Drew.Gardonia
AWD Ford Escape Hyrbrid. excellent gas mileage, AWD, good cargo area for 3 chaser (4 might be pushing it), plenty of space up top to mount weather instruments.
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Drew.Gardonia
01+ V-6 Honda Odyssey. Dad has an 01, and that thing has a ton of room, excellent viewing ability, tons of cargo space, 25mpg on the highway, 15 gallon tank (400 mile range), lot's of "hauling the mail" pep if needed, very very reliable, especially for multiple people.
ericjkelly
EF4
Drew,
Love my Escape Hybrid. Had 4 chasing in it last year. Not too bad....a little tight. The 110V plug on the dash is really helpful!
Love my Escape Hybrid. Had 4 chasing in it last year. Not too bad....a little tight. The 110V plug on the dash is really helpful!
RobMilton
I have a '95 Silverado Ex Cab 4x4. Its not great on fuel, but it goes lots of places, is very stable, lots of room, and they are CHEAP! Besides, another scratch or ding will just add more character.
Besides that, I dont think you can get parts for another vehicle any easier than you can a Chevy truck. Also very easy to work on.
Besides that, I dont think you can get parts for another vehicle any easier than you can a Chevy truck. Also very easy to work on.
Michael Towers
Supporter
I bought the 2010 4x4 Limited at the end of last year’s season and it’s been a fantastic vehicle, both for chasing and for general use. It met the criteria I noted in a previous post and has been a quite pleasure to drive and a definite upgrade from my 2005 Camry. I love the ample space, it’s very comfortable and has allowed me to access with confidence gravel roads that previously would have given me anxiety. A subtle but not insignificant improvement over the Camry is the ease of access to my gear, most notably my tripod. I’m into filming outside and now I can get my already fully extended tripod out in a flash and be filming in seconds. Conversely I can also stow it in and get moving in quick fashion if I need to make a fast exit. So far I’ve averaged almost 22mpg overall and haven’t experienced a single mechanical problem, giving me satisfactory efficiency as well as the reliability I expected. The only downside is I’m far less aggressive in my chasing style when it comes to cores and more likely to miss some tubes as a result. That’ll probably change after a few seasons but for now I’ll take the cautious play in lieu of risking another 6-7-09. Those craters may be badges of honor on my Camry but they’d be devastating to see on my sweet new ride.
92 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Jason Foster
ewww.....god no...too old, those K-bodied Caravans are weak. Go with at least a 96. Besides, parts are getting few and far between. A 92 would be what I would call a "sacrifice" chase vehicle. One you go out and buy in the central states at the beginning of chase season at some crazy used lot for $500 to $800...and almost immediately drive into a hail core with multiple cameras set up, and throw it away once the 'job is done'.
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Kevin Franz
EF0
Although I do think this is an interesting approach to social engineering and a way of finding out who drives what.... 
I know my vehicle is far from optimum. I drive a VW Passat, moonroof and all. I have to admit when I purchased it I wasn't thinking about chasing (not sure why). I have some fear of hail etc because the body is in excellent condition. However, I wouldn't change the performance for anything.
I know my vehicle is far from optimum. I drive a VW Passat, moonroof and all. I have to admit when I purchased it I wasn't thinking about chasing (not sure why). I have some fear of hail etc because the body is in excellent condition. However, I wouldn't change the performance for anything.Aaron Kennedy
EF5
The new Subaru Impreza hatchback sounds like a good fit. AWD and 30+ mpg? Yes please! In the meantime, I'm happy with our Subaru Forester.
Brandon Jenkins
EF3
I recently went to look at them and would agree. I ended up with a new Subaru Legacy instead (I need ample space for the kid and wasn't real fond of the outback) and I love it. It's comfortable on long drives, 31mpg on the hwy, and plenty of space for the camera equipment and laptop desk. I'll be a little bummed when it gets its first hail dents but I do my best to avoid the grapefruits : D
Adam Simone
EF1
I almost bought a new Legacy myself. I really like the new look and like you said 31 mpg is pretty good. I've always driven a truck though so I decided to get a new Silverado. I probably wont take it chasing for a couple of years and will just keep using my 2001 Ranger for chasing purposes.
Derek Weston
EF5
Curious if anyone is chasing with a Rav4, specifically, the hybrid. Looking at a 2017 hybrid right now. (wanted to stay under 20k)
It'd be a second vehicle for me. Not just for storm chasing, but with the possibility for it. Reliability is great, so is gas mileage... and apparently the hybrid has more zip than the non hybrid versions. My only concern is that it only has 7" clearance, and the AWD drive system isn't as good as what you see with the Subarus. (however, not keen on the used Subarus I see under 20k given some of their reliability issues)
Probably overthinking this -- I used to chase in rental vehicles that didn't have AWD. I've never been overly aggressive on terrible roads anyway.
My main vehicle is a Tundra, which I find to be a big large and cumbersome for the task, not to mention, a gas hog. (My plan is to retire it for mostly overlanding/towing/camping)
It'd be a second vehicle for me. Not just for storm chasing, but with the possibility for it. Reliability is great, so is gas mileage... and apparently the hybrid has more zip than the non hybrid versions. My only concern is that it only has 7" clearance, and the AWD drive system isn't as good as what you see with the Subarus. (however, not keen on the used Subarus I see under 20k given some of their reliability issues)
Probably overthinking this -- I used to chase in rental vehicles that didn't have AWD. I've never been overly aggressive on terrible roads anyway.
My main vehicle is a Tundra, which I find to be a big large and cumbersome for the task, not to mention, a gas hog. (My plan is to retire it for mostly overlanding/towing/camping)
Derek Weston
EF5
Other vehicle I am considering -- and I can't remember seeing one out storm chasing -- is a Lexus rx350. Lose some of the tech at the same price point compared to the Rav4, but the v6 is alluring, and they have one of the most reliable drive-trains out there. Assume AWD won't be any better, ground clearance about the same.
