Forrester, Escape, CRV owners

[JennK13]

2008 Forester
LOVE IT!
Yes, can get a bike in it with the front wheel on
Yes, my dh and i have slept in the back with the seats down (though he sleeps "curled" up some)
Yes, I'd buy it again. The 2010's are so nice! I'm in Colorado, and absolutely adore the heated seats (which are clothe NOT leather) and my giant moon/sun roof (i call it the universe roof) it's been great in ice and snow.
Love it!

[lo123]

I may be buying a new car.

Of these models (Forrester, Escape, CRV)

1. Can you fit a bicycle inside with front wheel ON? Or do you have to remove the wheel?

2. When rear seat is folded down (and I assume you can do this with all the models) does the seat lay flat? Could you sleep in the back of the car with seats folded down?

3. Do you like your car enough to buy another one?

Thanks,
Martha,

2009 Escape here.

1. Bought it specifically because we can fit both of our cyclocross bikes (a 54 and 58 cm) in the cargo area (with seats down). Wouldn't do that with our carbon road bikes, but you can fit one in nicely (hubby's 60 cm Madone fits with both wheels on.

2. I think so, but I haven't tried. I'm 5'5", and I think it'd be ok. Much taller than that, I think you'd have issues.

3. Yes. Love it.

[Crankin]

NorseGoddess, I was glad to hear you liked the transition from the 4 Runner to the Rav 4. I am driving a small BMW sedan with AWD now, but I had a 4 Runner before that. I loved that car, but I traded it for the same reasons you stated... after 6 years. My BMW is now 7 years old and and I expect to be getting a new car sometime in the next 2 years. There's a lot more choice now in small AWD cars than I had in 2003 and I want a car that is practical. Right now I can put my bike in the back of my car without taking a wheel off, with the seats down, but I can't put 2 bikes in there. It's a bit of a pain, but I got sick of having the Saris Thelma rack on the back of my car.
I hate car shopping.

[itself]

2008 CRV owner here

I believe the room with the seats folded up is not as generous as the previous models.

At an angle, a 49cm Specialized Ruby fits. But we are getting a hitch rack to carry both bikes. I struggled with buying the CRV because of this, but the reliability ratings and safety ratings are so high on this vehicle, I had to get it.

I have learned to do some wrenching on my own, and have owned Toyotas and Hondas. Easy to work on, and without question, the best reliability of all cars in the market. Subaru is third. I wouldn't buy an american made car if it were the last car on earth.

[Norse]

I hate car shopping.

I hear that. I am not willing to play their silly games. That's why I do all the research beforehand. When we decided on which vehicle, I emailed local dealers, stating the exact specs I wanted, to get price quotes. That quickly got rid of the rip-off dealerships and those just playing games. Through a few more emails and phone calls, I got a final, good price, gave the sales guy a credit card deposit over the phone, and then we went to pick it up, sign the papers and drive away when it when it was ready. About as hassle-free as you can do it.