Station Wagons

2008 midpriced station wagons

Although it joins the premium BMW 3-Series as one of the two most often-recommended wagons, the Dodge Magnum (*est. $23,420 to $38,105) is slated for extinction. The Magnum has been a slow seller, and Chrysler says 2008 is its final year, despite the positive reviews it's received.

One of the most distinctive looking station wagons, the Dodge Magnum is based on the same platform as the equally distinctive Chrysler 300 sedan, with an aggressive-looking front grill and boxy chassis. With just about the roomiest interior available in a station wagon, the Dodge Magnum features in reports at Edmunds.com. The Dodge Magnum is also a favorite of critics at Car and Driver, and it's covered thoroughly at Kelley Blue Book and Consumer Guide. Other reviews also say the Magnum is a good blend of practicality and flash.

The Magnum, which is available only as a wagon (the Dodge Charger is the sedan variant), comes with four engine options (most other wagons only have one or two), from a 178-hp, 2.7-liter V6 base engine up to a 425-hp V8 Hemi. You can expect about 21 mpg in mixed driving from the base engine, down to around 15 mpg for the Hemi. Crash test results for front impacts are good with standard front airbags, but side-impact scores are poor without the optional side-curtain airbags. All-wheel drive is optional.

In reviews, the Magnum's ride and handling are good, but not best in class. Visibility is an issue because of the low roofline that gives it such a distinctive look. The sticker price is low for such a roomy car, however. Overall reliability is a bit below average. But if your priority is a roomy cabin, big engine and cargo space that rivals an SUV, the Magnum fits those priorities.

The Subaru Outback (*est. $21,995 to $32,195) is a rugged wagon that reviews say is competent in light off-road driving. While not many changes have been made to the 2008 version of the Outback, reviewers are still excited about its smooth ride quality and durability. KBB.com places the Outback on its "Recommended Shopping List," and BusinessWeek names it the best off-road wagon. The Subaru Outback has standard all-wheel drive on all models, along with a higher ground clearance that makes it a better bet on country roads and dirt tracks.

Engines include a 170-hp 4-cylinder, along with a turbocharged 243-hp 4-cylinder and a 245-hp 3-liter H6. U.S Environmental Protection Agency tests say you can expect about 22 mpg in mixed driving from the base engine, though you'll get less with the turbocharged and H6 engines. ABS, front airbags, front side airbags and side-curtain airbags are standard. Crash test scores are excellent.

Cargo volume for the Subaru Outback is about 66 cubic feet, placing it size-wise in between the BMW 3-Series and the Dodge Magnum. One common complaint is that the rear seat is a little cramped for adults. Mom-reviewers at MotherProof.com love the removable plastic cargo insert that collects the mud, water and gravel that usually drip from a stroller's wheels.

The Audi A3 (*est. $25,930 to $34,915) gets positive reviews for offering many of the same benefits as its sister Audi vehicles in a smaller, less expensive package, starting with the base 200-hp 4-cylinder engine and optional 250-hp V6. Fuel economy averages about 21 mpg in EPA tests (mixed driving). But Washington Post reviewer Warren Brown bucks the Audi A3 lovefest. Brown concludes that it barely has space for five people, not to mention their luggage, and he remarks that the Audi A3 is still pretty expensive compared with its competition.

The Volvo V50 (*est. $26,815 to $31,565) has a smaller price tag, smaller engine and smaller interior than premium-priced Volvos. Reviewers say it accelerates a little slowly, but they don't complain unduly about a lack of power. The Volvo V50 has more than 62 cubic feet of cargo room with the seats down – more than a compact wagon – but critics say it feels like a compact wagon if three adults try to squeeze into the backseat. The V50 has had some reliability problems in the past, but reviewers are waiting to see how the recently refreshed model performs.

Budget wagons

There are a couple of budget wagons that are true station wagons, but be aware that several hatchbacks can also be considered compact wagons, including some of the latest popular subcompact hatchbacks like the Honda Fit (*est. $13,950 to $16,070) , which is covered in our report on economy cars. If you're considering a compact wagon, you may also want to check out that report. Compact wagons/hatchbacks lack the cargo space and rear-seat comfort of larger wagons.

Reviewers like the Toyota Matrix (*est. $15,510 to $17,820) better than any other budget wagon – and better than most station wagons, period. The Matrix is more of a true station wagon than subcompact hatchback wagons like the Honda Fit. The Matrix has an overall length of 171 inches, while the Fit is about 14 inches shorter. Cargo volume for the Matrix is 53 cubic feet, compared with 42 cubic feet for the Fit. That puts the Matrix within striking range of station wagons like the BMW 3-Series (discussed below), which has 60 cubic feet of cargo room.

