Sports Wagons - The wave of the future?

joey2brix · April 2004

Why do DC's 300 and Magnum have pickup size front grills? Has the whole company gone Hemi Happy? Is the monster V8 the only engine they make now. Hello, gas is almost $3 in CA.

Even the Hummer fad is over. I'd assume the couple of weekend warriors bought their HUM-VEE for the soccer moms by now. Even Gov. Arnold is ashamed to drive his anymore.

ballistic · April 2004

I, too, like the smooth, sporty styling of the LH cars, and think that if Daimler would not be in the picture, the LH cars would have progressed even farther.

What I find utterly sophomoric are the incessant put-downs of the current Intrepid merely because it found its way into rental fleets. That had nothing to do with their fabulous shapes. To those who foolishly insist on indicting that beautifully-styled sedan on this basis, name for me one sedan from a U.S. automaker which, in its entry-level model in a given size category, is not popular with rental fleet buyers?

If the 2nd-generation Dodge Intrepid had been introduced at the 1997 Turin Auto Show as the next Maserati Quattroporte, the world's automotive press would have swooned over its amazingly advanced styling. Instead, because Dodge brought that advanced styling to the masses (including fleet buyers) at an affordable price, people with unsophisticated styling tastes bash it with inane references to rental fleets. Spare me.

If the Magnum and 300C (which have all the styling sophistication of a sledgehammer) find even faint success in the marketplace, it will be because of their somewhat appealing RWD/AWD driveline platforms and despite their crude H2-derivative style, not because of it.

ateixeira · April 2004

In this case the Hemi gets cylinder deactivation and mileage is good for a V8, even compared to some bigger V6s.

I read that the Grand Cherokee's Hemi will also have that feature.

My concern would be reliability, not exactly what they're known for, especially with risky v1.0 technology.

-juice

daytona3 · April 2004

Is gas really almost $3 a gallon in CA.? I know gas prices have easily passed $2 there, but I didn't know it was starting to climb toward $3. All I know is that Illinois is still under $2 for gas.

Anyway, you make a very good point. It shows you are paying attention. Why do the DC LX cars have such big front ends and big V-8s? Don't you know, this is what an American car is suppose to be. The designer of the 300 said he wanted to go back to a time when American styling ruled the road - the 50s. That is bigger, heavier, more aggressive with the attitude that says "I will run you down". It was a time when people did not care about gas prices so Detroit built these big engined cars. That is American, according to the Daimler people running the place. Myself, I feel that American cars can be sleek and sophisticated just like the rest of the world. I thought Detroit learned from the 70s and 80s, but when big trucks and Hummers are selling like hotcakes, and people are waving money around, Detroit quickly forgets. Just wait for the rumored 426 hp 6.1 V-8 Hemi to show up in a couple of years. Bigger is better!

I hope you are right about the oversized fad being out, but I think we have only seen the beginning.

daytona3 · April 2004

I agree about the current Intrepid. It had a nice, sleek, sporty styling that if kept up-to-date would have been a nice sporty sedan. As for rental cars, that is a part of being a full-line automaker. Unfortunately, Chrysler Group is becoming more of novelty, niche player; instead of being a mainstream player. Of course, the 300 is finding its way into fleets just like the Intrepid did.

"which have all the styling sophistication of a sledgehammer" I like that description. Yes, one of these LX cars will sell pretty well, while I wonder about the second one. I think the V-8, rwd, and different look will attract people for a while, but the keeper will be the Mercedes technology.

KCRam · April 2004

Part of the reason behind the trend of larger grilles is the increased need for cooling. Engines are now built to incredibly precise tolerances and rev to 5000-6000 rpm as a matter of normal operation. The radiators need more air than what the "bottom breathers" were providing.

The grilles also provide a corporate "face" - the more Dodges that have the large crosshair grille, the better. It strengthens the brand identity in an era where the rest of the car differs heavily from model to model.

kcram
Host
Smart Shopper/FWI/Wagons Message Boards

phil2245 · April 2004

Trying to make cars look like SUV's, calling station wagons and minivans SUV's. Everything an SUV. Do they think we are that shallow?

