I have a 2010 Jeep Patriot -- LOVE it! Very easy with Jackson (I've also traveled with a Rottweiler, too). It's a good "dog car", I think. I love it because it's not a huge SUV or anything but it's still bigger than a car (but drives really nice) and is not a gas guzzler. I have Jackson's carseat in the back and he can still stick his head out the window. I also can fold the seats down (and it's not just one big folding down seat, they each fold down separately). It's proven to be a good vehicle.
The Honda Element seems like the ultimate dog car, though. I think they are stopping making any more brand new ones though but it may be worth looking into it.