Fuel economy is the big highlight for the Matrix. With its only engine -- a 126-hp, 1.8-liter I-4 -- the EPA says you can expect about 29 mpg in mixed driving. Overall reliability has been historically excellent. Reviews say ride quality and handling are both good for the price. Acceleration and pickup aren't particular highlights, due to the small base engine. But reviews do say the rear seat is pretty comfortable. Unfortunately, pretty much all safety features aside from front airbags are extra-cost options.

Interestingly, although Consumer Reports and other reviews call the Pontiac Vibe (*est. $15,310 to $19,310) the Matrix's twin, the Vibe is recommended less than half as often as the Matrix. The two cars are built on the same platform, with minor styling differences. But, as Kiplinger's Personal Finance points out, "the Matrix is actually cheaper by about $1,300, and its resale numbers are higher."

In the past, the Scion xB (*est. $15,650 to $16,600) was included in our report as a top budget wagon. The xB still gets mostly good reviews, after a major redesign for 2008 gave it even more interior room, more horsepower and a slightly less boxy, more mainstream look.

Some reviewers wonder whether the Scion xB's redesign was a mistake. "While it's a smoother box," MotorWeek asks, "is it a better box?" MotorWeek concludes that it is: The xB's back seat was already adequate for three people, and the redesign has given it a total of 70 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seat folded down (a more modest 21.7 cubic feet with the seat up). The 2008 Scion xB is less lethargic than the old one in real-world driving, with a smoother 2.4-liter Toyota Camry engine with 55 more horses replacing the original 1.5-liter engine. Gas mileage is still about 24 mpg in mixed city/highway driving.

However, other reviewers – including The Wall Street Journal's Jeff Sabatini -- lament the new Scion xB's slightly higher sticker price and less radical design. Those were the things that earned the xB its cult following in the first place, and the redesign killed them, Sabatini says.

The Suzuki SX4 (*est. $15,270 to $17,970) is the least expensive all-wheel drive wagon available; a quality reviewers appreciate. The SX4 gets good reviews from About.com, the National Motorist Association's "Car Family" and NewCarTestDrive.com, and MotorWeek calls it "delightful." Consumer Guide names it a "Best Buy."

Even with AWD, the Suzuki SX4 still delivers 24 mpg in mixed driving. It also gets good safety ratings. However, some testers downgrade it for being slow, with a bumpy ride and a backseat too cramped for three. CarCritic.com worries about the reliability of this new car, whose parents – Suzuki, Fiat and General Motors – don't have the best reliability pedigree. Engine noise and road noise is a problem in some reviews. If you're considering a wagon this small, you might consider other hatchbacks.

As you might guess, the Kia Spectra5 (*est. $15,995 to $16,995) is the wagon version of the Kia Spectra. It has just under 53 cubic feet of cargo space – similar to the Toyota Matrix – and reviewers say it displays excellent fuel efficiency. Critics like the Spectra5's nice interior and ride quality, but they say it is a little noisy. Now that front, side and curtain airbags are standard for 2008, the Spectra's side-impact crash test rating has been upgraded from "poor" to "marginal" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser (*est. $15,015 to $22,660) originated the retro-wagon style. While the exterior styling of the PT Cruiser is still a major drawing point, the general consensus seems to be that it's time for a revision. Acceleration is criticized, but the PT Cruiser is roomy. A standard split-folding rear seat increases cargo space, and it's available in a convertible version. Government fuel economy estimates predict about 23 mpg in mixed driving for the PT Cruiser.

A recent addition to the budget wagon category, the Chevrolet HHR crossover (*est. $16,175 to $17,475) hasn't quite made the splash it was expected to make. Introduced for the 2006 model year with a look based on the 1949 Chevy Suburban, the HHR was referred to by Autoweb.com as "largely an updated PT Cruiser with less available power." Other reviewers like the retro look, but they say that interior space -- especially for the driver -- is a little cramped, and control placement can be awkward for some.

Reviewers have said the HHR's base engine packs little power. Chevy responded by offering an SS model for 2008 with a turbocharged 260-horsepower 4-cylinder. Visibility has been an issue due to the HHR's small back window. Interior fit/finish is what you'd expect for the low price, say reviews. Front airbags are standard, but all other safety features are options. The base model achieves 25 mpg in EPA tests.