Come on - much of America is that shallow. Just yesterday a lady at work told me she was about to buy an SUV because it would be safer for her kids if she gets in an accident. I don't even bother arguing with that kind of thinking any more. I do, however, think that the Magnum will appeal to quite a number of people. The 300C may be a bit of a tougher sell, but GM (Cadillac) has been pretty successful selling straight lines and sharp angles the last few years. I would be willing to wait a year or so before buying a Magnum to see if they really do come out with an SRT version.

dudleyr · April 2004

The big cars with the big grills tend to have big engines that rev very low not at 5-6,000 rpm. Suburban is at about 1,700 rpm at 60 mph. On the other hand bottom breathing works fine for a Celica with an 8,100 rpm redline and about 3,000 rpm @60 mph.

on soapbox

The car makers just use better breathing as an excuse for their design. They don't want to have to admit that they made the grill large to be intimadating, and appeal to the insecurity that some (not all) buyers have.

off soapbox.

ballistic · April 2004

admit that they made the grill large to be intimadating, and appeal to the insecurity that some (not all) buyers have.

Absolutely 100% correct...they're appealing to the exact same insecurity that motivates 100-pound women (and some men with weak self images) to drive Excursions, Escalades, and Suburbans - 3-ton Sherman Tanks. It is crystal clear that this is the market DaimlerChrysler is targeting. Count me out.

enygma6 · April 2004

I for one like the styling of the Magnum and 300c. I find it much more attractive than the rounded-out bubble cars of the 90's that came spewing from all the US manufacturers. To me, the more upright, blockish design of the Magnum/300c says "car" much better than "Jetson's spaceship wannabe". I appreciate the way the wagon rear end doesn't obviously differentiate itself from the rest of the body of the car. I really dislike tacky designs, where it looks like the wagon end was some extra box the designers had lying around that they welded on in place of a trunk almost as an afterthought. The smooth continuation of the lines are definitely appreciated. I don't mind blocky styling, just don't make it look fat.
Granted, my personal taste is not the same as everyone elses (then it wouldn't be personal), I do like the PT Cruiser, Crossfire and new Mini, but I cannot stand the Aztek. Currently I drive a 97 Subaru Impreza Outback -- which I bought for the looks (I don't care for the two most recent styling updates to the Impreza line), but it's starting to show some age, and I'm looking for another sporty wagon to replace it.
As for DC going down in flames just because they dared to bring to market a car or two with different styling than what everyone else has been working on the past 5-10 years, I doubt that would happen. We still see GM in business years after the monstrosity called Aztek was unleashed on the public. Chrysler survived the unveiling of the PT Cruiser (to this day, I'm the only one in my family who likes it). Ford did not die a horrid death when the Pinto graced our roads.
Requiring the Magnum to outperform a BMW 5-series wagon, yet maintain the economy of a V6 strikes me as humorous. I'm satisfied that it is only around 300lb heavier, has 15 more hp and 60 more torque, and comes within 1mpg of a 545i SEDAN, all at 60% of the base price. If it can give me the all-around performance that I want, you can bet there will be ONE Magnum proudly being driven around out there if for nothing else than to spite people who don't like styling changes.

ballistic · April 2004

As for DC going down in flames just because they dared to bring to market a car or two with different styling than what everyone else has been working on the past 5-10 years, I doubt that would happen. We still see GM in business years after the monstrosity called Aztek was unleashed on the public.

No comparison. The Aztek's sales volume is nothing more than a tiny blip on GM's production and profit radar screen. The 300C and Magnum (and derivatives) are crucial to Chrysler.

Chrysler survived the unveiling of the PT Cruiser

Unlike the 300C and Magnum, the PT Cruiser is merely different - but not deliberately obnoxious.

you can bet there will be ONE Magnum proudly being driven around out there if for nothing else than to spite people who don't like styling changes.

Now there's a solid, substantive, well-thought-out reason for buying a new vehicle.

Jason5 · April 2004

come back there! If I have to pull this message board over I will. But seriously; I'm enjoying the spirited discussion...that's what debate based on emotion and opinions is all about..

buddhabman · April 2004

Whether you like them or not Chrysler usually steps forward with new designs. I think that it to there credit. If they could get the execution and production of the chassis for these cars in these designs to a high level they would be awesome. The PT Cruiser, the 300m, the SRT, and now the 300c and Magnum are step out's from the pack. I love the SRT, there was a tuner version on 19's at the LA Auto show that was awesome. I like the solid looking 300c and the bold "Macho" Magnum. I have seen the test versions on the road here in LA and they look nice. The Magnum is interesting in that it is like a chopped Durango, it should appeal to those people that finally realize that they don't need the tall truck to be macho.

ballistic · April 2004

Chrysler usually steps forward with new designs.

