I know some of the minivans will take 2 xl crates side by side in rear with last seat removed.

Fuel economy is better than trucks.

At our cross-country ski club in winter I note that toyota siennas of some of our friends have exceptional winter traction going up hill: must have to do with weight distribution and large wheel diameter compared to smaller front drive cars. granted towing not so good and ground clearance lower than trucks.

also aluminum dog specific trailers an option, that would permit daily use of compact car and trailer towing for dog activities. corolla can tow 1500 lbs... $5000 for a trailer seems initially expensive but if can avoid owning a truck that is worth $2000+ a year in fuel, payments, cost of parts like tires, when compared to compact car.

all this from a guy who over loads the trailer behind his ford focus wagon, uses the same car to butt large 800 lb. plastic covered hay bales like hockey pucks in winter (so far haven't set off the airbags) and figures his utility trailer has paid for itself about 20x over, due to not owning a truck during the last 8 years (trailer for bales, manure, and firewood, not dog stuff).

AM

You know if you don't need to go offroad to the extent that you need the ground clearance of a truck - I would agree those minivans can be a better option - and with both side doors opening and the rear liftgate ventilation is great and it is easier on the dog's joints getting in and out.

You still have the wet dog and dog hair and doggie odor issues and you can haul a LOT. I may actually get a small trailer for my truck to haull so I don't have to dismantle my set up anytime I want to do garden stuff.

I love my Honda Element. Back seats remove completely, and the interior can literally be hosed out. The two vehicles in our family are the Element and a Dodge Dakota extended cab. Whenever we go somewhere with the dogs, it's in the Element.

seems to be the topic of the week: http://www.dogsincanada.com/the-best-cars-for-dog-people

Hmmm...

most of the driving I do is in the city. I live approx. 3 miles from the office and I try not to get on the interstate. I do take the expressawy to go buy dog food on the other side of town though, lol

My major needs are:
1)hauling the 2 dogs back and forth to the park
2)hauling bicycles back and forth to rides
3)must fit a sheet of plywood (I have an 80 year old house...I always seem to be replacing or fixing something)
4)must be able to get a load of mulch from the city for the yard

I think a van or similar would be great for the first three needs, but I'm not sure I want to try and put a load of mulch in the back of a van/suv. I don't need 4 wheel drive because I do not go off-road and it doesn't snow or ice down here, but I would like additional clearance for when a sudden thunderstorm pops up and the streets start flooding before I can find somewhere to wait it out.

I'm still in favor of the small truck.. but I will do some addition to see what the difference in gas $ will be for the next size up; especially since I don't really drive that far.

criteria 3 & 4 would disqualify the Honda Element. Those two things precisely are why we still have the Dodge truck too.

Around town something like a tacoma can carry a sheet of plywood and be a bit easier on parking than the big ones.

This is a decent site but how you drive impacts your fuel economy too so your actual results may be better or worse. Also look into insurance costs - some of the small trucks are boy toys for offroading and that runs up the rates on that clas.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byclass.htm

in my particular situation (and everyone's different), i would LOVE to get a small car that gets 30-40mpg.

HOWEVER--where i live i need 4WD to even get to the closest grocery store/gas station (10 mi) in winter if things get bad fast, much less into work (over hill and dale. ice? gotta love it ). plus haul dogs, plus haul "stuff" around/for the property.

ie, i want it all, lol. i really need 1) 4wd 2)a truck bed for hauling stuff 3)the best mpg i can get given the first 2.

haven't done much research yet (obviously), but i would rather buy a 1/2 ton 8-cyl than a 4-cyl ford ranger--at least the 1/2 ton would get me out of here if need be, w/o stupidly endangering life/limb.

this thread has been great!