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Why Wouldn't You Buy A Wagon? #YouTellUs

Joel Feder

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2013 Audi allroad

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While wagons are popular in many parts of the world, consumers in the U.S. seem to dislike wagons. Instead, crossovers seem to be the more popular choice, but why? Today's question is: why wouldn't you buy a wagon?

Crossovers are often hailed for their "car-like" driving qualities--but what's more car-like than a car? Yet, for some reason consumers are more interested in crossovers than station wagons. Thankfully, some auto makers are still selling wagons in the U.S. marketplace.

Audi is currently launching its new 2013 Allroad here in the U.S. But Audi isn't calling it a wagon. Instead it is marketing it similar to the Subaru Outback and the new 2013 XV Crosstrek, not a full crossover, but not a station wagon. With puffed up fender flares, skid plates, and decent ground clearance, the Allroad can tackle the dusty trail while hauling all your gear. Audi actually dropped the A4 Avant in favor of the new Allroad for the U.S. market.

If you want an American station wagon you'll have to head to your Cadillac dealership and take a look at the 2013 CTS Sport Wagon. Wearing Cadillac's Art & Science design language like a tight fitting dress, the CTS Sport Wagon features sharp angles and terrific style. While the 3.6-liter V-6 is powerful, there's also a fire-breathing supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 producing 556 horsepower available in the CTS-V Sport Wagon.

Both of the above wagons are fine examples of vehicles that are more than fit for duty when it comes to hauling the kids to soccer practice when compared to many compact crossovers. They feature enough cargo room to fit all the soccer balls and juice boxes, while still getting sedan-like fuel economy.

After giving it some thought, tell us in the comments below why wouldn't you buy a wagon.

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Comments (22)

Brian Parker Posted: 8/6/2012 12:21pm PDT

I don't know that consumers won't buy - It's that there are few options for buyers in the $25-30K range where most car purchases are made.
In addition, manufacturers find it more profitable to sell more expensive crossovers - and those larger vehicles are good for their CAFE numbers: A station wagon is classified as a "Passenger Car", but a Crossover is classified as a "Light Truck"
If CAFE were applied across the board, or revised so that anything with 4 doors and seating for 4 or more is considered a car, you'd see many fewer crossovers and monster-trucks sold.

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FlowRW Posted: 8/6/2012 12:28pm PDT

I've had a long love affair with station wagons. Would have another one now but most are higher end, higher buck variations. America's only wagon decently equipped is over $50k. I've had Audi sedans and both wagon and coupe Volvo's. Upkeep on them are terribly overpriced. How about an AWD Fusion wagon, a Malibu or Regal wagon?

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John Gregg Posted: 8/6/2012 1:32pm PDT

Well I say we have one.. Its an HHR. They say its a CUV but really its a station wagon... I would buy another .. perfect for gas mmilage and able to load up. Be nice to see wagons of some cheaper cars.

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tractor Posted: 8/6/2012 2:55pm PDT

I have a preference for wagons, maybe because I grew up in two different station wagons, the most memorable being my Mom's 1982 Honda Civic wagon 5-spd.

I've checked out Volvo wagons, but their AWD sucks, so I ended up in a Audi sedan, then still craved the wagon, so went with an A6 avant (wagon). Although the C5 A6 was not as good as my C4 (which thankfully I kept), it was AWESOME how practical the car was. Seated 7 people, seats folded forward for tons of space, easy to get things in and out of with a low loading floor, handled incredibly, was comfortable, etc.

I might find myself in a wagon again; maybe an S4 or S6 this time. I would love an RS4 or RS6 avant if I could afford it, and it was sold here.

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Steve Lionel Posted: 8/6/2012 4:24pm PDT

Not only WOULD I buy a wagon, I just did - the Audi Allroad you have pictured. This is not my first wagon - indeed the first car I bought on my own was a 1976 Chevy Vega wagon, which I loved.

I've had the Allroad just a few days, but I am thrilled with it. And, despite some journalists who suggest that the Q5 would be a better choice, I much prefer the Allroad's looks and lighter weight.

It's strange to compare American tastes with Europeans - in Europe, wagons and hatchbacks are far more popular - they don't care for hulking SUVs the way Americans seem to.

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John Sharnik Posted: 8/7/2012 10:19am PDT

My last two cars have been wagons, Saabs, identical except one's a 9-5 V6 and the other a newer Aero 4. In terms of practicality and fun to drive, they are tops in my book. I would've liked a 2010 9-5 V6 AWD, but that's not going to happen now! Oh, I still own both wagons.

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Livermoron Posted: 8/7/2012 10:28am PDT

I like wagons and would have bought one when shopping for my current ride - although used - BMW 540i 6-sp. I won't buy unless its a manual trans, HP engine, with RWD or AWD. I know I am not the norm and understand not being catered to. The CTS-V wagon might be in my garage in a few years - although that tiny gas tank is a buzz-kill.

