Do you drive a Subarau Forester or Ford Escape?

[Raindrop]

I've had two Outbacks in the past (a 1996 and a 2001), and the first was awesome, the second a dog. I also had Thule bike racks that fit both...and then I bought my current 2006 Forester. Unfortunately, the bike racks didn't fit it, but since my DH rarely rides and since I usually start my rides from home, I haven't worried about a bike rack yet.

I'll mention that a Great Pyranees fits fine in a Forester, as does my bike.

However, I'm a Personal trainer that does in-home training and my last Outback was much roomier and easier to cart my equipment from place to place. The newer Outbacks are much smaller and don't accomodate my equipment any better than my Forester does.

I've always had standard transmissions in the past but promise the husband I'd get an automatic this time so he could drive it too. (I personally abhor automatic transmissions...but love the hubby, so he won out...this time).

So far, no problems and I think, based on gas consumption and interior room (for bikes and dogs) the Forester is the better buy. Plus...according to consumer reports, one of the safest SUVs out there!

[Tuckervill]

Your husband can't drive a stick? That's hard to believe...must be some good reason besides just not knowing how.

My husband can't drive a stick in most cars because he can hardly operate the clutch with his extra long legs. But he does know HOW.

My son, who is only 25 and manages an electric supply company, said he hired two drivers for his new store the other day--and neither of them could drive a stick! These were young guys! So he's going to teach them, just so they can do their job. I think that's basic information most kids should learn.

Karen

[Raindrop]

Well, he CAN drive a stick shift. He actually had to move my Subaru..once. So, I know he's capable of it. It's just that he doesn't want to drive a stick.

Now, I taught my son how to drive on a standard transmission and every car and/or truck he's had has been a standard transmission.

I'm of the opinion that everyone should at least know how to drive a stick shift, whether or not they want to or not.

[elk]

yeah...I learned to drive in my dad's old MG...british racing green...ahhhh...

and every car I've had since is manual...but the auto transmissions are so good now that sometimes they are even MORE fuel efficient. And sitting on the highway...inching along with a stick is getting old...

I might have to go for auto next time....but I've said that before.

I think they are also getting more rare (sticks)...in passenger vehicles anyway.

[ccnyc]

I have a 2004 Subaru Forester and love it. It gets about 23-26 mpg, mostly highway driving. If I put the back seat down I can lay both bikes inside with the front wheels on. I put a moving blanket between them. Also have roof racks but putting them inside is easier.

For 2009 Subaru came out with a Forester that can hold 2 bikes upright in the back with the seats down. Unfortunately, I think it's only available in Japan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRWmL...eature=related

[indigoiis]

Was a loyal (3 in a row over 10 years) Subaru driver until I got my Prius.

Can fit the bike (just one, though) in the back of the Prius, and the mileage rocks.

The only thing I (occasionally) miss is the awd.

[OakLeaf]

Was a loyal (3 in a row over 10 years) Subaru driver until I got my Prius.

Can fit the bike (just one, though) in the back of the Prius, and the mileage rocks.

The only thing I (occasionally) miss is the awd.

Yeah, I remember, we're twins

Okay, I only had two 'Rus over 9 years. And I miss the ground clearance as much as the AWD.

I've been really favorably impressed with the way the Prius handles on uneven ground and in heavy rain and moderate snow - much better than I expected from a lightweight 2WD car. I doubt it would be able to climb my driveway in deep mud or sheet ice, though, unfortunately. Buying that car was really conditional on us remaining snowbirds for the immediate future.

Oh, and I was wrong - the battery is NiMH, not lead. Still toxic, but not as bad.