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.

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Originally Posted by Digital Vagrant

What is your idea of the perfect road trip vehicle?

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Not surprisingly, this topic has come up before.

Here are some previous thoughts on this subject:

Conversion Vans?
VW Busses
Cars versus vans

Well, that is a start.

Mark

I've got a Ford Taurus that I love for roadtrips, but I've also recently been fixing up and learning to drive and old Ford Aerostar van for car camping purposes. It's a standard and built on a truck bed as opposed to a car bed. I haven't actually taken it out of town yet, but my thoughts are to put an air mattress in the back. Like you, I don't like the thought of sleeping in a tent, but a locked vehicle sounds a lot better to me.

Laura

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.

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

Wow guys! Thanks for all the great suggestions! Shopping for a new car thus far has been pretty overwhelming, and this will give me a good place to start looking. Most of the car salesmen I have encountered aren't really interested in helping me find the best vehicle for me - they just want to sell something (anything) to me on the spot. It is nice to get advice from someone who isn't getting a commission. I am going to read through the past forums now to get a few more ideas, but I will definitely put some of your suggestions (Outback, Vibe, Escape, etc.) on my list of cars to test-drive. Thank you!!

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Originally Posted by lhuff

Like you, I don't like the thought of sleeping in a tent, but a locked vehicle sounds a lot better to me.
Laura

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I am glad to know I am not the only person who feels this way. I am a pretty laid back person, not usually given to excessive worry, but my fear of camping alone has a very tangible basis: A few years ago I was camping with a friend and a man tried to crawl into our tent in the middle of the night. It was one of the most frightening experiences of my life.

In retrospect we weren't in any real danger - he didn't really mean us any harm. He was just very very drunk and wandered into the wrong campsite by mistake. In fact, I think he was almost as freaked out as we were. Nevertheless, it opened my eyes to the possible dangers in a very real way.

I love camping and I have met and shared campfire meals with a lot of really great people while on the road. I am not about to let one bad experience ruin it for me - but there is nothing wrong with being a little cautious, is there?

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Originally Posted by Digital Vagrant

I am not about to let one bad experience ruin it for me - but there is nothing wrong with being a little cautious, is there?

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Caution, like security, is an act of very careful balance. I work often with computer security settings (like in internet explorer), when set too low, you can find yourself with every bug on the internet in a weeks time. Set too high, and any website that is more than just text won't work properly. Life is a lot like that. Be too careful and you don't enjoy anything. Not careful enough, and you run the risk of being yet another statistic and newspaper headline.

-Brad

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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.

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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.

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

Let me add another one..

I'm real happy with the Toyota Sequoia SUV I use for road tripping. It's got about 80,000 miles on it with no (knock on wood) significant mechanical issues since I bought it new. It's a bigger SUV, and has the pluses and minuses of such a vehicle. It has enough room that 4 people or so fit with LOTS of room in it, plus their gear. 2 people have LOTS of room for everything they need, plus gear. Works really well as a road trip vehicle.

It's big enough I've carried 7 people in it, all with seat belts, and had some room for their gear. It goes OK mileage -- around 20 mpg in the highway at 70 mph (the highest has been around 22 mpg), but less in the city. Interior wise, its got removable back seats, and the 2nd row flips up so if needed you can get up to 6'+ of flat space in the back to sleep in (I bring a futon cushion and its very comfortable).

It's got enough space to pack everything needed for a week's long road trip inside, and a roof rack for additional gear. It's also got electrical outlets in 3 places in the vehicle (the newer ones I think have a built-in voltage inverter to run 110 AC, whereas I use an inverter plugged into the 12 V if needed).

From an environmental standpoint its rated as a ULEV (ultra low emissions vehicle) compared to other V8, and generates around 240 Horsepower which gives it good power. I've got the options of full time all wheel drive if I need it (used fairly frequently for added safety/ control), or going into either L or M full 4 wheel drive (only ever has been used twice...) . I've taken it off pavement numerous times and its performed well on very bumpy dirt roads and out in the middle of no where. I've towed a trailer a couple of times, and it handled a couple thousand pound trailer without problem.

