I had a 1982 Subaru wagon till 2004 when I needed to go to an automatic due to foot problems. I toted my 150# shepherd and 35# mixed Scottie in them from Florida to Nebraska yearly with no problems. I just pulled down the back seats, threw a blanket over it and let the dogs have it all. They loved looking out all the windows. Even was able to have their dog bowls back there for them. Stopped at all the visitor centers to let them stretch their legs as well as mine.
Loved that old car.........5-speed on the floor, low to the ground. This was before they came out with all wheel drive too but that car got me out of a couple scraps. I drove thru very deep water to the point the water came up over the front seats and it never stalled. Of course I had to have the carpet removed and cleaned after that little stunt.......twice.