What kind of car/truck/suv/crossover do you drive?

[Clint]

The time has come to seriously think about replacing my Civic and since my dog will be ready to take home shortly, I need to think about his needs too.  For those with standard sized doodles what kind of vehicle do you drive?

 

 I am a Honda guy so I have been seriosly thinking about a CR-V or more likely an Element because my girlfriend has a lab and being able to take the back seats out would make it super easy to carry around two 70ish pound dogs.  Does anyone own either or these vehicles and if so how do you like it?

[Jennifer and Jack]

Well I drive a Mercedez on Monday and Friday, A BMW  on Tuesday - Thursday. and Take the limo on the weekends!!!

 

Just kidding.. I have a Honda CRV that fits Jack and I fine...

[Pat and Traveler]

I have a CR-V and it works nicely as a dog vehicle.  Good luck in your car hunt!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

If you are a Honda guy, leave a message for DK member, Ann Kendig.  She did a comparison with several different Honda SUV vehicles they have owned. .They also travel a lot with their two Standard-size doodles.

She had a post around here with pictures, which one they found best to travel in, head room, sleeping/camping room...etc but I can't find her post.

I just remember she like one a lot and the other two she said were just okay for her AND dogs.

 

[Clint]

Thank you for the name Joanne.

 

I appreciate all of the comments.  It seems like the common thread is that most people prefer compact/midsize SUV's.  I saw a few comments about engine size and power.  After years of driving a 4cyl Civic I would like something with a v6, but only if the gas mileage is still pretty good.  I am looking for the best compromise between a good daily work commuter, but also a vehicle that I can load a dog or two into on the weekend along with two overnight bags. I do go to the mountains at least once a year so power is a legitimate concern.  I am going to take a look at the suggestions.

[Kathy, Harley & Roxie]

Our Flex has a v6, but it doesn't get great gas mileage...well at least my driving doesn't get great mileage.  About 18-19 around town.  But about 24 on road trips.  We have not had a drive in the mountains, so do not have experience there.  But as Nancy stated earlier, the options are great (sound system and sync my favs) and  my two grown sons can sit in the third row with enough leg room to be comfortable.  I use a canvas sling that covers the entire middle row for Harley.  can still use his restrain harness and he can stretch out.  I was telling someone the other day that Ford should pay me for advertisement, as I probably gets asked "what kind of car is that" more than "what kind of dog is that?  lol

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

We did test drive the CRV and really liked it.  What pushed us to the Rav 4 was that the CRV only came in a 4 cylinder and it just didn't seem powerful enough for me.  Other than that I thought it was a great car and if they had a 6 cylinder the decision would have been very tough.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I drive a 4 cylinder Camry that is 8 years old. The back seat is dog proofed but the "proofing" is easily removed for people. I never need more power or speed and gas mileage is much better than with a bigger engine. I have a 60+ and 40+ pound dogs. They very comfortably share the back seat and I have plenty of room in the trunk for bags etc.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

We are a Honda family as well.  Have always had an Accord and/or Civic up until 2 years ago.  Traded the Accord for the Odyssey.  As it sounds as if you are young, I'm doubting that you want a Mini Van, honestly, I never thought I would either.  However, we switched because we needed room for our two Doodles (60 and 80 lbs) as well as room for Mamaw when she goes and luggage, as all our trips now include the Doodles.  I have to say I love it.  I can configure it so many ways to accommodate the doodles, and even a Mobility Scooter when my Sister travels with us.  I can carry 8 people.  The doodles have lots of room to stretch out and it is very comfortable for travelling.  You will be surprised at how much "Stuff" it takes to vacation with 2 doodles.  Normal travel days have the 3rd row folded down to allow lots of cargo room and the girls love to lay on the second row of seating.  Actually Lucy loves to stretch out on the seats and Sophie loves the floor.  There are lots of cargo hooks to allow me to buckle them in regardless of where they are in the van.  We also have a Honda Civic and although they can both get in the back seat it is tight getting in and out for them and not a lot of comfy room to lay down once they are in.  We considered the element before buying the van and the feedback that we received was that it was a great vehicle for around town type trips, but not very comfortable for road trips of any length.

[Pauline Rackley]

I drive a Subaru Forester. I have a 75 lb doodle and a 65 lb, tall afghan. This is my second one. No problems and they are 4wd, which is great for snow or wet conditions. I got the 4 cyl turbo which gives enough power.(only downside with this you need hi test gas). Average milage about 25. Also easy to get dogs in the back as it is a great height. I fold down the back seat and attach their seat belts to a short leash.

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

I have been in a two seater with a 100 lb dog in the passenger seat just fine.  If the dog(s) know how to sit or lay down and don't romp around in the car the size of the dog and the car do not matter unless you are also transporting multiple people.

 

I personally have a VW Passat and Ford Expedition.  My husband took the VW this AM with 3 dogs (16 lbs, 35 lbs and 50 lbs), they all fit just fine.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Here is a link:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/did-anyone-buy-thier-doodl...

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Clint, You are probably too young to want a minivan, but I will never have anything but a van. I have a Toyota Sienna that is closing in on 200,000 miles and I really don't know how I could travel with two dogs (90 pounds and 50 pounds) with any other vehicle. My DH drives a Toyota Venza and while I love this car, there is no way with seats down and the luggage I pack, we could all fit on a long distance trip. My dog sitter had the Element and loved it. Good luck!