What Wagon Would You Like To See Offered?

orangelebaron · October 2005

I wish Honda sold their Accord wagon here. It's sold in many other parts of the world.

I own a 2005 Outback Limited (not a turbo)... The Limited apparently means limited in comfort.
After 1 year I can't take the uncomfortable driver's seat anymore. The side bolsters are causing hip problems! My coworker just leased a 2006 passat. That is an extremely comfortable car.
But VW's are expensive to maintain

The Honda Accord EX is very comfortable and if their wagon was available ... I would have probably chosen that over the Subaru.

chuck1959 · October 2005

Both Honda and Toyota did Accord and Camry wagons. Accord 1991-97 and Camry 1992-96.

chuck1959 · October 2005

Yeah like that's going happen! The next thing you know they'll make a 4-door 911...minivan?...pick up?...station wagon> to go along with it.

freeflyfreak · November 2005

I just bought a 01 Volvo V70 T5 Wagon and during my many test drives and research I determined that the car that I want is not made. So I got another volvo! My dream car would be:

A Japanese Station Wagon (or at least a wagon with [non-permissible content removed]. reliability) with a high quality interior, it must have the seat comfort of a volvo, a usable third row seat and a turbo diesel engine.

Are you listening........ somebody build me one!

chuck1959 · November 2005

So I guess my 2004 Rio Cinco is a S/W? The 2006 Rio5 is a hatchback? That's the way I look at it.

qbrozen · November 2005

it must have the seat comfort of a volvo

well now you're just being unreasonable. Might as well ask for gold bars in the trunk while you're at it.

jayguy · December 2005

I have to agree with a lot of the posts here that an Accord/Camry wagon would be very well received now. I've heard that the Accord wagon, when it was available, did poorly in sales, but I think that as much of a timing problem as anything else.
In the 90's the SUV market was getting into full swing and everybody had to have one. SUV's were also the "exciting" option for those who found mini-vans too uncool.
More and more folks are waking up to the reality that both SUV's and mini-vans are expensive animals to feed and are looking for something that can transport people and cargo at a more economical pace.
3 years ago we were looking for a wagon with decent gas milage and a reasonable sized cargo area at a reasonable price. What was available? Subaru wagons are the right size, but on the expensive side. Same for Saab Audi, Volvo, BMW and VW. The Mazda Protoge5 and the Toyota Matrix were attractive, reliable, and priced right, but had very small cargo areas. I hadn't heard good things about Saturn (don't mean to offend).
One that really stood out was the Focus wagon. I was very nervous about buying Ford since I had been with Toyotas and Hondas for so long, but the mileage was good, the cargo was roomy and the price was right (I got a 2002 se wagon for 14,200). I figured with the money I saved over a Subaru, it could break down quite a few times and still be more economical.
So far, we've been happy with it. Came with a boatload of options, and with standard shift, it performs very well; we've got 80k on it now. The Automatic we drove was much louder on the highway and much less responsive.
Still, if Honda or Toyota had offered a wagon, I would have bought it then, and I would now! An Accord/Camry wagon offered in both 4 cylinder (my choice) and 6 would sell well here, I'm sure... the new 2.2 liter diesel engine available in Europe would also be very desirable.
Mitsubishi was offering a decent size 4cyl. wagon last year (Sportback) that I was excited about, but that was pulled in '05. Why? I think that was due more to lack of awareness than anything else... did anyone ever see a commercial for one?
Anyway, I vote for a suite of Civic/Accord & Camry/Corolla wagons! Yeah! (it's funny what I get excited about now that I'm 40...)

ergo · December 2005

Our Wagon Wishlist is filled...all these Crossover wagons are pouring in! :shades:

1. 2006/7 Jeep Compass (A Subaru WRX Rally type vehicle)
2. 2006 Dodge Caliber (AWD, 5 sp manual, VW Diesel engine!) Shares a platform w/ Mitsubishi.
3. 2006 Chevrolet HHR (Wonderfully priced Cobalt wagon!)
4. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx SS. (Great wagon. Wow!)
5. Saab's Sport Combi. (9-3 based)
6. Ford's Freestyle. (Such a HUGE improvement!)

