pet connection

Nobody ever said that a DogCar has to be dull as dishwater.

A recent study released by Kelly Blue Book — those are the folks who know everything about the value of a vehicle — reveals the “Top 10 Coolest Cars for under $18,000” available on the market today.

And guess what! At least three of these Cool Cuties are legitimate DogCars.

Here’s how the KBB folks judged the flock.

In choosing the elite 10 Coolest Cars under $18,000, our kbb.com editorial staff used the same combination of objective and subjective criteria that many consumers use in examining this category. Safety, fuel economy, environmental impact, interior size, comfort and fun-to-drive were all items on the consideration list. And each vehicle was examined through the subjective magnifying glass of what is cool.

From a DogCar perspective, three of the Top 10 are actually the coolest of the cool.

The Honda Fit, which earns a 5-Paw rating for its hatchback versatility and fuel-miserly ways, earned “Top 10 Coolest Cars” honors by KBB.

With gas prices on the rise, small cars like the Honda Fit are gaining in popularity. The Fit sips gasoline and offers the sportiest driving experience available in an econo-car. Plus, the seats can be configured in multiple arrangements, so it can easily hold things like your friends, your gear or a medium-sized alpaca (according to a photo — above — on Honda’s Web site, anyway).

The only dog-related drawback with the Fit is that it’s just a tad bit tiny for big dog families. However, as a second vehicle for transporting small to medium-sized pups, the Fit is it!

The sporty Mazda3 also corralled “Coolest Car” honors along with four Paws as a DogCar. The KBB panel has enjoyed the five-door hatchback so much that they’ve placed it among the coolest cars year after year.

Fun, stylish, versatile and substantial, the exceptionally well-rounded MAZDA3 is the only vehicle to make it onto our list the past four years in a row—and every year since its introduction. Suffice it to say, it’s cool.

From a dog lover’s perspective, the Mazda3 is perfect for city dwellers in need of a small get-about without sacrificing interior space. Oh, and it’s fun to drive.

Finally, the boxy-yet-appealing Toyota Scion xB won Coolest Car honors for its cost-effective amenities.

The xB, with more attention for the dollar than any of our other “coolest cars,” makes a bold statement while being extremely utilitarian.

We like the Scion xB’s space and versatility enough to award it four Paws and a mention as a possible contender for Best DogCar honors in its category.

So there you have it. You can be a responsible, prudent and dedicated DogCar owner and still be considered cool . . . which is definitely a cut above dull dishwater.

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