Comments on: New Pilot lands safely on the DogCars.com wish list

By: Anne T

Anne T — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:56:39 +0000

Thanks, keith! I am putting the Pilot at the very top of my new car wish list when I finally face the fact I need to do something about my 1996 Ford Explorer. I have been loathe to part with it and I haven’t seen anything out there I want to replace it with.
The Pilot’s got the room I need for crates for 6 small racing dogs, tent, chairs, portable refrigerator, suitcase, and whatever else I can jam into it.
It doesn’t look like a child’s unskilled drawing of a car either like it’s cousin the Element and it has real side & rear windows, not tiny slivers of glass that pass for windows.
Most importantly “All-wheel or four-wheel drive and high ground clearance for field training trips”. I have had 4 wheel drive cars for decades, starting way back when with a subaru station wagon. I wouldn’t live where I do without it.
High ground clearance means I save on wear and tear on my knees getting in and out, and I can see ahead of me when driving! Wahoo! I think I’m in love!

By: Gina Spadafori

Gina Spadafori — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:43:58 +0000

Yeah, this week I’m driving the Honda CR-V. It’s a great vehicle, but not a great DogCar anymore.

The previous version of the CR-V, with its squared-off rear end, was one of the best small DogCars evah. Then Honda redesigns into last year with a swoopy rear that absolutely ruins it for us dog-owners.

Man, was I disappointed. Fortunately, there’s still the Honda Element.

By: straybaby

straybaby — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:24:38 +0000

I’m digging the rear view photo of this one. Looks Like I could get my whole crew in in an emergency. One Dalmatian and 5 cats crated :) I also tend to haul around other things like furniture and get frustrated seeing the rounded/streamlined back ends. Absolutely drives my practical side nuts ;)

By: Lis

Lis — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:19:13 +0000

Dogs are allowed on public transportation in Boston, at least in off-peak hours: Pets on the T

By: Gina Spadafori

Gina Spadafori — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:40:19 +0000

That’s absolutely true, Todd, but at DogCars.com we recognize that people have different needs in vehicles.

We’ve reviewed everything from the largest SUVs to the Mini Cooper Clubman. I loved the Clubman, but it ain’t going to cut it for taking three or more big dogs and their gear to an agility trial — or even a dog park, really.

The problem with small cars is SAFETY. While you can sit a big dog in the back of a compact sedan or hatchback, you may not be able to fit a crate back there, and you won’t be able to fit multiple crates. That removes one of two safety options (canine restraints/seat belts are the other).

Leaving a dog loose in the car is NOT an option as far as I’m concerned — it’s dangerous for the driver, others on the road and the dog.

For what it’s worth, the Pilot had pretty good mpg for its size, 17 city/23 highway.

Oh, I WISH dogs were allowed on public transport in the United States, but I can’t ever see that happening.

By: Todd Edelman

Todd Edelman — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:31:29 +0000

Hi,

I can see the use for something like this outside of towns, or if you have several dogs, children and/or cargo, but a car is perhaps excessive even for just one big dog in places like Boston, San Francisco, Seattle and Toronto plus most cities in Europe where pet dogs are allowed on public transit.

To find out more see my website for “Dogs on Board!”