 5 gallons of coffee on the carpeting -- and yes I've seen that), or otherwise fails to fulfill their financial obligations in the contract.

There are some branches even with the same company that will take a cash deposit, while other branches will not. I would recommend calling different rental companies and asking about their cash policies and whether they will accept cash only for a rental.