Usually true, and that's why I've been a loyal Chrysler owner since buying my first one in 1963. These latest LX designs aren't even a small step forward; they're a huge step back.

They've lost me, and I suspect they'll lose more than they gain.

Kirstie_H · April 2004

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http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html

6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET. Drop by for live chat with other members. Hope you can join us!

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goneskiian · April 2004

I wonder how DCX will meet CAFE standards with all these Hemis going in cars.

They're going to classify them as trucks of course! Well, at least the Magnum is a truck in NHTSA's eyes. How can they do that? Just like the PT Cruiser, with a flat load floor. Can anyone else say "CAFE is total BS?"

There, I thought you could! ;-)

-Ian

goneskiian · April 2004

I don't know about you folks but I'm itching to drive a new Legacy GT Wagon!

A buddy of mine just bought an S4 Avant. Hopefully I can talk him into a test drive as well. ;-)

-Ian

joey2brix · April 2004

Fad designs are very dangerous. They'll be hot for a season then fall out of favor overnight. The PT, and Retro Thunderbird are clasic examples of high demand the first year. Now they're overstocked and the Thunderbird is dead after '05. Maybe the Chevy SSR and Pontiac GTO can make some money if they are just old models with some new body panels. The investment can be made back in a year or two. Keep the volume low so the price stays high. But your main stream bread and butter cars need quality, value and styling, not Hemi pickup cow catcher grills. Let's see how the consumer votes in the Fall.
I hope the US gov doesn't have to bail out DC like it did in the '70's with Iacoca.

kartrait · May 2004

Yes, I agree here - I do like the styling of the Magnum and 300c. As for the desing of the wagons ends: the flowing, smooth transition of the body shape from the front to the rear of the wagon have long been a trademark of European car makers (Passat Wagon, Volvos, Audi Wagons, DM Wagons etc.) - their designs are really nice and do not look like "the wagon end was some extra box the designers had lying around that they welded on in place of a trunk". Glad that at leas DC is following that styling path...

Voi

ballistic · May 2004

I would never mention the Magnum in the same breath as really well-styled, clean, functional wagons such as those from Audi, VW, and even late-model Volvos. They're all great looking.

This long-time Chrysler fan and buyer thinks the Magnum would make a maggot gag.

sebring95 · May 2004

yeah yeah yeah, we know you don't like it. Looks like more than one person disagrees with you. I would consider buying a Magnum and any volvo/audi/mecedes/vw wagon. I would never own an horrendously ugly interpid/concorde;) You could always compare it to the last full-size wagon offered here in the states:

ateixeira · May 2004

That thing just plain looked like an Elephant. It's hard to style a car that long.

-juice

sebring95 · May 2004

well, the magnums only 20" shy of of the beautiful roadmaster. Magnum even has it beat on wheelbase by 4".

ateixeira · May 2004

I happen to like the Magnum's styling, but they did sacrifice utility and visibility to get it.

-juice

KCRam · May 2004

but they did sacrifice utility and visibility to get it.

Juice, that's been my beef for a long time. Today's cars seem to have lower and lower greenhouses and it goes a long way to explaining why my Dodge Ram dually is regulalrly cut off on the interstate.

My dad had a 1984 Pontiac 6000 wagon - talk about excellent visibility - you knew where every corner of that car was at all times. The new Magnum has such a downslope to its roof combioned with the high windowsill, it's no surprise that the rear windows are only slightly more than half the height of the front door windows.

kcram
Host
Smart Shopper/Wagons Message Boards

nippononly · May 2004

have the clamshell rear door, or was that something else? Does anyone besides me think that is a bit odd on a wagon?

It is kind of useful on a truck, but in a car I just want the whole back door to raise up.

I love the look of the Magnum - it looks very American when compared to the really nice-looking wagons mentioned above - VWs and Audis. The domestics seem to have a knack for designing cartoon cars that would not look out of place in Batman, for instance, and making it work. To me, the whole Cadillac line is like that in the new Art&Science motif. Even the ugliest of the lot (and the only wagon), the SRX.

Saw the preview this week of the new 5-series wagon in Autoweek. Currently only for Europe, but the real disappointment is that when it finally gets here the V-8 will not be available, only the 3L six. And I don't think the stick will make it either. But it sure looks better than the sedan.

Obviously the top ranks of foreign carmakers still don't think there is a huge future for sport wagons in the U.S. - the production is limited to 5000 or something for America.

ateixeira · May 2004

Yeah, I think part of the roof comes up when you raise the hatch. I hope it doesn't dump rain water inside the cargo area!

