Do you drive a Subarau Forester or Ford Escape?

[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.

[JennyPi]

I love the look of the Forester. However I do not own one.

Has anyone considered the Scion XB? Yes, that would be the "cereal box on wheels" but the newer one is a lot smoother and round. I bought an '08 and I love it. These cars are packed with goodies and style. The interiors are very modern having plastic on the doors. Cup holders everywhere! The back seats do not completely come out but they do come down in a push of a button. It also comes with a built in iPod outlet (and iPod extras), so naturally it has an mp3 player. Underneath the backseat theres a slim space all along the bottom so you don't trash your car. I haven't tried to fit 2 bikes but it definitely fits one (not in total standing up position). The gas tank is small and it's great on gas! The engine for all '08 Scions are now Toyota CAMRY engines! We all know that Toyota's run forever. That's what sold me. I would have gone the Hybrid route but it was a tiny bit out of my price range considering that I'm still in college Also considered a wagon, the XB has got great perks and style. I love mine.

Oh yeah. You save a lot of money when you go the Scion route. Toyota (Scion) designs are meant to appeal to the modern person (ie: modern dash, mp3 outlet, overall interior). They pack as much as they can into the car and then sell it for a reasonable price.