Before crossovers claimed every cul-de-sac and suburban shopping center, the station wagon ruled the family road. These were vehicles that could haul a week’s worth of groceries, take the family on a cross country trip, and still handle a winding back road without feeling like a barge. They combined the comfort of a sedan with the utility of an SUV, all wrapped in designs that could be both handsome and quirky. In an era obsessed with big wheels and high ride heights, these fourteen wagons remind us of a time when practicality and personality went hand in hand.
Volvo 240 Wagon (1974 to 1993)
The Volvo 240 Wagon was not about flash — it was about surviving anything you could throw at it. Built with a level of sturdiness that bordered on stubborn, these cars became the family hauler of choice for those who valued safety and reliability above all else. Its big greenhouse windows gave you incredible visibility, the rear cargo space could swallow a full sheet of plywood, and the engines were famously unburstable. In Canada, it became the ultimate all weather warrior, with many still roaming the streets today.
Mercedes Benz W123 Wagon (1978 to 1986)
Mercedes built the W123 Wagon to last longer than the average owner’s mortgage. Solid doors, thick metal panels, and over engineered mechanicals made these cars feel like precision machines rather than mere transportation. The diesel versions were slow but nearly immortal, racking up half a million miles without major work. These wagons were also beautifully comfortable, with supportive seats and a suspension setup that glided over rough roads. Today, they have a devoted following among collectors who appreciate quality that time cannot erase.
Subaru Outback (First Generation 1995 to 1999)
The first Subaru Outback was a clever idea — take a Legacy Wagon, raise it a bit, add rugged body cladding, and suddenly you had a family wagon ready for the trail. In snowy parts of Canada, this was a revelation. It had standard all wheel drive, great visibility, and plenty of cargo space for ski trips or camping weekends. The boxer engine gave it a low center of gravity, so it handled better than most SUVs of its era while still plowing through deep snow with confidence.
Audi RS6 Avant (2020 to Present)
The Audi RS6 Avant is living proof that you can have your cake and eat it, too. You get a twin turbo V8 with nearly 600 horsepower, a luxurious cabin, and a cargo area big enough for your Labrador and a month’s worth of luggage. It is outrageously fast, able to shame many supercars, yet it is still a quiet, refined daily driver when you want it to be. In a world of high riding SUVs, the RS6 Avant is a rebel — and a very fast one.
Buick Roadmaster Estate (1991 to 1996)
With its sweeping long body, woodgrain trim, and full size V8 power, the Roadmaster Estate was a proper American wagon in the classic sense. You could pack the kids, the dog, a couple of bicycles, and still have space left over. The ride was soft and serene, making long summer vacations a joy. Under the hood, later models got the Corvette derived LT1 V8, giving this big cruiser enough muscle to surprise a few sports cars at the stoplight.
BMW E39 5 Series Touring (1997 to 2004)
The E39 Touring is widely regarded as one of the finest BMWs ever built, and the wagon variant brought all that excellence to a more practical package. The handling was beautifully balanced, the steering was precise, and the inline six engines were smooth as silk. You could hustle it through twisty back roads, then load it up at IKEA and head home in comfort. For enthusiasts who needed utility without giving up driving pleasure, this was the perfect compromise.
Dodge Magnum (2005 to 2008)
The Dodge Magnum brought muscle car vibes to the wagon world. With the optional HEMI V8, it had the grunt to make highway merges a thrill. The long, low design gave it a bold presence on the road, and it could carry more than its share of cargo. Unfortunately, it was discontinued too soon, but it remains a favorite for those who like their practicality with a side of attitude.
Peugeot 505 Wagon (1979 to 1992)
Rare in North America but beloved by owners, the Peugeot 505 Wagon was a comfortable, refined long hauler. Its French suspension tuning gave it a smooth, controlled ride that was perfect for eating up miles. The spacious interior made it great for families, and the diesel versions could run forever if cared for. It was a sophisticated alternative to the domestic wagons of the era.
Toyota Cressida Wagon (1977 to 1992)
The Toyota Cressida Wagon offered Japanese reliability wrapped in a refined package. Rear wheel drive, smooth straight six engines, and well appointed interiors made it a step above the average family car. It could last for decades with basic maintenance, and many examples still soldier on today.
Citroen DS Safari (1958 to 1975)
The DS Safari was unlike any other wagon before or since. Citroen’s hydropneumatic suspension gave it a ride so smooth it felt like floating. The futuristic body design turned heads, and the cabin was roomy enough for serious family hauling. It was a pioneer in comfort and style, setting a benchmark for luxury wagons.
Volkswagen Passat W8 Wagon (2001 to 2004)
This was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The W8 engine was a technical marvel, blending the characteristics of a V engine and a flat engine for smoothness and compactness. With all wheel drive and understated styling, it was a sleeper hit for those who wanted something special without shouting about it.
Pontiac Safari Wagon (1955 to 1957)
The Pontiac Safari was as much about style as it was about function. With plenty of chrome, bold colors, and V8 power, it was a statement car for the growing suburban middle class. Today, well restored examples are prized for their beauty and nostalgic appeal.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
