Good dog cars?

[Bad JuJu]

I'm thinking Subaru for my next car--which won't be for a while because apparently Toyotas never die. Anyway, both the Subaru Legacy station wagon and the Forester seem to be popular among my friends with dogs. They're also highly rated by Consumer Reports (the cars, not the friends with dogs LOL). I need a vehicle that will accommodate a rear tow hitch for a bike rack, roof racks for kayaks, and of course, the large chocolatey fellow shown in my avatar , and the Subaru models seem equal to all my requirements.

On the other hand, my neighbor-with-dog just got a Honda CRV and both she and her dog are very happy with it so far.

[Chimiska]

We have a Subaru Forrester, as does our son (with big Golden). The back of the Subaru has a fence that can be put in to keep the dog in the back. And it holds a Golden nicely. Be sure it is NOT one of the "high performance" engines: they REQUIRE hi-test gas. (little 4 cylinder engine, lays flat near bottom of car, making it hard to tip over). Great mileage too. CU really likes it. We like ours.
Chim

[KnottedYet]

I've had 3 Subarus now (1986 wagon, 1996 wagon, 2005 wagon) and have hauled dogs in all of them. And bikes.

If you google the Ultimate Subaru Message Board you can find their "for sale" section. Subi lovers selling their beloved Subis. Most are older models and generally the prices are very good and the cars have been well maintained.

At the least you can post a request that one of the USMB folks in your area help you find a used Subi wagon. These guys are always noticing Subis for sale near them.

[farrellcollie]

I have a volkswagen passat wagon that I bought for the dogs (65 lb collie and 45+ collie mix) - at the time I was looking, the back was larger than the subaru which was my second choice.

[wavedancer]

Another Passat Wagon here. I keep the rear seats folded down most of the time because there is usually a dog, a bike, or kayaking gear in it! I got some vinyl carpet protector runners and cut them to shape to protect the carpeted cargo area and the back of the seats. Makes it easy to sweep out the sand and dirt. I also have a yoga sticky mat on top so sweet Ebby doesn't slide around when she is in the back.

Ebby is a twelve-year-old lab mix and sometimes has trouble jumping into the back now. I guess I will be looking at ramp options soon!

[anakiwa]

Just to plug the Subaru Forrester one more time- this summer I managed to transport:
3 people
3 bicycles
1 dog
all inside the car
(though truth be told it was a 30 lb dog and was sitting on the lap of one of the people).

Only downside of the Subaru (or any higher SUV type vehicle) is that if the dog is old or injured it will need help getting in (my dog recently had knee surgery and needs a significant boost to get into the car).

[snapdragen]

Another dog and subaru lover here. My Forester is currently decorated in nose prints from Chloe's trip to the beauty parlor.