From a safety standpoint its got like 6 airbags on the inside (dual front, plus curtain airbags on the sides), vehicle stability control (anti-rollover) anti lock brakes etc etc. It's also a heavier car, which really helps in any accidents (although I don't want to test that!). The space in the back gives me the volume so I can carry my usual emergency equipment all the time -- tool box, basic supplies, larger first aid kit, etc. It has a full size spare.

Cost -- it isn't cheap, but about the same as other vehicles of the same size. Reliability has been very good, and service costs have been average. I've been pretty impressed with the basic reliability of the vehicle, and getting things repaired under Toyota warranty has been pretty simple (had to replace a broken door handle and remote controlled rear view mirror -- both under warranty since I bought the extended warranty).

Bad points -- I'd like better mileage in the city. I've never been fully comfortable with a full size spare under the car, but I've never had any problems either. It's a bigger car, so the usual slight issues with that (sight lines to corners, watch out for overhangs that are less then 6'4" etc.).

For a road tripping vehicle, if you could get a good one of these used, it might be something to consider. I like it since I've used it for everything from mountain roads to the desert and lots of highway in between, with enough room inside that I can throw stuff in and not worry about overstuffing the car. I no longer have to fill up the back seat as well as the trunk when I go camping (which I did with my sedan). And in a pinch, I can sleep in the back... But basically its that I can carry a couple of other people and gear and emergency supplies I feel more confident about what might occur. I recently did a couple of days through the California deserts -- and with sleeping bags, chairs, ice chest, tarps, extra water, extra clothing, a shovel, matting and etc in the back, we were fairly comfortable tackling some off-pavement sections for 10's of miles away from anything, that we could deal with issues or spent the night if we needed to.

An alternative vehicle might be a mini-van, or family van. This wouldn't have quite the same rough driving capability, but would have equivalent volume inside, and might get somewhat better mileage.

We have been taking long distance driving vacations since we got our first new auto - a 1968 Mustang. And that was before air conditioning was generally available and before the Interstate system was complete. Sometimes we poke along stopping whenever curiosity takes hold, but usually we drive pretty hard to our destination. We usually plan to put in 800 miles a day (plus or minus based on time zones and curiosity stops).

In picking an auto for long distance driving we look at:

1) CLEARLY, seat comfort is the most important characteristic for us. When you are spending the better part of 12 hours in one seat, design quirks that are unnoticed around town quickly turn into back aches on the road.

2) Safety and I include all-wheel-drive and emergency handling capability in that category. A good all-wheel-drive system does more than just get you going in snow, it can improve your lateral stability at high speeds, wet roads, and tight corners.

3) Overall roominess in the cabin. We like to carry drinks and snacks as well as reading material and a laptop PC all in the cabin keeping the trunk for luggage as much as possible.

4) Good gas mileage.

When we had the two children with us, the 1984 Ford E150 Econoline Van with 4 Captain's Chairs was the only way to travel. The only downsides were the 15 mpg and 1984 Fords were constant maintenence hogs.

As for now with just the 2 of us, we prefer our 2001 Mercedes Benz E320 4-Matic for round trips up and down the East Coast from New Hampshire. The seats are wonderfully comfortable, emergency handling is better than any other vehicle I have driven and the full time 4-Matic with traction control makes driving on snow and ice seem boringly tame. That and I get "gas station to gas station" mileage of 27-28 mpg driving as fast as conditions and police avoidance techniques allow - usually 75+. The only downside is repair costs, whatever you pay for a Chevvy or a Ford part, MB parts cost half again as much.

For cross country (2-3 times a year) we currently we drive a 2005 Acura MDX. Seats are almost as comfortable as the MB, it has more than enough room (and we always seem to pick up souvineers), has 4 wheel drive when needed, and gets around 22 mpg driving at the same high speeds. The Acura has the advantages of XM Radio and a very good Navigation system. The only real downside is the gas mileage.

If I were buying today, I would look long and hard at the 2008 MDX. It now has real full time 4 wheel drive and it "drives" more like a European sports sedan than like an SUV. My 2nd choice would be the Infinity M, 6 cylinder and all wheel drive.