Still wish VW would of done a NEW Jetta Wagon!

Apparently the nod was given to the new crossover SUV thingy instead.

1. Cadillac's SRX is great. Can tow 4,250lbs!
2. BMW has released a 3 and 5 series wagon.
3. Audi's excellent A3 also.
4. VW Passat Estate is due very soon.

So, these new wagons should be enough to fulfill anyone's wishlist!

Enjoy the Holiday...

asafonov · December 2005

I realized I would really want the NA-market Accord be morphed in a 6-seater "estate" wagon - if Mazda can offer a miniminivan based on compact Focus/Mazda3, I would think the one based on the Accord should be better in most respects - a little roomier, stronger 4-cylinder engine, better reputation and resale, lower insurance and repair costs and (arguably) better reliability.

fondafit · March 2006

As far as I'm concerned I have been privileged to own both the Accord and Civic wagons. I tried out a Subaru Outback (used -- the price of a new one is absurd) and found the engine extremely noisy on the highway. The salesman admitted it was only partially due to its age. New ones get gas mileage that barely matches my 11 year old Accord (26-27 mpg mixed use). I tried out the Forester, which has been touted as the best small SUV, and didn't care for the wind noise. Its cargo space is less than the Outback/Legacy. In its first few years my Accord got about 32 mpg, and I'm not a conservative driver. It met my needs -- carrying soccer kids, pets, garden supplies, etc. The Civic was incredible for cargo space and ahead of its time for gas consumption (easily 36-40 mpg). I'm going to check out the Honda Fit, which is versatile, and about $2,000 less than my Accord cost me back in 1995. Honda, why in the world are you ignoring the huge fan base for the true wagon? Is it because we tend to keep our wagons forever and don't trade them in? Maybe if there were more choices out there we wouldn't hold onto them for dear life! I see old station wagons out on the roads, but not many of the good ones up for sale.

jthorner · April 2006

It is good to see that I am not the only one who wants the all around versatility, comfort and economy of a good midsized wagon. Here it is 2006 and there are still very few choices. The Acura TSX sedan is an outstanding value in it's class for the level of performance, equipment, reliability record, etc. I would write a check for a wagon version today!

I drove the New Passat Wagon and it is a decent driving car, but the level of electronic gimmicks VW has put on there (push button electric parking brake!) along with VW's recent spotty reliability gives me great concern. I dont' want to spend big bucks for a new car only to develop a close relationship with the service manager. I already have a family.

The Volvo V70 is the right size, but gets expensive when you put decent equipment on it. Volvo reliability isn't in the gutter like VW, but isn't great either.

Acura should be able to make a TSX wagon easily as the base vehicle is the non-US market Accord and is already built as a wagon for the rest of the world. The TSX is already a relatively low volume niche vehicle, so please give us a wagon!

The problem with the final generation Accord and Camry wagon was that Honda and Toyota cheaped out and use the sedan rear door on the wagon, which then caused them to have this huge blind-spot creating sail shape in metal behind the rear door.

Subaru could also give up it's religious dedication to four wheel drive and offer a better fuel economy, lower priced FWD option.

All in all, things are not much better in the wagon market today then they were when this thread started

.

John

tazereli · May 2006

WRX STi Wagon and the Forester STi.

A Subie purist.

PS I hope Subaru never strays from their AWD roots. Let Toyota and Honda have the FWD piece of the pie.

chuck1959 · May 2006

Subaru could also give up it's religious dedication to four wheel drive and offer a better fuel economy, lower priced FWD option.

That would not be a wise move IMO. After all four wheel drive is what Subaru is all about. It has been for years.

dudleyr · May 2006

AWD may be what they are about, but it is what keeps me from buying one. The gas mileage just is not there. Otherwise like the vehicle a lot.

darthclutch · October 2006

I love my 1971 Datsun 510, but it's just too old now. The 510 is a good little mule in that you can lift up the rear seat bottom and fold down the seat back for a 100% flat cargo area. Great for moving small furniture or lots of stuff.