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fb_591611615 Posted: 8/7/2012 10:29am PDT

Why can't we have the Ford Focus wagon or the Hyundai Elantra Estate? There are no smaller wagons available in the US any more. Even the Subaru wagon has grown too big. I have an '06 Mazda 6 S sport wagon, but would trade it in a heartbeat for one of the above, since I no longer need the bigger space. I've owned nothing but smaller wagons since the 80s: '82 Subaru wagon, '86 Stanza wagon, '88 Subaru wagon, '95 Ford Escort wagon, '99 Suzuki Esteem wagon, '00 Daewoo Nubira wagon. There must be more of you out there!

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Bill Lindsay Posted: 8/7/2012 10:47am PDT

I had a 2009 Jetta wagon and would have bought a Passat wagon if they had one. I bought the Passat car as the Jetta was a little too small for me. I think the manufactures are second guessing the consumer and getting it wrong.

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Jimtwig Posted: 8/7/2012 10:58am PDT

I wanted a wagon when we downsized from three cars to two cars, getting rid of a 4runner and a RAV4. I priced out the Mercedes E wagon and the price was insane. Audi maintenance was very high. We ended up with a Lexus RX and my wife loves it. The Mercedes is a great wagon, but the bang for the buck isn't there -- it isn't a 450! I wonder about the Europe-only Jaguar XF shooting brake.

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slalom Posted: 8/7/2012 11:14am PDT

I have owned 2 SUV's and many sedans. A couple of years ago I bought a used BMW wagon as I needed all wheel drive and room for my dog in the back. I love the car, some days I wish that it had more options but for the trips to the home improvement centre, vet, or just around town it is great. Fuel economy and handling are car like and cargo space is generous.
I do not care about soccer parent jeers, and would happily buy another.

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Brad Sanderson Posted: 8/7/2012 12:17pm PDT

most sedans and wagons are to low for a senior with arthritice to get in and out.

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M A Posted: 8/7/2012 2:31pm PDT

My 86 year old mother loves My Dodge Challenger because she can slide into the seat as opposed to falling into it like in so many other cars. Not a wagon but unlike smaller cars, it has a functional back seat which flips down to enlarge the already big trunk.

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newsie23 Posted: 8/7/2012 2:08pm PDT

I do have an 05 Mazda6 MT wagon. Would dearly love another in Diesel or ?ecoboost? (Fusion)

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Bob McElhose Posted: 8/7/2012 2:45pm PDT

Depends on what you call a wagon. I am a skier and kayaker who needs a wagon, but Subaru does not sell the Legacy wagon anymore, so I bought an Outback last year. It is nearly perfect, but would be closer if it was a bit lower (a wagon instead of a crossover). If Ford comes out with a diesel or hybrid fusion awd wagon, I would get one of those when my 2011 Outback needs replacing. I do seriously love the Outback, though, not showy, but a very solid vehicle, with a high level of practicality.

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morriskatz Posted: 8/7/2012 4:13pm PDT

A nice 5 dor hatchback like the Focus does the trick, without the extra bulk of the wagon to haul around. Some clever work with bungee cords allow the hatch to be a wagon on those occasions when extra space is needed

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Bob Crouch Posted: 8/7/2012 6:42pm PDT

American press tried for years to tell me that fastbacks were bad and should never be made again... my BMW3 was nice but I wished it was a fastback.. now my Accord coupe is a good as it gets in value and fun with V6 but again it's a bit short of fastback and no wagon. All wheel drive wagons are rare but should forever be a part of American rolling stock. Millions of folks drive CR-V and RAV4 types which are just small,tall wagons... very useful-- and besides, wagons ride as well as sedans and are more useful to many! They are still all the rage in Europe. . wish I could afford a Caddy wagon! Neighbor had Chevy 409 4 speed wagon when I was in school and we use to love getting rides in that go mobile!

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Nicholas Czaruk Posted: 8/7/2012 11:37pm PDT

I would buy a Passat Diesel wagon if they offered one today. Better millage than a SUV and for me a bit more space to carry things around than a sedan.

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Richard Brown Posted: 8/10/2012 4:16pm PDT

I would love to buy a wagon

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Justin Kababik Posted: 8/11/2012 4:23pm PDT

I love wagons. My wife not so much, she'd rather have a minivan. I had a Volvo 240 wagon that was my first car. I'm disappointed in the selection of wagons and in particular manual shift ones. The CTS-V is the only new one you can get and its really tough to find the used ones because no one wants to let them go. I have a X3 manual right now and it feels like a really tall wagon, but I would much prefer a more sleek vehicle that's lower to the ground (lowered my X3 and it still looks the same). I don't know why people don't buy them outside of enthuasists. They're so much better than sedans. But why is it that short wagons that pass as hatchbacks are okay? Everyone sells those. So sad to see it pass.

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Mr. Nuts Posted: 8/30/2012 8:00am PDT

I prefer the higher ride height and increased visibility of crossovers and SUVs over wagons.

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Peggy Reubens Posted: 4/13/2013 10:41am PDT

We badly want to replace our 2002 Passat wagon with another wagon. Everyone I know has always confused wagons with vans or SUVs and are amazed to see ours look as "small" outside as a car when we park on a NYC city street. Sheer ignorance is all I can think of. It's essential for us and would repeat with a VW but its needed way too much maintenance almost since the beginning.

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