As for that 1968 Mustang (which we adored)...when compared to what is available with today's technologies, it would sadly fall into the "hunkajunk" category. But if I could get it back, fully restored to factory condition........:-)

Dave_NH

Further to the suggestion that European cars offer more comfort and handling capablilities, I cannot agree more. I do love the sound of a V8 but the build quality and handling of most cars that I have driven in the US are questionable at best. I am planning on picking up a new car next year and, right now, the best package of performance, comfort, practicality, build quality and value for money is a BMW M3 E46. That is what I will be going for and I can highly recommend this wonderful piece of kit to anyone. Of course they may be slightly harder to come by over there but it's worth the effort (IMHO)

I have a Jeep Wrangler and a Nissan Xterra. We've taken both on recent road trips and both did relatively well.

We took the Xterra on an 11 day trip through the Pacific Coast Highway. It was more than comfortable and we had plenty of room for our gear. The gas mileage is nothing to write home about, but that's expected in an SUV. The comfort of the vehicle really surprised me. That was the first time we took it on an extended trip and and we couldn't have been happier.

We took the Jeep on a recent weekend jaunt to Moab. Like the Xterra the gas mileage sucked. The wrangler is a box on wheels so there's absolutely no aerodynamic quality to it. Unless you consider bread boxes aerodynamic. It's not a vehicle I would recommend for long distance trips. It's not very comfortable and a bit noisy. But if you buy a Jeep you know what to expect. You're not purchasing the vehicle to drive on the Autobahn.....it'll do better in the woods near by. Jeeps are not touring vehicles by any stretch of the imagination.

I have the Unlimited so the longer wheel based afforded a bit of an easier and quieter ride over the standard Wrangler. The extra space allowed us to pack everything needed for a weekend of camping. The good thing about the Jeep is that it will allow you to explore areas that would be otherwise inaccessible in a "regular" car. While in Moab we did a little off-roading in Arches and saw sites that we wouldn't have seen otherwise.

I love my Jeep, but it's best used for short weekend getaways where you'll really want to get off the road and explore.

The Xterra is more than capable of tackling some of the tougher terrain, but it's also well suited for longer trips where long days of driving may be required.

Just kidding. I owned a Subaru Outback wagon and the mileage wasn't too great but the car was (is). I own a 2007 Honda Civic EX Coupe with Navigation that gets over 40 MPG and plan on travelling in that next fall to the east coast from Oregon. I am wondering if the Honda Element might be worth consideration? You can adjust the seats in the back into a bed and you can purchase a cabana tent from Honda to cover the back and even make more room. I love my Civic and since it's just me and my trusty dog having enough space shouldn't be a problem and although it's kind of cramped I can sleep in it if necessary. The Honda Odyssey has just been revamped but I don't know too much about it. I have owned several Hondas and have never had a mechanical problem with one of them.
Most importantly, have a safe and wonderful trip!

I love my Jeep Liberty. We have been on two cross country trips with it. Although I wish it had better gas mileage it is not that bad. Rides well, handle’s well and there is plenty of room. (At least for two people and luggage) With a luggage rack on the roof we could gain more inside room but we decided against that option for the sake of gas mileage. We can sleep inside it if we need to but it is a bit cramped. The greatest benefit is we can go off road with it when the option is there. Absolute a must when exploring old ghost towns and winding mountain roads.

I have a story for you (skip a few paragraphs if you're not interested):

About a year ago, I was in a car accident that destroyed my crappy old Cavalier and I needed a replacement vehicle. Since I drive 150+ miles/day for my job and love road trips there were a few things I needed:
1. Fuel economy.
2. Comfort.
3. Space.
4. Affordability.
Thought about the Mazda 5 and Toyota Matrix...but used @ 100k miles they were selling for upwards of $12,000. Forget about hybrids, even used they started at $24,000; TOTALLY out of my price range and not very roomy. SUV's too gas hungry and bulky. That's when I came across a full page ad in Ready Made magazine for the brand spankin’ new Honda FIT.

Let me say this not so subtly: I LOVE MY HONDA FIT!!!

