Enter the Wagon Station wagons aren't just for families anymore. They're making a comeback--and packing a serious punch.
By Jill Amadio
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
It's OK to drive a station wagon again. The tip-off: manyvehicle designers have recently crossed SUVs with wagon styling,easing away from the high-center-of-gravity and truck-platformedSUV toward the lower, car-based wagon. BIZ Experiencess, inparticular, can benefit from the new vehicles. Weighing less than atruck for better fuel economy and providing more cargo area than asedan, most 2005 station wagons are classy workhorses.
The most interesting is Dodge's Magnum, a massive, full-sizewagon with an optional HEMI 340-horsepower V-8 engine (standard isa V-6), all-speed traction control, and a front end that looks likea Bentley. An imposing sight, the muscled-up, five-passenger Magnumhas a rear liftgate, provides 71.6 cubic feet of cargo space withthe rear seats folded down, and is surprisingly base-priced at$21,870. Transmission is a four-speed automatic with the V-6 and afive-speed manual transmission with the V-8 HEMI.
Volvo's V70 is a luxury wagon with all-wheel drive in fourversions, starting at $28,760. With a 165-horsepower five-cylinderbase engine and a five-speed manual transmission, rear parkingassistance system, and several air bags, the V70 is one of thesafest wagons on the road. A handsome vehicle with no-nonsensestyling, it provides 71.5 cubic feet of cargo room.
If you need less trunk space and want more pizazz, then checkout the 9-2x Linear, the smaller, all-wheel-drive wagon fromSaab-it sports a rear roof spoiler. The interior has 61.6cubic feet of cargo space. As part of Saab's new 9-2x series,the Linear is a snappy wagon with a 165-horsepower four-cylinderengine and five-speed manual transmission. Other features include arear window wiper/washer, a split-folding rear seat, remote centrallocking and optional heated front seats; prices start at$22,990.
Other wagons worth checking out are Audi's A4 Avant,Mercedes-Benz's E-Class and the Ford Taurus Wagon.
Editor and consultant Jill Amadio has been reporting on theautomotive industry for 26 years.
