Tammy Pescatelli

Andy Rooney

1974 AMC Hornet Sportabout

Take a gander at that horrific lift-over height at the back! Truly a sign of things to come.

1976 Pontiac Grand Safari

While Chrysler's "Stow 'n Go" minivan seats are some of the greatest inventions in all of cardom, back in the 70s the clam shell wagon tailgate was my favorite Rube Golberg-ian feature, which was a GM invention. Don't think the 76 in the video above is cool enough? Try the one below...

1950 Nash Ambassador Airflyte

One of my favorite cars featured in Norm Mort's book American Station Wagons is the Nash Ambassador Airflyte. It was the manufacturer's attempt to create another variation on the station wagon theme. Yes, long before the word "crossover" existed to fool buyers into doing the right thing (buy a freakin' wagon!), automakers were doing just that. Leno is as annoying as ever and he doesn't even do a proper job of making the seats into a bed (doesn't finish the job), but this video really gives a great view of this wonderful utilitarian vehicle.

American Station Wagons by Norm Mort

Worth owning.

Here's another one from my bookshelf that I greatly enjoyed. The subtitle reads, "The Golden Era 1950-1975". Though the content is light on copy, this book is still well worth owning. As of this writing, a new copy can be picked up for under $15 on Amazon. Tomorrow, I'll pick my favorite wagon from within its pages.

1923-1928 Star Station Wagon

Breezy!

According to some sources, Star, a division of Durant, was the first car company to offer a factory-built station wagon. Also known back then as a depot hacks, they were created to ferry train riders back and forth between the station and home. Prior to 1923, station wagons were produced, but they were custom jobs. For example, it was quite popular to wagon-ize Ford Model Ts.

Ford Focus Station Wagon

Ford says Americans can't have this wagon, either.

Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon

GM says that if you live in the States, you can't have this. You're welcome.

The Station Wagon King

Have you ever heard of Michigan's station wagon king, Don R. Mitchell? Learn more here.

America's Coolest Station Wagons by Scotty Gosson

If you're interested in Domestic customized wagons, this is the book for you. The content is not so much about stock long roofs, but I still enjoyed it greatly.

Interview: Sandra Bullock's 2005 Scion xB*

*Obviously, not the Sandra Bullock. The names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent.

"Get ready for rush hour!" Or not, your choice.

Domestic Diesel Wagons

Unsurprisingly, American carmakers never really wandered down the diesel station wagon rabbit hole. In fact, I can't think of many. Here are a couple that were sold in the States that I came up with. Can you think of any more?

GM 4th- and 5th-Gen A-Bodies

GM 3rd-Gen B-Bodies

Ford 1st-Gen CE14s, which used a Mazda diesel

Station Wagon Comparison

Which would you choose?

Planets Citizens - "Night Drive"

2016 Mazda6 Wagon

Here's another station wagon that we can't get here in the crossover-crazed States. The last Mazda6 wagon was a cult hit and you can still find plenty on the used marketplace. And yet, Mazda, is seemingly afraid to cannibalize crossover sales. I suppose that makes sense, as they don't have that many sales as it is. They're currently #15 YTD. But that's not good when Subaru who, unlike Mazda, don't have anything new in the showroom, comes in at #9. Mazda needs Toyota.

Minecraft Station Wagon Tutorial

Here's another angle on the future in our ongoing study of the station wagon. Will this be the closest people get to enjoying a station wagon? I hope not.

2009+ Lada Priora Universal

Did I say Mother Honda? What about Mother Russia?

Things are going blurry...stay away from the light!

1999-2003 Honda Avancier

Thanks for nothing, Mother Honda.

Oh just call it a wagon, fer chrissakes.

1998-2004 Mitsuoka Ryoga

Nihon meets Jag.

Oy.

2017 Volvo V90

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Yep, only sold in the USofA for a total of one whole year. Once again, nice job Mitsu.

The video below is blurry. Here's a quick pic of the front 3/4.

Honda Civic: Wagon Attack

Too much fun!

Now I want one. Must...resist...Craigslist...GAHH!!!!

1993-2005 Opel Corsa Swing

One last glimpse at the history of the station wagon in India.

Supermodel looks? I don't think so.

1996-2015 Fiat Weekend

Back to India.

Too easy, I just can't do it; insert joke here.

Haujobb - "Dead Market"

Third generation Chevrolet Caprice wagon plus industrial music...? Bring it on!

Nissan Stagea 260RS

Forbidden JDM fruit.

Yowza. 276 maker agreed hp? Not! Really like 300+ hp in this grocery-getter.

1986 Nissan Stanza Wagon

People love to pick on junky, cheap whips like the Yugo. But if ever there was a mainstream POS wagon, it's the Stanza Wagon. Neat in concept and okay to drive, but so poorly manufactured that practically none remain. If you can find one in primo condition for sale, please post a link! Sliding doors rule. I wish they'd build them into more cars, including the front doors too. And make them remote controlled like the new Tesla, please. Maybe that's overboard in terms of tech junk, but golly they're convenient and luxurious.

1996-2007 Maruti Baleno Altura Wagon

Another wagon that didn't make it in India.

Jimmy ends up choosing his Esteem over a Mercedes C240.

1992-2000 Tata Estate

With yesterday's Tata Indigo Marina, the company had previously had experience producing station wagons. More successful that its successor, the Tata Estate would probably be labeled a crossover today and my guess far more successful. Of course, it was a stone-age design when released.

"Driving is believing." Uh...yeah.

2006-2008 Tata Indigo Marina

If you think wagons have always done poorly in the States, it's nothing compared to how bad they've sold in India. By comparison, this is a mecca for long roofs. Let's check out some of the estates that failed to make an impact in the land where so much began.

Snappy tagline.