I hate the 5's hump back trunk, so yeah, the wagon is 100% better.

-juice

subewannabe · May 2004

..stepping up onto soapox...

  IMHO, there has been a trend over the past 15 years, as the world rapidly got "smaller", to embrace anything that is uniquely "American". Cars, burgers and US citizens started getting bigger and bigger. After September 11, 2001, the drivers of this trend hit warp speed.
  At a deep pychological level , we have gotten into an "us against the world" mindset, encouraged in large measure by the current administration , especially. We design, buy and drive vehicles that try to send a message, " I'm not afraid of anything!", while the rest of the world laughs at our obvious insecurity.
  Unlike Americans, folks in Japan and Korea are long-acquainted with international wars being waged in their homeland. Thus, they build relatively small( compared only to the US market...same size as the rest of the world)practical, stylish and,in many cases, true performance cars for domestic consumption and make behemoth phallic substitutes for the American market, sell them at great profit, and take those profits back home. You think anybody drives a Nissan Armada or a Toyota Sequoia in Japan????
   Our government gives businesses tremendous tax incentives to buy huge SUV's and pick-up trucks, so we end up with doctors and accountants driving "company-owned" Nissan Titans to Home Depot to load up with azealas on Saturday. The folks who need a Nissan Titan are the owners of Nissan who have lots of US dollars to haul to the docks and ship back to Japan!
   The US economy is heading for the top edge of Niagra Falls and many of us are blissfully ignorant as we float along in our land yachts...to torture the metaphor. As the world economy shakes out, gas prices will soar in the US, especially. The resulting cost of goods of all types and the costs of road construction and repair will likewise soar....maybe folks will need SUV's just to handle the potholes that will consume our roadways. The latest events in Iraq are generating even more antagonistic international focus on US culture and behaviors, and calling a purchase of a Dodge Durango, Magnum or Ram pick-up with a V8 Hemi engine to drive back and forth from home to the office, alone, a "personal choice...a simple matter of preference and personal style", is a pretty clear message to the rest of the world, one which includes two words: the second of which is the second-person singular and the first is a vularity sometimes used to describe copulation and more often used to communicate anger, disdain and frustration.
    I think full size SUV's are great for large families and groups who need to tow things like sail boats and camper trailers, as an alternative to driving multiple vehicles. Likewise, full size pickups with crew cabs and enginenes which produce large amounts of usable torque are great for businesses like construction contractors and surveyors with crews that travel out to the work site together with a full load of materials and equipment in the bed or towed behind. I just wish I would see one of those vehicles used for those purposes once in a while.
   On the other hand, I dont think I ever saw a young, single guy or a teenager with his girlfriend driving a Buick Roadmaster station wagon, or even a Chevy Mailbu wagon for that matter. I am confident that our citizens will soon get over their anxieties and seek something better. If car designers want to build something that reflects America at its best, if they really want go back to the Fifties, why dont they design and build vehicles which are targeted at American capability and economic sensibility: practical, stylish cars and station wagons, rather than vehicles which target insecurity and fear which have to be subsidized and discounted to sell and which lose resale value faster than unpasteurized milk.

...stepping down off soapbox...

Mark

bkaiser1 · May 2004

Unfortunately, I don't see the trend towards "bigger is better" reversing itself here anytime soon.

Brian

norrmanndo · May 2004

Back in high school I used to drive my mothers Pinto wagon. I also had a Corolla Wagon that was great for hauling my huge guitar amp around. Now I have a PT Cruiser and it's been great for me. I think the Volvo, Audi, VW, and Subaru wagons look great, but think Saab should stick with sedans with the sloping rear end. The Taurus, Sables are too much for me to look at. I think wagons are the way to go and seriously considered a Mazdz6 wagon, but they weren't quite out yet when I made my last purchase. I'm glad that Auto makers are finally making their SUVs more car like, and experimenting with wagons again, since 99% of us don't need SUVs (I admit I have a Mazda Tribute). And like the last message, I wish that higher fees would be imposed for inefficient fuel consuming beasts, and even higher gas taxes. I wish the stigma of family wagons and vans would go away, I guess "sport wagon" is the answer. Watch and see if Honda and Toyota bring back wagons and then you'll know they have arrived again.

nippononly · May 2004

Toyota and Honda are becoming very conspicuous by their absence from wagons now, aren't they?

It is a big gamble for Mazda to put out so many versions of the 6, including a wagon, and I hope it pays off for them. It is probably the best combination of sport and space available among the new non-premium wagons.

