Get info about new reports and updates
- Introduction
- Best Station Wagons{1 mention}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{3 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}
- Useful Links
- Our Sources
What exactly IS a station wagon?
Station wagons are an increasingly fuzzy category as more crossover SUVs appear on the market. Many hatchbacks can also be considered small station wagons, so the line is blurred even further. True station wagons have a low profile, a longer cargo area than a hatchback and a cabin roof that generally doesn't slope sharply down to the back bumper (like most hatchbacks). Station wagons usually seat five, while crossover vehicles often have a third row of seats -- or at least an optional third row. If you're not sure you want a station wagon, our report on economy cars covers hatchbacks, while our SUV reports also include a variety of crossovers. For seating capacity, you might also consider a minivan. We've posted archived, older reports if you're considering a pre-owned station wagon or other vehicle.
Station wagon recalls
Find recall information at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles are being recalled to tend to a possible radiator vibration, a seal around the fuel filter that may cause a leak and a possibly improperly-torqued connection on the power steering pump. All repairs and replacements will be done free of charge at a dealer.
Subaru is recalling certain 2011 Outback models to drill a lubrication hole in the manual transmission housing in order to prevent unsatisfactory lubrication which could result in straining and damage to the transmission. Dealers will service affected vehicles free of charge.
Volkswagen is recalling certain 2011 Jetta models to replace a fuse and wiring array that could malfunction and cause some electrical systems to go offline. Dealers will remedy any problems free of charge.
Volvo is recalling certain 2011 XC70 models to replace a driver-side airbag component that could cause the airbag to not deploy in case of a collision; another recall is in effect for fuel cutoff issue which could cause engines to stall intermittently. Repairs will be conducted free of charge at Volvo dealers.
Station wagon links
ConsumerReports.org posts news and expert opinions on its Cars blog, which is available to everyone, not just subscribers.
Resale values are available at the Kelley Blue Book website.
FuelEconomy.gov is a government website that posts the latest Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy estimates for individual vehicles. Statistics for past and current model years are included, and economy ratings for older models have been updated to reflect the current testing standards. You can also find out which clean-diesel station wagons qualify for federal tax credits here.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducts government-sponsored crash testing of most current vehicles.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducts its own independent crash tests and publishes the results at its website. The vehicles with the highest safety ratings are awarded the organization's coveted Top Safety Pick award.