Luxury station wagons

The BMW 3-Series (*est. $34,200 to $36,100) , which includes a wagon model, just collected its 13^th All-Star award from Automobile Magazine and its 16^th straight 10Best trophy from Car and Driver. With its smooth handling, ample power and comfort, it's the wagon reviewers love to drive most. The most reliable auto reviewers recommend the BMW 3-Series wagon more often than any other premium wagon.

The series includes the BMW 328i (21 mpg in EPA tests) and 328xi with all-wheel drive (20 mpg). They include plenty of luxury features as standard equipment: rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors and windshield washer jets, a moon roof, climate-controlled console storage, Bluetooth-compatible phone controls on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and more.

But cargo volume (60 cubic feet) is lower than in the less expensive Subaru Outback and Dodge Magnum. Reliability has been so-so. And reviewers almost universally despise the iDrive control – for the phone, climate and music – that comes with the optional navigation system. Even while some reviews criticize the overall roominess of its interior, reviewers say the BMW wagons are just fun to drive -- a nice plus in a family car.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class gets as many recommendations as the BMW 3-Series in the reviews we found, but we found the picks for the BMW to be more credible, from critics judged the most reliable and up-to-date – and so the BMW passes the Mercedes as top premium wagon.

However, reviews for the E-Class are still very good. The series includes two wagons: the Mercedes-Benz E350 with standard AWD (*est. $55,700) and the E63 (*est. $85,800) with a V8 Hemi engine. Neither gets very good gas mileage, according to FuelEconomy.gov – 18 mpg for the E350 and 14 mpg for the E63 AMG. Still, Edmunds.com made these wagons two of its top picks among station wagons for the 2007 model year. Ride and handling are excellent, with a luxurious, spacious interior. Cargo volume for both is a roomy 69 cubic feet -- one of the largest available on any wagon. Past reliability has been an issue, but the E-series had a redesign for 2007, so reliability of the current E-Series isn't yet known. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon can cost more than twice as much as the top-ranked BMW 3-Series wagon, however.

We also found good reviews for the Audi A4 Avant (*est. $32,000 to $39,400) . According to reviews, the Audi A4 offers a luxurious feel without breaking the bank, while delivering a comfortable and proficient driving experience. It is noted in even the most favorable reviews that the A4 is not the most unique vehicle on the road in terms of style, and it doesn't burn down the highway. The base A4 wagon offers up a slow and steady feel, and it is one of the safest wagons on the highway, according to crash test ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. EPA estimates say you can expect about 23 mpg in mixed driving.

A step up from the Audi A4, the Audi A6 wagon (*est. $49,000) is a runner-up in Kiplinger's annual buyer's guide (from 2007). Like the Audi A4, it gets top safety scores – and it gets better reliability ratings than the less expensive A4 wagon. The A6 is more powerful, with a base 255-hp V6 (an option on the A4) and options up to a 435-hp V10. Handling is noted as agile and responsive in reviews. Suspension is firm, as fitting a high-performance luxury car, but still comfortable. The seats are particularly comfortable, say reviews. The base Audi A6 wagon achieves 20 mpg in mixed driving, according to the EPA.

The Audi S4 wagon (*est. $49,610 to $50,710) is a high-performance luxury version of the Audi A4, offering V8s in either 340- or 420-hp. Testers say it certainly is speedy, but at the expense of fuel economy. The S4 posts just 16 mpg in combined city/highway driving, and the EPA names it the least fuel-efficient midsized wagon.

Reviewed favorably by several experts -- and with top safety scores from the IIHS -- is the Saab 9-3 SportCombi wagon (*est. $28,885 to $35,520) . "Makes any car parked next to it look like a weak-kneed weenie," CarCritic.com says of the recently revamped exterior. Fuel efficiency for the 9-3 is 23 mpg in mixed driving. There are two engine options: a 210-hp turbocharged I4 or a 255-hp turbocharged V6.

The Saab 9-3 is a Consumer Guide Best Buy, a favorite of the National Motorist Association and BusinessWeek's pick as the Safest Wagon. Reliability has historically been low, but it has improved to average in recent years.

The similar – but bigger, heavier and more expensive -- Saab 9-5 SportCombi (*est. $37,710 to $38,805) is based on Saab's flagship sedan. It comes in a turbocharged 260-hp 4-cylinder that offers better acceleration than the Saab 9-3 in Consumer Reports' test. However, experts recommend the less expensive Saab 9-3 far more often than the 9-5 wagon, at least so far

We found a few good reviews for the entry-level luxury wagon from Volvo, the V70 (*est. $30,045 to $40,940) and its all-wheel drive sister, the XC70 (*est. $36,775) . Both new versions are powerful and very roomy, reviewers say. They boast a vast 71.5 cubic feet of cargo room, and BusinessWeek picks the Volvo V70 as its "Best Cargo Room" wagon. Fuel economy is 19 mpg for the V70, dropping to 17 mpg for the XC70, according to data from the EPA. The Volvo V70 and XC70 are certainly wagons to watch. As of this report, the 2008 wagons haven't been widely tested.