I recently bought a Scion xB, which I also love, but the one major drawback is the lack of cargo area. Also, the rear seats don't fold down all the way flat.

I would have been looking at a Nissan wagon if they sold any here! I really like the Nissan Cube, but they have never offered it here. I'm guessing that re-engineering the car to left -hand drive just to compete with the xB is too much effort for Nissan. What happenned to the little fuel economy cars they made that made Nissan popular here in the US? Now they are selling the Artmada and the Titan, which is so far from the 510 and 521 pickup that I can barely believe they made my old 510 beater wagon.

Bring on the Cube!!!

tpsinha · November 2006

I wish BMW would sell the new 335 version of the wagon in NA. Better yet, the new M3-based wagon when it comes out (if ever)...not that I could afford that one :P Not to forget, 550 and M5 wagons if someone were to fancy a bigger wagon.

qbrozen · November 2006

I wish BMW would sell the new 335 version of the wagon

i'll second that!

larry4019 · November 2006

This is my first personal VW. It is everything I could ask for, quick,loads of storage,handles well. I also love the heated seats up here in the great white north!
i picked it up in July with 22k km. I am thrilled everytime i go for a ride!

marksmith1975 · January 2007

Here's my question - the only luxury or near luxury wagons you can find are from European Auto Makers (Mercedes, BMW, Saab, Volvo, Audi, VW, etc...). Why do American auto makers insist on compormizing with Crossover vehicles? There are plenty of SUVs out there if you really want one, Why not offer a true wagon? I'd love to se Cadillac ditch the SRX, and put out a CTS or STS wagon. How about a Lincoln MKZ wagon?

darthclutch · February 2007

Sorry, can't get over the Magnum's rear-sloping roofline. I'm sure it's fun to drive and all, but I can't get around that one feature. It just doesn't have the same appealing overall shape as the Charger. Besides, it' a DODGE!

bnickel · February 2007

I am looking for a vehicle for work and as the main family car that can also transport a large dog. I am looking at Subaru Outback, VW passat wagon-But mostly I need to hear if anyone is happy or miserable with their choice. Please share! Is the Outback too small for passengers? Is the VW too repair prone? What else is out there?
Thanks!

qbrozen · February 2007

new or used?

what is your price range?

does it have to be 5-spd or is 6-spd ok? ;b

there is the volvo V70, both base and R version.

ktong · March 2007

I would love to see the JDM Odyssey (Japan Domestic Odyssey) offered in the USA at Accord prices and make it available in the 4-cyl engine.

I would also like to see a wagon based on the USA Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry.

I don't know why Honda or Toyota stopped offering station wagons. The last Accord Wagon ('97) was also very good looking.

orangelebaron · June 2007

so would a Ford Fusion/Milan.

I own a 2005 Outback and just purchased a low mileage 2000 Volvo V70 which is OH SO COMFORTABLE (unlike the Outback)

I love wagons!!!

jaffee · July 2007

I would love to have an Accord wagon. I'm done with the minivan and sedans aren't really big enough for 2 dogs. I really believe there is a great market for an Accord or Camry wagon. But I haven't read anything about either Honda or Toyota bringing back their wagons.

I think I once saw a JDM Odyssey. I liked it.

chasman · August 2007

jaffee,
I couldn't agree with you more.

To All Japanese Wagon Enthusiasts,

Apparently, not enough of us have expressed our desire to purchase an Accord, Camry, Legacy, Mazda6, or TSX wagons directly to the manufacturers. Perhaps, we have been patiently waiting on the sidelines for the manufacturer to correct some significant issue identified in a test report.

If we do not make our wishes known, as gas becomes more & more expensive our only choices will be less efficient SUVs/trucks/minivans, small hatchbacks, or sedans with the limited cargo capacity that a trunk affords.

Please contact one or more of the following companies and let them know that an SUV is not an acceptable substitute for a practical, fuel-efficient, agile wagon.

