OttawaMTB

I agree... I've had 2 STi's and love em. Never had a problem with either but just wanted something more comfy on longer trips so got rid of it for a 300C.
I regret getting rid of the STi sometimes so might have to get another yet

For the bike(s) though... I picked up a GMC Safari cargovan (no back seats or interior beyond the front seats)... am gonna weld up some rails/brackets and have a sliding/locking system to put the bikes in the back and lock em in so they won't budge until I want em to.

Bodeco

Great, thanks for the feedback guys. The Subaru route is sounding tempting.

I'm surprised no one mentioned a Subaru Baja. 4-door, plus a small bed for 2 bikes. Can even accommodate a roof rack for your kayak! Hey that rhymes.

Curtis_Elwood

Not sure why you'd avoid the automatic. The Impreza series actually gets better mileage with the automatic. The reason for this is that the manual has a 50/50 split in the differential until it senses slip. The automatic has a continuously variable differential that's constantly putting power to the most efficient wheels. So, it gets about 1 mpg better. And, unless you get the short-throw shifter, the manual is a bit sloppy.

junkyard

gross generalizations like this are worth ignoring. my 2002 wrx has taken the beating i've given it for nearly 100k miles and shows no signs of quitting.

IAMTB

I have a 2005 Mailbu Maxx and absolutely love it. Lots and lots of room in front and back. Sliding and reclining rear seats. Or fold them down and put two bikes inside. It has a 200HP V6 that has plenty of get up and go and my best gas mileage to date is 33mpg(28 average). It's definitely worth a look. I test drove a Subaru and a Volvo before I decided on the Malibu Maxx. They seemed to be a little on the small side inside. Of coarse the Maxx does not have AWD if that's something you must have. I would say it is not needed though. I live in Iowa and get around just fine in the winter.

Bike Lover

Help me out and by a US manufacturer's vehicle . (Obviously S.E. MI is Detroit area and we're hurting here!!)

I do have two vehicles that I consider bike friendly. The first is the Trailblazer. I pretty much keep the 60% portion of the back seat down, don't take off any wheels and slide the rear wheel in with the seat just going past the 40% portion, turn the wheel up, shut it and I'm good to go. BTW, it's the short wheelbase version too. Similar vehicles: GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Olds Bravada (for a few years), and Isuzu (can't think of the name... Ascender(?) has a better warranty and if you need a foriegn name plate to keep your neighbors happy).

The other is my Grand Prix GXP. If you don't think America can build a fast fun FWD, you must take the GXP version out for a drive!!! It has the 5.3l V-8, dual digital climate, HUD, big brakes, and a well tuned suspension that's phenominal! I haven't even driven my Firehawk much at all this year because of it. Anyway, I digress. The GP, requires both sides of the rear seat to be folded down and the front tire to be removed. But the trunk is otherwise HUGE and and swallow the rest of your gear no problem. I don't use this much, only when the SO has the TB and I need to transport the bike to the LBS (so far).

Anyway, you didn't actually post any other criteria for the vehicle other than bike friendly, so there you go!!

Oh, and BTW- the GP will kick the ***** outta 300C/Magnum/Charger, just ask how I know...

Hank Rearden

That truly made me laugh out loud.

Thanks.

bidaci

What a loaded question, but here is my two cents.

I recommend a crossover type vehicle like the Chevy Equinox, Nissan Murano, Dodge Pacifica, etc. Personally I have the Equinox and it has enough room for my biike with the seats folded down without removing a tire. It has a lower profile then a full SUV and a little more height then a station wagon. get it in AWD and you are good to go. I have driven 4 adults, 6 hours comfortably in my vehicle. I also know someone that has the Honda Element which is more of a van based vehicle and he can roll his bike in upright without problems. Either style should have plenty of room for a family.

And CONGRATULATIONS on being a daddy!

Bike Lover

Your welcome. It's amazing what about the same HP with lots less weight will do isn't it??

Hank Rearden

That's not what made me laugh.

What made me laugh was the chest thumping with regards to lameass streetracing in porky AARP sedans.

Bike Lover

Thanks for making me laugh. It's great to hear ignorance.

Hank Rearden

If imagining that I'm ignorant about those heavy, relatvely slow, and relatively poor handling granny mobiles makes you feel better, I'm happy for you.

Have fun "racing" the other porkers from stoplight to stoplight!

mcoine

Yeah, that made me laugh too, I mean, you aren't really bragging about how cool your pontiac is, are you? Yep, I guess you are.

Bike Lover

So, then tell me, quick, don't look it up on the internet now, how much does a GXP weigh? How much HP does it have? How fast is it through the quarter mile?

Oh, and BTW- I'll know if you look up the Car and Driver.

Hank Rearden

Around 3600 pounds, around 300 hp, no idea on the 1/4, but probably in 13-14 range. Why does it matter where I gained my understanding of your AARP slayer?

Your boasting about lameass street races against other tuna boats is what started the laughter. Your follow up posts just add to the humor.

Pheard

I vote porsche with a roof rack lololololol

mcoine

For comparison, BMW M3.. 360hp, 3052lbs. Plus it doesn't look like shlt.

cryptid01

What M3 is that? US E36's with the S50 / S52 motor weigh around 3200 with 240hp. E46's with the S54 are putting out 333 hp and are heavier still.

Regardless, either will run circles around a Pontiac medicare sled on the track.

WeWu

I believe he quoted the specs of the e46 m3 CSL, a very limited car that never made it to american shores

dgsmith15

This thread has fallen off of the original topic

Hank Rearden

Yes...and so what?

iamthetas

my Mazda pickup extended cab( a Ford ranger in disguise) fits all the needs of the bike and my kids. the newer ( post 98) trucks have a passenger side airbag that can be turned off for child seats. nice! I have a shell on my truck so I can leave my bike in the truck even on days when I wont ride and therefore taking up less space in the shed. when I had a smaller living domacile without a shed it saved a ton of incovenience and cleanup of the carpet after riding less than ideal conditions.

ranger5oh

Sti with a Thule rack perhaps...????

pinkrobe

^^^^^^ Oh yes...

OttawaMTB

LOL you beat me to it!
I have a 300C and my friend has a new GXP... the Pontiac isn't even close in terms of performance.
340hp in the 300C and it's underrated.

Yes yes I know... you all think it's an old-man's car True in some aspects... it's a comfy car to drive with lots of room.... but it does have very good performance considering it's a mix of luxury and muscle.
I'm happy with it