Reviewers say the new all-wheel drive Volvo XC70 manages rocky, potholed off-roading, but it still has the refinement of its base, Volvo's flagship S80 luxury sedan. The wagon has a good grip on regular roads: "Most of our driving was on the slick leaf-covered pavement of a mid-Atlantic autumn, and the XC70 delivered superb traction," MotorWeek notes. The New York Times' review of the new XC70 includes a photo of the car "walking" down a 45-degree incline, thanks to a new push-button hill descent gadget that doesn't require the driver to touch the gas or the brakes. The Times reviewer, Lawrence Ulrich, also appreciates the car's "nearly endless safety roster," including two optional built-in adjustable child booster seats (*est. $495).

Critics at Edmunds.com aren't as positive. While editors note its new features -- the raised-height floor, the new hill-descent feature and the optional booster seats -- the Subaru Outback is said to be a far better value if you want an off-road sporty wagon. Fuel economy, power and handling are deemed unremarkable.

Important Features: Station wagons

Reviews say the following about shopping for a station wagon:

• Station wagons are all about space. Wagons can offer at least as much space as SUVs, but not all are created equal. Look for storage-increasing devices in a wagon, such as floor storage, cargo nets, flip-up glass and adjustable roof racks. In addition, most wagons include fold-down seats to increase the possible amount of rear cargo space -- and split-folding rear seats add helpful flexibility in vehicle use.

• Consider all-wheel drive. AWD is a good choice if you live in an area with a harsh winter, but keep in mind that all-wheel drive will decrease your gas mileage. Wagons like the Subaru Outback offer AWD standard. Many others offer it as an option.

• Check safety features. Station wagons are usually family cars, yet cheaper models often lack standard safety features. Experts say you want side airbags for all rows, along with electronic stability control, ABS and traction control.

• Check out hatchbacks if the rear seat isn't as important. If you're interested in a wagon for its enclosed cargo space, you might also consider a hatchback, as long as you don't need the rear seat very often for passengers. Hatchbacks are covered in our report on economy cars .

• Consider a minivan, SUV or crossover if you need more room for passengers. Crossovers look like an SUV, but they're based on a sedan platform rather than a truck platform. They usually have a third row of seats (or offer this as an option). Minivans are another option, with a rear sliding door as their hallmark, along with a taller roofline and third row of seats.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Edmunds.com
8	BMW 3-Series (*est. $34,200 to $36,100)	details
8	Dodge Magnum (*est. $23,420 to $38,105)	details
8	Mercedes-Benz E-Class (*est. $55,700 to $85,800)	details
7	Subaru Outback (*est. $21,995 to $32,195)	details
7	Toyota Matrix (*est. $15,510 to $17,820)	details
6	Audi A4 (*est. $32,000 to $39,400)	details
6	Saab 9-3 (*est. $28,885 to $35,520)	details
6	Audi A3 (*est. $25,930 to $34,915)	details
5	Audi A6 (*est. $49,000)	details
5	Scion xB (*est. $15,650 to $16,600)	details
4	Suzuki SX4 (*est. $15,270 to $17,970)	details
3	BMW 5-Series (*est. $54,000)	details
3	Pontiac Vibe (*est. $15,310 to $19,310)	details
3	Volkswagen Passat (*est. $25,115 to $39,140)	details
3	Chevrolet HHR (*est. $16,175 to $17,475)	details
2	Chrysler PT Cruiser (*est. $15,015 to $22,660)	details
1 each	Audi S4 , Kia Spectra5 , Saab 9-5 , Volvo V50 , Volvo XC70

Several station wagons are recommended in reviews. The Dodge Magnum is one of the largest station wagons with the most powerful engine options. However, it has aggressive style lines that don't have universal appeal, and fuel economy is low compared to other wagons. A more conservative choice is the BMW 3-Series, a smaller, more luxurious station wagon with an excellent reliability record. The Subaru Outback has sport styling, standard AWD and higher ground clearance for light off-roading. The Toyota Matrix is a compact budget wagon with less space than the others, but excellent reliability and one of the best fuel economies on the market.

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