* Acura Client Services 800-382-238 M-F 6 AM - 5 PM PST
* Honda Customer Relations 800-999-1009 M - F, 6 a.m. - 5 p.m., PT
* Mazda Contact Us 800-945-6000 M - F, 7am - 8pm CT, 7am - 12pm CT
* Subaru Contact Us 800-782-2783 M - Thr, 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. EST, F, 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
* Toyota Customer Experience Center 800-331-4331 M - F, 5:00 am - 6:00 pm PT, Sat, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm PT

jaffee · September 2007

chasman, you are absolutely correct. We do need to let the manufacturers know our preferences. I just read about the Frankfurt auto show in the NYTimes and saw that Honda offers an Accord wagon in Europe and Toyota sells wagons there too. The article said that US customers don't want them, but many of us do. I'm definitely going to call and write them and try to get my friends to do the same.

chasman · September 2007

Hello jaffee,

After e-mailing Mazda,

* Topic: "Product Information"
* Subtopic: "Suggestions & opinions"

I received the following reply:

RE: Product Information - Suggestions & Opinions

Hello,

Thanks for contacting Mazda.

I am pleased you took the time to bring your suggestion regarding the
MAZDA6 Wagon to our attention. Consumer feedback is always very
important to Mazda. Certainly, we want to offer exciting vehicles,
and comments such as yours help us to achieve that goal.

Rest assured I have documented your suggestion for our corporate
record. These records are continuously being reviewed by our Product
Development Department in an effort to provide only the highest
quality products to our customers.

Again, thank you for bringing these suggestions to our attention.

Regards,

Gylan D.
Specialist, Customer Assistance
Mazda North American Operations

Perhaps if Mazda receives enough customer feedback requesting a Mazda6 Wagon, we will see one in the US sometime in second half of 2008. So keep those calls & e-mails coming!

chasman · September 2007

* Acura Client Services 800-382-2238 (press 5) M-F 6 AM - 5 PM PST
* Honda Customer Relations 800-999-1009 M - F, 6 a.m. - 5 p.m., PT
* Mazda Contact Us 800-945-6000 M - F, 7am - 8pm CT, Sat. 7am - 12pm CT
* Subaru Contact Us 800-782-2783 M - Thr, 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. EST, F, 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
* Toyota Customer Experience Center 800-331-4331 M - F, 5:00 am - 6:00 pm PT, Sat, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm PT

orangelebaron · December 2007

The new Malibu would make a nice Nomad!

pedalman · February 2008

First and formost, any wagon should be FUNCTIONAL. I want a wagon that is fully capable of hauling a 17 foot canoe. That means a REAL roof rack or some kind of rain gutter to secure top lines. After-market roof racks are NOT the answer.
just as important, it also needs something solid at the front and rear bumpers to secure bow and stern lines to. No vehicle currently on the market is capable of this very basic application.

pedalman · February 2008

First and formost, any wagon should be FUNCTIONAL. I want a wagon that is fully capable of hauling a 17 foot canoe. That means a REAL roof rack or some kind of rain gutter to secure top lines. After-market roof racks are NOT the answer.
Just as important, it also needs something solid at the front and rear bumpers to secure bow and stern lines to. No vehicle currently on the market is capable of this very basic application.

carthell · February 2008

They're giving previews of the Venza.I haven't seen the vehicle up close, but it looks like it'll be the closest that the company will get to a wagon in this market. I am concerned about the proposed wheel sizes, however (19"? 20"? Why?).

dudleyr · February 2008

The Venza bugs me. It is tantalizingly close to a wagon, yet is worse in every way. Just a little to tall/heavy/over engined/ and SUV like while at the same time being smaller than a regular Camry wagon would be.

