Cars For Dogs

by carman1970
-
April 06, 2009

Rate Guide

(1)

0 discussions

Here are a couple of great vehicles for transporting dogs. Denver is one of the top cities in the nation for dog ownership and our 4-legged friends deserve only the best for their transporting needs.

Quick point: 1

Petco and Petsmart (seriously, in this economic day and age, don’t be surprised to see the two combine) along with smaller pet stores sell several dog accessories for your vehicle.

Don’t be anti ASPCA (the former pro wrestler Bill Goldberg is a spokesman and will bury you if you’re mean to your pet) and let your dog roam around your car. And DON’T let your pooch sit on your lap when driving.

Add Comment

Suzuki SX4 Crossover

New this year is a navigation system and traction control – standard. A three mode AWD system that allows you to select 2-wheel-drive for economy, AWD for inclement weather and 4WD for deep stuff comes standard.

There is a fairly refined 2 liter, 16 valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine. It produces 143 horsepower and 136 lbs feet of torque. The SX4 is available with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, the economy numbers are about the same. I managed mid 20’s mpg while driving the 5-speed manual in mixed driving all over Denver.

The Suzuki SX4 Crossover offers a 3 mode AWD system. The 3 mode systems are: FWD (saves gas), 4WD or Auto. Seriously, there are few cars that can keep up with the SX4 Crossover year-round. You pooches will dig the wide dimensions and flat loading floor when one or both of the 60/40 split rear seats are completely folded forward. If your dog is big and old, you can fold a back seat forward and open a side door for an easier step-up.

Suzuki’s SX4 has a sweet ride too.

The wheelbase is wide enough to smooth out tighter corners and the long travel suspension works very well in soaking up potholes (which doggies hate). This is a great small, cheap car for Denver-folk and their dogs. Prices start at about $16,000 and top out at about $24,000 loaded to the gills.

Add Comment

Quick point: 2

Okay, some of us are stuck with pickup trucks. PLEASE don’t toss Man’s Best Friend in the pickup truck’s bed. If you have absolutely no room, they sell a few harnesses you can attach to your truck’s bed that will help your dog. Still, there are so many jerks out there who care less about weather and road conditions… I say we start a movement to yank these morons out of their trucks, toss ‘em upon a big truck’s hood and drive hard down the highway. It’s just an idea. Come on people – your dog deserves to ride in the cab more than some of your regular passengers and you know it!

Add Comment

Mitsubishi Outlander XLS V6

The Mitsubishi Outlander is quite a compelling crossover SUV for the price. It looks good, drives great and holds a lot for its size. The powerful 3.0 V6 in the XLS produces 220 horsepower (which makes 204 lbs feet of torque) and it’s paired to a smooth paddle shifting 6-speed auto.

A lesser 4-cylinder and FWD are available.

There is a 3 mode rotary dial that allows you to choose from front-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive (nasty weather) to “Lock” (for mud and thick snow). There are 13 storage areas, comfortable seats front and back (but the third row is for itty-bitty ones only), 9 cup holders and lots of storage. Plastics are cheap, and that’s my only gripe.

ANY dog will love the rear tailgate-style opening and massive storage area that can easily handle an extra large kennel when the 3rd row seat is folded. That same tailgate makes for easy, low loading for most cargo. Just like the Suzuki SX4 I mentioned, the Mitsubishi Outlander’s second row of seats folds forward which can help an older, larger pooch when entering.

Mileage is okay at an average of 20-ish mpg (but I drove mine like an idiot) Oh, and the optional 650 watt Rockford Fosgate stereo system is mind-numbingly loud. I like! For all of its ability $20,000 to just under $35,000 loaded, this easy driving machine it hard to beat.