I am in the search for a new car which will be my tailgate vehicle. Here are the rules:
1. Must be cool
2. Must be safe, (have kids)
3. Must be fuel efficient
4. Must be roomy
5. Must be not crazy expensive

Anybody with knowledge about cars want to give me some good suggestions?

Toyota Matrix or Pontiac Vibe

Nissan Xterra if you want a reliable SUV. It is rugged, coolfast as heII and cost effective. It also gets decent MPG for an SUV. I use mine for tailgating and the beach. I love it! And the stereo freakin' rocks!

BBSooner Wrote:Nissan Xterra if you want a reliable SUV. It is rugged, coolfast as heII and cost effective. It also gets decent MPG for an SUV. I use mine for tailgating and the beach. I love it! And the stereo freakin' rocks!

One of the best buys on the market IMO. Very versatile SUV with good gas mileage for its class. Won't handle the trails like a Grand Cherokee, but it does not sound like that is what you are looking for.

I also like the Pontiac Vibe if you are looking for something in more of a hatchback/5 door type of style.

I would stay away from the Nissan Xterra. My daughter bought a new one three years ago and it's been nothing but trouble. If you want a serious SUV go with the Land Rover. I have a 2007 Range Rover Sport but you can get into a LR 2 or LR3 for between 35K and 60K
If you don't want to spend that much go with a Jeep. I also have two of those. I have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 245K miles on it. I also have a 2006 Jeep Liberty.
I love all my SUV's but my 96 Jeep is my favorite. Gas mileage isn't bad for a SUV but it will never be mistaken for a hybrid. Good luck in your search.
Jim

i love my honda odyssey. i have a 2007 with variable cylinder management (VCM) and a 3.5-liter V-6. being able to drop from 6 cylinders to 3 is a HUGE help. my last trip down to new orleans and back used about 24/25 gallons. the round trip was around 750 miles so that works out to around 30 mph. not bad

and i can get a ton of tailgating gear (grill, chairs, tables, ezup canopy and coolers) in it plus still haul 4 folks.

Tomorrow, I am looking at the Honda Ridgeline. Cool car. Good storage/roomy. However the gas mileage is not great due to the size. 15/20/17 avg.

I also like the Toyota FJ Cruiser but after checking out the size today, not too much space for tailgate gear. cool looking car but not too practical. Easy to clean the inside though.

America's #1 Tailgate Planner
http://www.tailgatehaven.com/

get customized van, 6 cylinder eng. comfortable for travel.
that was my 1st van, red & white VW bus

1980s Porsche 911. End of discussion.