My other passion-sport is kayaking also, and I have opted for a long, low roof for the ease of loading kayaks. I have had VWs for along time and have been very happy with them. When my last Golf got totalled, I upgraded to a Passat Wagon. I have Thule bars mounted to the factory racks and find it is quite easy to load kayaks and bikes onto it myself. Lots of room inside with the back seat down, so I usually just throw my bike in there. I also have kayak cradles and a fork-mount rack on the roof rack. So I can carry two kayaks, two boats and lots of gear!

For use as a passenger car, it is quite comfy and the rear cargo area can be completely covered. I have a V-6, which gets about 27mpg, but they do have a 4-cylinder that probably gets a little better mileage.

I've seen alot of folks with Suburus, too.

Good luck in your search!

Linda