Crumbling roads and oil wars can definitely be linked to the wide proliferation of SUVs, IMO. I hope wagons make a big comeback, but I am also depressingly aware that Americans need bigger and bigger trucks to express their egos.

Sylvia · May 2004

We tell our daughter (who is 4) that when she is old enough to drive she gets Mommy's Volvo wagon (13 years old NOW!).

ballistic · May 2004

I think it is pathetic that so many Americans are apparently so insecure that they feel compelled to purchase vehicles that look more like weapons than like transportation. Hummer H1 and H2, Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300C, Durango, Ram, F250, Excursion/Expedition, Escalade, Navigator, and so forth. These piggish monstrosities aren't being bought for their practicality or transportation value, they're being bought by people who feel the need to OWN the road, rather than politely share it.

subewannabe · May 2004

I am looking forward to my new wagon, as soon as I can decide between the THREE! Subaru turbo wagons...it will be so much fun to drive nimbly around all the behemoth vehicles on the roads.
The Mazda 6 wagon is a beauty. Unless Honda reacts "quickly" ( a somewhat confusing term considering how it took Mazda almost 3 years to bring out the 6 wagon) Mazda will have established its offering firmly as THE affordable sport wagon for those who dont want AWD. Its a whole lot of utility and fun for under $22K.
Mark

Sylvia · May 2004

A reporter is trying to gauge public opinion of the Hummer. Please send your thoughts and daytime contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Tuesday, May 11, 2004.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

nippononly · May 2004

so what is the Malibu Maxx comparison? I know Maxx has less power, but what about interior space and handling? I would expect the Mazda to be the "sport" of the two. And I bet it is smaller too. Price-wise, I think they are pretty similar.

Jason5 · May 2004

I think lumping the 300C and Magnum in with the Hummer, Durango, Ram etc is rather off-base. They may be styled for a certain reason but are--at their core--family vehicles. Frankly, the Hummer is an entity onto itself. I doubt anything so clearly demonstrates what is both good and bad about our culture--such as it is--than this vehicle. Large, clumsy, inefficient, unnecessary and intensely in demand. Thankfully we enjoy the freedom which allows us to demonstrate our neuroses to our fellow Americans. (Wink)...

dudleyr · May 2004

Maxx is not really a wagon. It has much less space behind the rear seats. It does have more rear leg room though, and its V-6 uses much less fuel than the Mazda 6.

ballistic · May 2004

lumping the 300C and Magnum in with the Hummer, Durango, Ram etc is rather off-base.

I'm referring to the very unfortunate styling similarities (high beltlines, vertically narrow glass, too-near-vertical windshields that don't flow into the rooflines, gargantuan grilles, and suchlike. There is nothing sophisticated about these design trends. Same goes for the socially irresponsible trend to increasingly overweight vehicles.

sebring95 · May 2004

Gee, thought for a minute I got bounced to the IDLSWDY? knuckle-draggers. Apparently the moderator thinks this blather is acceptable here....

Turbo Subaru sounds like an excellent vehicle to commute and suck fuel at a rate greater than those overpriced, overweighted, resale slumping suv's (looking for rolls eyes smiley). Last Subaru I drove drank more fuel than my old Jeep Cherokee, but I'd imagine a turbo would improve that (still looking...).

I think the sport-wagons should continue to be designed conservatively, as i'm tired of having my elitist ways infringed upon by the general public. Those dumdums can continue to buy their poorly styled SUV's (ask anyone that knows anything, they're ugly!!) and leave the sophisticated style of wagons to our 1% of the population. Good plan (where is that rolls eyes smiley....?)

rsholland · May 2004

Same goes for the socially irresponsible trend to increasingly overweight vehicles.

I've long had this complaint about full-size pickups. It seems each new generation of truck is larger than the one it has replaced, with no or little increase in payload. I used to have a base-level '86 F-150 4x4 with a 2000 lb payload and a 6200 lb GVW. Today, the base-level F-150 has a lower payload and a higher GVW, hardly what I'd call progress...

BTW, raise these kinds of complaints over in any of the truck forums here, and you'll be bombarded with all sorts of insults.

