I use a Toyota Matrix. The Matrix has molded plastic for the floor of the cargo area and the back of the rear seats. Also on the floor and back of the seats are tracks where one can place eye bolts to tie things down. Diving, economics and a place to put my kids and the hard plastic flooring were reasons for my decision on buying the Matrix over 3 years ago.
After having our 1st child diving became non-existent until about 1 - 2 months ago. We had been using our Chevy Astro as a dive vehicle, but let me tell you I am extremely impressed with the Matrix as a dive vehicle. Yesterday was the 1st time I used it in that capacity. With the seats folded down I had plenty enough room for all our gear. We only had one tank apiece but it will easily hold 2 tanks each all the gear and still have empty space.
The only downside is that if both my wife and I go, in order to drop the kids off somewhere we either have to drop them off using the van and come back to the house or if time is critical, leave the van at the persons house who is watching the kids. I can't have the gear and take the kids at the same time.
I got 32.5 mpg in the Matrix all geared up as opposed to 18 mpg in the Astro. At $2.39 per gallon, the Matrix just became the primary dive vehicle.
diving_emtp