pet connection

Just in time for Memorial Day and the official launch of the summer travel season, the folks at Kelly Blue Book have released their 2008 Top 10 Best New Road Trip Vehicles.

In selecting these choices, the KBB editors said they considered many of the familiar factors such as driving enjoyment, passenger comfort, cargo space and, of course, fuel economy. But also threw in a few fun factors into their evaluations such as entertainment options, interior accommodations and driving performance. And because no two road trips are exactly alike, they were careful to cover just about every vehicle segment in their selections, and included a coupe, sedans, crossovers, SUVs and a minivan.

It doesn’t appear that the judges took into account any dog-friendly factors when selecting the vehicles for this list — at least they didn’t say so in the press release — but in fact, four of the top 10 are either proven, or potential DogCars.

They include:

Dodge Grand Caravan
KBB says: They say that getting there is half the fun. In the Dodge Grand Caravan, getting there can easily be all the fun. The Grand Caravan’s wide variety of entertainment options includes multiple DVD players, video game inputs, two overhead video screens, SIRIUS Satellite TV and radio as well as rearward-swiveling second row seats, all helping to transform the once humble minivan into a virtual party on wheels.
DogCars says: The “Stow ‘N Go” seating offers plenty of versatility for cargo and canine capabilities. This system allows you to switch the seating configuration from people hauler to crate carrier in just about 30 seconds. When flat, the rear cargo area has space aplenty, enough to carry several large crates or a couple sheets of plywood. Forget to book a hotel for the championships? The flat floor provides great space for sleeping when there’s no room at the inn.

There’s no question about it, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan meets and exceeds all the requirements of the perfect DogCar. This is truly a “grand” caravan.

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
KBB says: While the Tahoe Hybrid’s highway fuel economy rating of 22 mpg is only 2 mpg better than that of its gas-only counterpart (the hybrid’s bigger advantage is in city driving), it’s nevertheless the most fuel-friendly full-size SUV on the road and provides seating for eight, plenty of cargo solutions and the ability to tow your boat to the lake.
DogCars says: Finally, a hybrid big enough to carry large crates with the added benefit of a decent fuel economy. This newcomer was named the 2008 Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal.

Ford Flex
KBB says: Due in dealerships this summer, Ford’s new full-size, three-row crossover will be turning heads from coast to coast all year, while treating occupants to cold drinks with its class-exclusive refrigerated console.
DogCars says: Well, we haven’t driven it yet, but its boxy back end looks very accommodating for canine crates and cargo.

Mini-Cooper Clubman
KBB says: With excellent fuel economy and a fun-loving attitude, the MINI Cooper has earned its way onto our list of top road trip cars for the second year in a row. The new Clubman offers more passenger and luggage space than the standard Cooper, making the largest member of the MINI family an even more ideal long-haul companion.
DogCars says: The Mini Cooper Clubman has the look of a serious city DogCar. Because a lot of really practical DogCars are — how shall I say this nicely? — dull.

The others on the Top 10 Best Road Trip vehicles would never be contenders for DogCar of the Year, but they are an interesting lot just the same. For example, KBB included a car that no mere mortal could ever afford – $1.5 million Bugatti Veyron, which has only two seats, but produces more than 1,000 horsepower. What’s the point of including that beast on the list?

If the price of fuel has impacted your yacht time more than your driving habits, you might find the $1.5-million, 1,001-horsepower, 16-cylinder, quad-turbo, 250-mph Bugatti Veyron an ideal alternative the next time the jet is in the shop. Just keep in mind that at full speed, the Veyron burns through its 26-gallon fuel tank in about 12 minutes.

OK, so we’ve proven that the folks at Kelly Blue Book have a sense of humor as well. Ha ha ha.

Here’s the rest of the list.

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