Bob

rsholland · May 2004

(sorry, I know this is OT) I think the upcoming generation of mid-size trucks hold a lot of promise. I saw the new Dakota at the NY auto show, and while the styling leaves a lot to be desired, it appears to be the first non-full-size pickup to handle 4'x8' paneling flat on the floor between the wheel wells. If so that's a good sign for those who want a pickup with real utility in a reasonable size package. I'm hoping that may be the case with the new Tacoma and Frontier too, but I don't know yet. Actually, I thought the old Toyota T-100 was about perfect in size, but apparently nobody in the truck crowd agreed.

However, these new mid-sizers are just about the size of the old T-100.

Frankly, I wish the old "Chicken Tax" would get repealed (there's talk of it) so that we can get some reasonably sized pickups from Europe and Asia to compete with the Detroit behemoths. Maybe then we'll see some pickups with thinking and ideas like those found in the Mercedes-engineered Freightliner/Dodge Sprinter vans.

Bob

ballistic · May 2004

Maybe then we'll see some pickups with thinking and ideas like those found in the Mercedes-engineered Freightliner/Dodge Sprinter vans.

Now you're talking (I work for Freightliner).

I'd love to see that 5-cyl common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel adapted for marine use.

ballistic · May 2004

IDLSWDY? knuckle-draggers. Apparently the moderator thinks this blather is acceptable here....

Why bother reading it if your contributions are no more substantive than the above?

Take your rolleyes elsewhere.

KCRam · May 2004

Differing opinions are always welcome in Town Hall, but name calling and personal attacks are not. Take a deep breath before you compose that kneejerk reaction, and respond in a more civil manner... or don't respond at all.

Thanks
kcram
Host
Smart Shopper/Wagons Message Boards

sebring95 · May 2004

IDLSWDY? knuckle-draggers. Apparently the moderator thinks this blather is acceptable here....

Why bother reading it if your contributions are no more substantive than the above?

Take your rolleyes elsewhere.

Yes! Posts claiming insecurities, piggishness, and unsophistication of individuals that buy vehicles not styled to a certain persons liking is so much more substantive!

On to the topic, which hasn't been touched on in quite some time=;

To be a sport wagon in my book, it better have some style that can't be found on the toyota lot. Of the current crop of "sport wagons", the Magnum is one of very few that has any amount of "sporty" look to it. Smooth lines, low belt-lines, and lots of visibility are not common attributes of a sports car design. If that's the case, then you'd have to consider a Toyota Solara a sports car. To get those aggressive looks that attract buyers, some function and utility are regularly compromised. My daughter insisted she wanted a Celica GTS over a numerous list of other vehicles I thought were much better. It caught her eye, even if it is a poorly performing, cheaply built, uncomfortable car with terrible visibility.

So far the most useful, marginally performing, and undersold wagons have been quite bland in terms of style IMHO. I've heard more positive comments concerning the Magnum from folks that likely would not own any other current wagon. While it definitely has an "in-your-face" design as far as it's truckish snout, there is obviously a large following who desire that look. Now if the Chrysler 300 wagon was to be built as was rumored, I think there would be two excellent choices available for different styling tastes.

ballistic · May 2004

Smooth lines, low belt-lines, and lots of visibility are not common attributes of a sports car design.

Oh, really? So Jaguar E-type coupes must all have been trucks, right? Couldn't possibly be sports cars, with those smooth lines, low beltlines, great visibility, and so forth.

Good grief.

sebring95 · May 2004

Surely there's been something produced in the last 25 years that could have been compared to. I did say "common".

It's not that hard to find smooth lines, but the majority of sports cars have higher beltlines and less than stellar visability. A viper is not fun to drive in traffic or park. Most wagons that could be considered "sport wagons" are fairly ho-hum in the design department. Haven't seen anything with the looks of a modern day Aston Martin, 350Z, or even the ancient E although I don't see that styling cue coming back anythime soon. I'm not a big fan these days. If memory serves they did have a model with a wagon door or something though. Have to ask my neighbor, he's an e-type collector.

nippononly · May 2004

while I won't disagree with most of your assessment of the Celica, its performance is better than average - it is a lot of fun to drive. That must have been what your daughter noticed.

So the BMW 3-series wagon is probably the quintessential sport wagon, as the industry defines it. Quite a lot of fun to drive too, if you hop in a 330. What is your take on it? I would say that styling-wise it stands out very little from "the Toyota lot", although it does have a decent look. Looks-wise, I would certainly choose a Magnum over it (but not for any other reason!).

ballistic · May 2004

The current 3-series BMW wagon and the Audi A4/A6 Avants are great looking and reasonably functional. There is not one reason why I would choose a Magnum instead of either.

Sports Wagons - The wave of the future?

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