78carolian · February 2008

I'm new to the wagon forum and appreciate knowing someone is tracking this topic. I have been following the TSX/Euro Accord wagon for many months now and would love to have one, Last week I was in touch with one of my clients who happens to work at American Honda Motor. He suggested to me that Honda has plans to unveil a wagon in the states based on the TSX platform. Can anyone validate this? And today I spoke to a local car dealer's attorney here in Columbus and he said these European models won't pass emmisions standards and the crash tests. It would require expensive re-tooling and the manufacturer just won't sell enough of these models to make it worth their while. Any comments would be appreciated.

atuchan · June 2008

I can not agree with you more! It will make a nice and roomy wagon. If they think it is too crumped, they could take the 3rd row seats for the U.S.

BTW, I really do not understand why Honda consistently market different cars under same names for different regions. It is so confusing.

carthell · June 2008

"BTW, I really do not understand why Honda consistently market different cars under same names for different regions. It is so confusing."

It is confusing if you're planning to ship vehicles from one market to another. Otherwise, the buyers in each market are definitely not confused about the offerings of Honda.

Honda is still offering trucks in north America, which sucks. Their offerings gained a few dimensions in size, too, which is probably a thrill-a-minute in the current environment of $4/gallon gasoline. (But that's another thread.)

hsweet · June 2009

I'm on my third Taurus wagon now and will hang in there until something resembling this car is offered. It is a car with all of the comforts of a car, great gas mileage, good reliability, safety, enormous power and serious space. What more do people need?

wx_geek · September 2009

A little quiet here lately so I will spice things up with this

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/report-acura-considering-tsx-wagon-for-the-u-- s/

I have been a long time Honda fan. I currently own an S2000. I have always loved the high revving engines from Honda and sporty suspensions and driving characteristics. I think Honda has missed the boat here. They had a perfect platform to fill the need for those looking for an alternative to SUV's. My perfect wagon would be like to the old Mazda Protege5 in looks and handling with one of Honda's K20 engines that get at least 30 mpg. Currently the only thing that comes close is the Mazda3 hatch. A great car but I think Honda could make a better wagon. My current wagon is a 2002 Forester which works perfect for my 2 greyhounds but is no fun to drive. I like the Impreza/WRX but not the weight and fuel penalty that come with the AWD which I only really need maybe 6 times in a year.

mariobgoode · October 2009

Got mine last January (6M) and had been going to the pumps less often. With a good technique, you can get more than 50 mpg highway. A full tank takes me over 550 miles. Diesel costs about the same as RUG, if not lower.

Lots of torque, and you'll soon forget you're not driving a gas engine. Hills and mountains, no problem. I climb the Pocono Mountains in PA on 6th gear, no sweat. Not the fastest car, I agree, but who needs speeding tickets anyway? 75 is plenty fast.

Am looking to buy another diesel wagon, manual as well, but there's not much choice around. Used to buy Audis but they're not offering AWD with manual transmission anymore. Their only diesel is the FWD A3, but no manual. A BMW 335D is selling for nearly 50K, well-equipped (RWD only, sorry), and hate their "only run-flat tires" stance. Don't like SUV's or cross-overs, even if they are diesels. Been there, done that. I noticed some posts complaining about the lack of Japanese wagons, which I could consider. Wagons don't sell, huh? Did you ever seen a VW TDI wagon on a lot sitting for a long time? Had to wait over six months for mine, and had to pay sticker. You might have a better luck.

manualawd · October 2009

What are the options for an AWD station wagon with a manual now? BMW or Subaru flat 4? That's it?

The writing has been on the wall for a while. The 70s gas reality slap started the smaller car on the US roads. And while a lot of people continue to have their heads shoved up the tailpipe of an SUV, it's time is at end.

What's with Audi going exclusively upmarket? What happened to the availability of a solid AWD krautrocket wagon with a manual?

I guess as a nation we'll continue to be deluded about being upscale. As for me, all I want is a solid 6 cylinder AWD manual wagon.

cosmicfrontier · November 2009

i dont think crossovers are the same as wagons. Just look at their mpg and weight. I'd like to see hyundai sonata wagon, ford fusion, honda accord and toyota camry... to compete with the more expensive european brands wagons (audi, vw, volvo)

carthell · February 2010

Except, well, it's an Acura TSX. Not that I believe that there is anything particularly bad about the brand (unlike what many others think, the grille isn't offensive to me). The price range immediately puts it out of my hands.

