The Ideal Road Trip Vehicle?
What is your idea of the perfect road trip vehicle? Better yet, can you help me find mine?
I am planning to purchase a new (probably used, but new to me) car in the Spring and I am having a very difficult time trying to decide what to get. I have a number of trips planned for next year, including a possible two-month trip in the fall. Right now I have a small compact car that gets excellent gas mileage, but I have been thinking about getting a larger vehicle. However I don't want to have to sell a kidney to pay for fuel. Does anyone know of a vehicle that has lots of cargo space, but still gets decent gas mileage?
When I go camping with friends, it would be nice to have enough space for all our gear. When I travel solo (which is often), I'd like to have enough space to sleep in back when I camp (as a 27 year old female I don't always feel comfortable tent camping alone – even with my Louisville Slugger by my side – and I think in some instances I would feel safer sleeping in a locked car).
In all your years of experience on the road, is there any particular car/SUV/van/whatever that stood out as being ideal for road trips? What kind of things should I be looking for? Any suggestions you can offer would be appreciated.
some things I've worked with
A subaru outback might work pretty well for you. It doesn't really pretend to be anything other than a station wagon, so it gets reasonable (mid-20s) gas mileage, and has plenty of cargo space. A friend of mine used to have one and I took a few roadtrips in it with multiple people and camping gear, and it worked pretty well.
I'm currently using a Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner SUV which I like. MPGs are around 20 with 4 wheel drive, mid-20s without it, and it comes in a hybrid if you wanted to get your mpgs up near 30. I've been happy with mine, although its still based on a car frame so I avoid taking it too far off the beaten path.
Minivans are often overlooked, but I think could serve the same purpose very well, with good mpgs and a lower cost than most SUVs. You could also look into the "Crossover" category, which are really just station wagons made to look a little more like an SUV.
A nice one I've looked at
One of the cars that is top on my list when I replace my 1991 Dodge Dynasty here within the next 2 years is a Pontiac Vibe.
Their website states that it gets the following mileage on a 13 gallon tank:
MPG mileage EPA estimates
5-speed: 26/33 (city/highway mpg)
Automatic: 25/31 (city/highway mpg)
It's also a small SUV, so it is a bit bigger than a sedan, not huge, but, all the seats including the front passenger fold flat and, from what I see in the photos, maintain a uniform hard plastic surface great for hauling gear.
It's definitely in the top running for my next car.
-Brad
This is Me Pleasantly Surprised
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Arizona Brad
One of the cars that is top on my list when I replace my 1991 Dodge Dynasty here within the next 2 years is a Pontiac Vibe.
Brad, thanks again for this suggestion. As someone who has traditionally leaned more towards Toyota and Ford vehicles I probably never would have considered looking at a Pontiac. However I did a little research today and I can see why you are drawn to this car.
It has the same engine as the Toyota Corolla and most of the reviews say it's very reliable. It has the cargo space and the gas mileage - the two big items on my wish list - as well as some other fun features. One cool feature that would come in handy on road trips: optional 115V power outlet to plug in your laptop or other equipment. Once again, great tip!
I am still doing research, but right now the Ford Escape, Pontiac Vibe, Subaru Outback/Forester, Honda CRV, and the Ford Focus Wagon are at the top of my list.
Field Testing a Dodge Nitro
We will be using a 2007 Dodge Nitro this weekend for our coverage vehicle for the DARPA Urban Challenge. So, far it has great sight line visibility on all sides from the driver's side. Four RTA reporters will give it an evaluation -- I think it is roomy enough to sleep in as well.
Mark