Wagons, Wagons Everywhere
They've been a hot topic here at 'Exhaust Notes,' so here's Wired's top 12 station wagons.
By Joshua Condon Jul 7, 2010 3:28PM
Yep, love 'em or hate 'em -- we're definitely in the former category -- the once glorious, then neglected, now possibly resurgent station wagon has been a hot topic of late. First, Lawrence Ulrich declared that, like the Cadillac CTS-V wagon, the wagon version of the Mercedes E 350 outdelivers its sedan counterpart (he also revealed a deep-seated love for the segment among many auto journalists). Shortly thereafter, James Tate heralded the wagon's comeback, with Volvo's upcoming V60 leading the way. Me? I take every opportunity I can to declare my love for an older Volvo version: the 240 Turbo wagon.
Wagons have also been on the minds of the editors over at Wired's "Autopia" blog, to the point where they've dedicated some time to compiling a list of the 12 best wagons from past to present. We'll let you head over to their article to get the full pictorial rundown with their commentary, but here's a list of what made the cut. And, yes, my beloved Volvo 240 Turbo made the list, though it's not pictured in its most glorious navy blue hue -- shame.
Wagons have also been on the minds of the editors over at Wired's "Autopia" blog, to the point where they've dedicated some time to compiling a list of the 12 best wagons from past to present. We'll let you head over to their article to get the full pictorial rundown with their commentary, but here's a list of what made the cut. And, yes, my beloved Volvo 240 Turbo made the list, though it's not pictured in its most glorious navy blue hue -- shame.
- Caddy CTS Sports Wagon (2009-present)
- Volvo 240 Turbo (1981-85)
- VW Jetta TDI Sportwagen (2009-present)
- Audi RS2 Avant (1994)
- AMC Eagle (1980-88)
- BMW M5 Touring (1992-95)
- Mercedes-Benz W123 Estate (1976-85)
- Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (1964-1972)
- Chevrolet Nomad (1955-61)
- Mercedes AMG E 55 (2002-2006)
- Subaru Outback (1995-present)
- Saab 95 (1959-1978)
12Comments
Jul 7, 2010 3:41PM
I hope this trend continues and if nothing else comes of the upcoming CAFE regulations it may mean the availability of more wagons since they weigh less and get better mileage
than "crossovers"
which are nothing more than "butched"
up wagons anyway. My uncle used to have a 1985 240 Turbo wagon which was the coolest Volvo (it was a gorgeous medium/dark blue color but not the navy hue) by far of the half dozen or so Volvos he (and my aunt)has (have) owned.It would move out in a manner that was unusual for family cars at the time (it was intercooled, something that I can't recall was a factory option or something my engineer uncle added)!! It was replaced with one of the last 240 wagons ('92or '93?) which was okay by virtue of also being a stick shift but nowhere near as quick or desirable (Volvo moved the Turbo option to the 740 series when it came out in '86).
than "crossovers" which are nothing more than "butched" up wagons anyway. My uncle used to have a 1985 240 Turbo wagon which was the coolest Volvo (it was a gorgeous medium/dark blue color but not the navy hue) by far of the half dozen or so Volvos he (and my aunt)has (have) owned.It would move out in a manner that was unusual for family cars at the time (it was intercooled, something that I can't recall was a factory option or something my engineer uncle added)!! It was replaced with one of the last 240 wagons ('92or '93?) which was okay by virtue of also being a stick shift but nowhere near as quick or desirable (Volvo moved the Turbo option to the 740 series when it came out in '86).Jul 7, 2010 1:40PM
Yep, love 'em or hate 'em -- we're definitely in the former category -- the once glorious, then neglected, now possibly resurgent station wagon has been a hot topic of late. First, Lawrence Ulrich declared that, like the Cadillac CTS-V wagon, the wagon version of the Mercedes E 350 outdelivers its sedan counterpart (he also revealed a deep-seated love for the segment among many auto journalists). Shortly thereafter, James Tate heralded the wagon's comeback, with Volvo's upcoming V60 leading the way. Me? I take every opportunity I can to declare my love for an older Volvo version: the 240 Turbo wagon.
Wagons have also been on the minds of the editors over at Wired's "Autopia" blog, to the point where they've dedicated some time to compiling a list of the 12 best wagons from past to present. We'll let you head over to their article to get the full pictorial rundown with their commentary, but here's a list of what made the cut. And, yes, my beloved Volvo 240 Turbo made the list, though it's not pictured in its most glorious navy blue hue -- shame.
Wagons have also been on the minds of the editors over at Wired's "Autopia" blog, to the point where they've dedicated some time to compiling a list of the 12 best wagons from past to present. We'll let you head over to their article to get the full pictorial rundown with their commentary, but here's a list of what made the cut. And, yes, my beloved Volvo 240 Turbo made the list, though it's not pictured in its most glorious navy blue hue -- shame.
- Caddy CTS Sports Wagon (2009-present)
- Volvo 240 Turbo (1981-85)
- VW Jetta TDI Sportwagen (2009-present)
- Audi RS2 Avant (1994)
- AMC Eagle (1980-88)
- BMW M5 Touring (1992-95)
- Mercedes-Benz W123 Estate (1976-85)
- Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (1964-1972)
- Chevrolet Nomad (1955-61)
- Mercedes AMG E 55 (2002-2006)
- Subaru Outback (1995-present)
- Saab 95 (1959-1978)
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