GolF Club

Great at what it is (2008-09-03)
We purchased the 682 on short notice because it served a need, and the price was right. Product was order and expedient shipping was requested. The cargo box arrived on the expected/promised day and was reasonably easy for me to assemble, though I could probably be considered an expert. Most would fare better, even much better, with an assistant - especially with connecting the top to the bottom.

Mounting to the roof of our 2004 Dodge Durango proved impossible without purchasing the horizontal crossbeams from Dodge. Which I had to do. For another $200. It would be helpful if the product description made mention of this, as any vehicle this would be attached to MUST have horizontal (width-spanning) bars, and for most cars these are aftermarket.

Once I got the braces from the local dealer and mounted those, the cargo box mounted with reasonable ease, with caveats. For one, mounting this thing to a high vehicle absolutely REQUIRES a six or eight foot ladder. It could not be mounted any other way without doing significant damage to vehicle and sanity. Also, it really needs to be mounted empty, and filled later. Some may not realize this.

Some complain the product is "flimsy." This is by design. We're putting something on the roof of the car, and filling it with stuff - the idea is for it to be as light as possible without sacrificing strength or utility. It is exactly as it should be.

Overall, a product I never thought I'd own, but I am happy with the purchase, and we will use it again and again. I would buy this exact product again without concern.

Fantastic . . . except for one small thing (2008-08-09)
I'd read other reviews so was ready for some challenges assembling the cargo box, but with minimal help steadying it, it went together just fine. At 16 lbs. it's light enough for me to put on my Outback by myself - and I'm a 5'4" woman who's pushing 70, although in good shape.

I had a question for Tech help about keeping it on my vehicle for several months at a time that they answered promptly online.

BUT . . . one small part was missing. Fortunately it was cosmetic, holding on one of the small bolt caps on the outside, because I have yet had a response from customer service, in spite of leaving word to call me 5-6 times. You get put on hold forever, and after 30 minutes or so you give up and leave a message as they keep suggesting. I was also automatically offered the opportunity to buy replacement parts, but no way I'm going to do that. It's their fault they didn't sent it, and they need to replace it.

Great system (2008-08-07)
Ditto other customers who had positive feedback. We just got back from taking this box and the four bags (sold seperate) to the Grand Canyon from Central Texas. It worked great. Four full bags were a little tight, but the weight is only supposed to around 100 pounds. Assembly was quick when you follow the instructions (hint, hint :>). Get the bags to go along with it they are very sturdy. Many people write the box is flimsy..it's supposed to be lightweight so they can put they heavy junk inside.

FAR, FAR TOO COSTLY FOR THE QUALITY (2008-08-03)
This cargo box is attractive and very lightweight, but quality, and probably durability, is cut dramatically in order to achieve that end. My biggest concern with this is the way the arms that hold the top up are attached. The ball joint is inserted into a simple plastic joint, which is far too flimsy. If this item cost only $50, that weak construction would be expected, but it is not acceptable for an item this expensive.

Thule Sidekick fits my Matrix perfectly (2008-07-07)
I recently downsized to a 2009 Toyota Matrix to learn thay my old cartop carrier could not be installed without a huge hassle. The Thule Sidekick installed in about five minutes, fits the Matrix perfectly, and provides the extra storage capacity needed for longer trips, camping, etc.