Fairfield-Echo.com

Honda DogCars.com reviewers chose the Honda Element as Best in Show.

The boxy Element is as good a dog car as could possibly be imagined. From its versatile cargo space to easy-clean interior, is a near-perfect vehicle for dog-loving drivers.

In addition, the DogCars.com team noted four vehicles to watch in 2008: The all-new Toyota Scion xB, Volvo XC70, Dodge Grand Caravan and Buick Enclave. In the "green" category, DogCars.com marks the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid as worth a test drive for dog lovers who want a cleaner ride.

Surveys show about half of all pet owners consider the comfort of their dogs when buying a new car -- and 65 percent take their pets on errands. That means the dog-loving car buyer is a serious niche market that carmakers ignore at their peril. Other top picks for 2007 include:

Best Luxury SUV: Land Rover Range Rover

Best Midsized SUV: Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC90 (tie)

Best Small-Sized SUV: Mitsubishi Outlander

Best Sporty Wagon/Hatchback: Mazda Speed3

Best Pickup Truck: Ford F-150

Best Minivan: Dodge Grand Caravan

Best Hatchback: Honda Fit Sport

The selections were based on weeklong trials with a variety of vehicles.