For us ordinary mortals, Honda presents a ~~SUV lite~~ crossover called the Crosstour. It has a chunky grill, weighs nearly two tons ($4/gallon, here we come!), and a rear only a pro wrestler would love (Hogan delivers the Atomic Butt Hike (tm)! the opponent signals submission! It's all over!!!!).

Sigh.

One day, they'll get it.

C'mon American auto market, there's a almost completely unfilled hole in the affordable midsize wagon market that needs to be filled!

essex_n8ve · April 2010

Why can't anyone sell a good wagon in this country for less than $50k? I'm a gainfully employed mechanical engineer who likes performance but has to carry "stuff" as a dad. I can't afford a Mercedes or an Audi. The CTS wagon looks nice, but starts at $48k, come on! The Opel Insignia would be fine as a Buick. The Accord wagon would work too. I'm so sick of these bloated "crossovers" that weigh over 2 tons and sit up so high you get sea-sick on a cloverleaf.

carthell · April 2010

Strictly, if you restrain the options, you can keep the MSRP around $42k. Unfortunately, the SRX competes against the wagon on price & packaging. I doubt that the CTS wagon will be around for long in this country.

I would not mind a comeback of the Malibu Maxx with a longer cargo area. I probably won't see it as long as Chevrolet continues to sell trucks/crossovers.

My dream vehicle would be a Nissan Altima wagon, which is probably sold somewhere in the world other than here.

bnickel · April 2010

The most recent time I looked, the Subaru Outback seemed like a reasonable choice, until I drove it. Sure it stuck to the road nicely, but it was such a dog I was afraid I would get creamed on the highway. Once you move up to the 6 cyl it gets better, but the mileage is poor and they don't have a manual. I really want a manual transmission, and perhaps a minimum of computer chip driven accelerator/brakes. Did you hear about the electric parking brake on the Subaru? How do you release it if the battery dies? (you have to crawl under the car!).

qbrozen · April 2010

You'd have to be more specific as to what you consider "good."
Also, what country are we talking about? Cause here in the US, the CTS starts at $38k, not $48k.

There are plenty of good choices from where I sit. The Audi A3 starts to $27k. Saab 9-3 starts at $30k.
A4 Avant - $35k
328 wagon - $36k
V70 - $38k
9-5 - $40k

My personal choice right now would be a Jetta TDI wagon - $25k.

qbrozen · April 2010

It is a shame they stopped offering the Legacy GT wagon. Turbo and manual trans. yum. Oh well. Could always try to find a used one.

11zblaster · December 2010

With money in my hand ready to buy a luxury wagon my first choice -- a BMW 5-Series, X-Drive Sport Wagon is no longer available in the US and one probably cannot successfully import the Euro "Tourer" model to the US. My second choice -- a Benz E-Series wagon has been reintroduced to the US market but only with a single engine choice, the 268 hp six which is not a particularly good performer nor economical. I'd buy the Benz wagon in an instant if they offered it with the turbo diesel making 400p/ft of torque and getting 33mpg highway mileage. It's hard to fathom what goes through the Teutonic marketing mind, if anything. What do they really gain by limiting the wagon choices except less potential customers. How much would it really cost BMW to introduce the 5-Series "Tourer" into the US market or MB to offer its only wagon with a diesel option? Its safe to say that I won't be spending my money on a German wagon very soon. Audis and VWs are out of the question. Too many problems with them in the past.

pete33333 · January 2011

Amen! to this comment. Also, I never believed the often-repeated statement that wagons were SO unpopular--they started to disappear when SUVs took over the roads. But you see '90 Corolla Wagons--20 years later! I want a DECENT, safe wagon at an affordable price. Have test-driven most every SUV out there and STILL want a wagon. By the way, wagons NEVER disappeared in Europe or Japan--this was an American problem of NOT paying attention to customers.

What Wagon Would You Like To See Offered?

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