As of November 1st, 2007 I've been the proud owner of an metallic burnt orange Honda FIT for 1 year and as far as I can see, it’s the almost perfect car around. She averages 34mpg highway (with a roof rack on) and 30mpg city (even with 28-cases of wine in her cargo area). I’ve been told that if you drive 50mph or less, you can actually maintain the 40mpg promised on the sticker…but I’m not a granny driver. I should note, that in high wind situations the milage suffers (about 2-4mpg). Even though the car is considered ‘compact’ there is LOADS of loading space. The back seats fold up to give you a “well” of loading area behind the driver's seat, while maintaining the rear cargo space. Or you can fold the seats completely flat for larger items (fits a small kayak inside!!). The fullest I've gotten her is (2) people, (1) dog, (2) mountain bikes, (1) 60qt cooler, (1) case wine, (1) 2-person tent, (2) internal frame backpacks, (3) grocery bags of food and a map. The roof rack was left unused and I could still see out hte rear window.

In one year I’ve put 37,400 miles on the odometer and loved every one. This is THE perfect car for road trips, family outings, commuting or to show off to your friends. I swear I have no affiliation with Honda…I work as a wine distributor.

I've never seen that car before. Wow. I like it.

How does it handle? I've never like the way Japanese cars handle. Like UKCraig, I tend to prefer the way European cars handle. I love my New Beetle and it can haul a lot more than people think it can, but it isn't near as versatile as the Fit and I sure couldn't get a full-size bike inside it. I'm enjoying poking around the Fit website and checking out its different configurations.

Well, if it handles fun and tight, I could see me driving this little gem someday!

a honda civic vx is great if your looking for a bit of storage room, under 6' tall, and great gas mileage but with absolutely NO bells and whistles when it comes to modern vehicles. they were only made from 1992-1995, but get upto and over 50mpg, costs under 4000$ now if you can find a STOCK one, and have a little bit of get up and go for when you need it

i sold my vx and went with a 97 subaru impreza outback, its an automatic w/ cruise control, which was worth every penny, but not only that, it gets in the high 20 mpgs, its all wheel drive, and has TONS of room with the seats folded down, even enough for me to sleep in (im only 5'8 but still)

id consider a newer audi a4 avant(wagon) also, with an automatic it can reach high 20s mpg w/ all wheel drive and an automatic, nice sunroof, QUIET, comfortable, and above all.. usable. you can fit 5 people, plenty of gear, and enough music for a 3x X-country trip, all while getting around 27+mpg hwy and riding like a cadillac

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Originally Posted by NickF829

id consider a newer audi a4 avant(wagon) also, with an automatic it can reach high 20s mpg w/ all wheel drive and an automatic, nice sunroof, QUIET, comfortable, and above all.. usable. you can fit 5 people, plenty of gear, and enough music for a 3x X-country trip, all while getting around 27+mpg hwy and riding like a cadillac

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I have to agree. I just bought one as a replacement for my VW Beetle. It is a gorgeous car, very fun to drive, and extremely comfortable. The Bose sound system sounds awesome. And yes, very little road noise. I could drive it all day.

Plenty of room for four, a little tight for five. The larger A6 Avant would definitely hold 5 more comfortably.

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Originally Posted by NickF829
a honda civic vx is great if your looking for a bit of storage room, under 6' tall, and great gas mileage but with absolutely NO bells and whistles when it comes to modern vehicles. they were only made from 1992-1995, but get upto and over 50mpg, costs under 4000$ now if you can find a STOCK one, and have a little bit of get up and go for when you need it

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Funny that you've mention civic vx because I've been planning on taking a cross-country road trip in a 05 honda civic si.

I agree with Michael's original comments. Though often overlooked, I think minivans are the best for car camping. They get pretty good gas mileage, have plenty of space, and because theyre so unfashionable, you can pick up a really reliable one for less than $5000.

update.. i just bought an 01 audi a4 avant(aka Wagon) 1.8L turbo. gets AWESOME gas mileage, about 30mpg on the highway doing 65, if im doin 55 i could push 32-35mpg i think. i bought it saturday, i drove 200 miles to pick it up, brought it 200 miles home, turned around the following morning and drove another 400 miles round trip to snowboard in west virginia, got home that night and realized i couldve easily gone another 400 comfortably. i love it. i don't have any big roadtrips planned, but i'm thinking of going to Mt. Washington in the spring, so that will be my first BIG trip. of all the cars i've owned in my 7 short years of roadtripping, i think this one is the best. AWD, quick, ROOMY, comfortable, quiet, great stereo, and above all, kinda stylish, if you like that soccermom thing haha.