Looking for new car, suggestions?

Cool for light duty, but I'm going to want a plywood insert to fill the seat wells I think. I have done that in the back of a Camry and threw a futon on top of it and it was surprisingly good sleep compared to the horrid sleeping in the reclined front seat nonsense. Having a quick way to nap en route in inclement weather is important for long road trips.

As for where to put the luggage, I actually pitch my tent to throw most of the luggage in there. I like the car for insulation and sound proofing sometimes. On my most favorite climbing road trip ever with a girl I was seeing, we slept in a Toyota Sienna and put the gear in the tent. That made for tons of room and more privacy. This is a good argument for dating soccer moms.

2001 saab 9-3 hatchback... I might get a truck next for extra space but i lived in this for 8 months. i'm 5'11'' or 6' tall.

I take it you removed the passenger seat in the Saab? Always an option. :-D

the passenger seat was folded all the way back and the back seats were moved around to make the bed level and to open up the truck space. I also set it up so that you could sleep back further and have the passenger seat up so i could still fit a friend in there but ended up making the solo setup more permanent in the end. its crazy how much space you can get out of a saab 9-3... Although i have never accomplished the dream of owning a TOPPOLA: google.com/search?q=topolla…

I had to look that one up.
saabhistory.com/2006/11/30/…

now there's a prius version
starling-travel.com/2013/01…

altho the Prius 5 will better fit most needs.

Also, in my Outback, if you move the front seat all the way forward, remove the headrests, then when you recline the front seat it will just reach the rear seatback.