Station wagons are one vehicle class that has fallen out of favor with many American motorists—other than minivans. Back in the day, station wagons could transport the entire family: pets, luggage, and anything else needed for an epic road trip.
Station Wagons Aren’t Cutting It for Many Motorists
But today, station wagons aren’t cutting it with consumers. It’s not that there’s no interest in them. It’s just that now, people want SUVs and crossovers. One reason is that station wagons have a reputation for being boring people haulers.
Seeing Is Believing
If that’s your line of thinking, you obviously haven’t seen any of these 14 station wagon models. After checking out these options, you may rethink everything you think you know about “boring” station wagons.
Volvo 850 T5-R (1995)
If you think a high-performance station wagon is a misnomer, think again. The 1985 Volvo 850 T5-R is a high-performance wagon due to its turbocharged engine. It also has a boxy design that’s anything but boring. Featuring an “engine retuned by none other than Porsche,” the vehicle is still a capable people mover and is anything but boring.
Audi RS6 Avant (2021)
Another vehicle that’ll have you saying, “I can’t believe this is a station wagon,” is the 2021 Audi RS6 Avant. The vehicle boasts 591 hp and combines luxury and performance. One reviewer notes that the vehicle “is the best car Audi’s ever made.” That’s high praise for a “boring” station wagon.
Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon (1991-1996)
The Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon from 1991 to 1996 is a classic station wagon and the ultimate people mover. It’s a massive vehicle and can be instantly identified because of its wood paneling. All that wood trim and paneling might not be your cup of tea today, but it was all the rage decades ago. Edmunds says you can get a used one for $1,467 to $5,986, so it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Subaru Outback
Subaru Outbacks have been around for a long time. It’s hard to find a boring model. Yes, they’re station wagons with sufficient space, capable of hauling people and gear. But they have a rugged, outdoorsy vibe, not to mention—they’re all-wheel-drive.
Chevrolet Nomad (1955-1957)
Good luck finding a Chevy Nomad from 1955 to 1957, but the station wagon with two doors is an iconic vehicle. Classic.com says, “The Chevrolet Nomad was a station wagon model made off and on from 1955 to 1972. The Nomad is best remembered in its two-door Tri-Five form.”
Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon (2006-2011)
Another station wagon with a unique design is the 2006-2011 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon. The turbocharged engine under its hood means the Swedish wagon can really scoot. It might be enough to change your opinion of station wagons for the better.
Volkswagen Passat W8 Wagon (2001-2004)
If you’re looking for a cool station wagon, look no further than the Volkswagen Passat W8 Wagon. Although it’s available in a four-door sedan configuration, the five-door station wagon configuration will turn heads for the right reasons.
Dodge Magnum SRT8 (2006-2008)
In describing the 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8, a Car and Driver reviewer says the vehicle is “about more than horsepower—it’s about moving through traffic with gunfighter confidence.” With 425 hp under the hood and a look unlike your grandparents’ old station wagon, the Dodge Magnum SRT8 is a winner. Check out the 2006 to 2008 model years.
Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon (2004-2009)
The Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon is another example of a station wagon that’s anything but boring. It’s got the swag of a Jaguar but the reliability of something that’s…well…more reliable.
You don’t just have to focus on its sleek design and sweep reliability matters under the rug, either. One Reddit user writes, “The 2.5 and 3.0l V6 is a really good engine and is generally very reliable, not just Jaguar reliable but reliable reliable.”
Volvo V70R (1997-2010)
Another member of the “Cool Station Wagons Club” is the 1997-2010 Volvo V70R. It’s a high-performance version of the Volvo V70. With a sporty design and a turbocharged engine, what’s not to love?
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
When you see a Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, you’ll have a hard time believing it’s a station wagon. But it is. One source says it’s “a hugely fast and fun-to-drive estate car with a hatchback boot.” While purists might scoff at a Porsche in the configuration of a station wagon, seeing is believing. And putting the vehicle through its paces will convert skeptics into firm believers.
Buick Century Caballero (1957-1958)
If you’ve been led to believe that only modern station wagons have cool cred, consider the Buick Century Caballero from 1957 to 1958. AutoEvolution describes the 1958 model as a “four-door hardtop six-passenger wagon.” The styling might be a bit over the top for some. But one thing you can’t call the Buick Century Caballero is boring.
Pontiac Safari Wagon (1987-1989)
Another cool station wagon is the Pontiac Safari Wagon from 1987 to 1989. A blast from the past, it’s a big American station wagon with plenty of interior space and classic styling.
Ford Taurus Wagon (1986-2005)
Another popular station wagon from yesteryear is the 1986-2005 Ford Taurus Wagon. It’s a practical vehicle that offers comfort, unique style, and room for the whole family.
Don’t Say Station Wagons Aren’t Cool!
While there may be some clunkers in the station wagon segment, don’t lump all station wagons into the same “boring” category. The ones on this list are examples of cars in this category that are unapologetically cool.
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