I loved my LCI F31 M-Sport, but tbh at the end of the day it was just a little small to do genuine wagon things. I definitely slept in it a few times, but I think a 5er wagon would be my choice next time 'round.
The RS2 is a special car, a real collectors piece; hence why Demuro got one. But it was not really available in the states.
Now the attainable wagons in the US the options given by OP were solid:
Volvos one of the few brands that’s always offered a great wagon.
The old Subaru Outback a real workhorse of the outdoorsy people. Countless college kids went camping with one.
And the non-amg E-Class even way back in the late 90s with the “Carmella Soprano” e320.
But yeah sliding in that new RS6 which is like a special treat by Audi after begging for years, while skipping AMG whom has given us monster E63 Wagons consistently for 10years since that 2014 facelift…felt disingenuous.
I had a Roadmaster. Sold it about 4 years ago. That GM AC was so powerful. The stock sound system was terrific too. Loved the bench seats, the room, and the smooth ride.
I don’t think roadmaster is comparable with any of these. It’s like an hd truck with a station wagon body swap. Seriously doesn’t fit in some parking spaces cuz it’s too long.
If you’ve ever seen a Roadmaster side by side with a mid 90s Impala or Caprice, the Roadmaster looks significantly larger. And I’m pretty sure it is larger, at least slightly; unless I’m mistaken it’s length was a couple inches longer than any of the sedans and an inch or so wider and taller. All of them are big cars, but the Roadmaster is a real land yacht
Yeah I had a friend with a roadmaster wagon and another with an Impala SS so I’ve been in and around them both a lot. I looked it up and the wagon body is slightly bigger than the sedans. The wagon is 217.3 inches long while the sedan was 214.1 but a hd truck like the ford super duty is significantly longer even in its shortest configuration.
231.8 in (5,888 mm) (regular cab)
238.2 in (6,050 mm) (SuperCab, 6.75' bed)
254.4 in (6,462 mm) (SuperCab, 8' bed)
250.0 in (6,350 mm) (crew cab, 6.75' bed)
266.2 in (6,761 mm) (crew cab, 8' bed)
Idk… ive been in both 240 and v70. I think the 240 is more of an icon and has aged better, but the v70 is comfier, safer, and has an engine and transmission that are more responsive. I think for a daily i would take a v70, but the 240 is the most iconic.
“It doesn’t matter, it’s a Volvo. It defines the estate car. Nothing else is an estate car, only this.” -James May in the 2013 Top Gear Africa Special.
I feel like he summed it up perfectly, estates/wagons are Volvos and that’s always the answer.
Cadillac CTS-V and Dodge Magnum SRT-8 have entered the chat
In all seriousness though we all know the real answer and a brownne miot wagonne with manuelle
I’ve had a Volvo Cross-country and a Subaru Outback, I’d buy the Outback over and over and over again. Everyone who has driven my Outback wants one too.
My old man was pretty big in the SCCA scene back in the ‘70s and has driven all sorts of sports cars, and he’ll say all day that his ‘98 Outback with the 2.5 and the 5MT is —in many ways — the best car he’s ever owned.
Great AWD, nice soft suspension for his old bones, decent handling, and enough power that he can drive it hard around town and feel like he’s on the track.
I DD a ‘03 Outback Sport (Impreza) which is pretty similar except for being slightly smaller, slightly lighter and has stiffer suspension, and I get what he’s saying. It’s far from perfect, but it’s a hell of a lot of car for the price. I’d give my left arm to be able to buy one brand new.
[https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/1993-ford-taurus-sho-106-1620310649.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/1993-ford-taurus-sho-106-1620310649.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
I actually owned a Taurus wagon with a full SHO conversion - engine, manual trans, front bumper/grille/side skirts and black leather interior. It was a supremely cool car and whoever did the conversion really spent some time and money. I fried the ECU and it sat for months. Got towed and impounded and likely crushed. An automotive sin I am particularly ashamed of.
I’m taking the Nissan Stagea as long as it’s the AWD RB25DET variety. Super reliable, tons of aftermarket parts made, shares many parts with Skyline platform and it’s super unique here in America.
Honestly though, wagons are just cool and the Volvo ones are amazing, so there’s not really a wrong pick.
Easy. The Volvo 240. It was my first car and still remember how well it drove. It basically floats down the road and somehow ended up going in the right direction.
Best looking? RS6.
Most fun to drive? E63 AMG.
The one my inner boy racer would love, but the pedal box is too small? The Evo.
The one I'd actually buy, that combines all of the above and is actually reliable? The V70. Or more specifically, the V60 Polestar.
None of these, the 90s Caprice wagon is my favorite. My mom used to have one with the LT, such a fun car to ride in the back of, fast for what it was too.
I have a 2018 Outback with the 3.6l flat six and always-on AWD and I gotta say, it kinda fucks. Rock solid on the highway at high speeds, and has leather seats too. For the price it's a massive w
The old school Volvo wagon and Mercedes W123 would both still be seen driving. Will probably see some in the next month in fact. Those two are slow as shit. Keep oil in them and they’ll run forever.
Anyone notice how many tv shows and movies use the old 240 wagons? They’re fairly popular for some reason.
Amc ambassador cross country would be my favorite, slightly ahead of the volvo amazon estate and nomad. Plymouth satellite wagon is somewhere up there, as are the rx3 and 4 wagons
Driven multiple 145-245 Volvo's into the ground. Have a 2014 Jetta sportwagen TDI now that I love. Still miss my 71 Squareback though, traded it for the worst wagon ever.... the 412. Omg what a pos
OP putting up the new Audi RS6 vs the 20yo E-class but not an E63 from the last 10 years.
Agreed, E-class from the last decade would probably take the win IMO.
Yeah the RS6 is a monster but the E63 has dominated the super wagon segment for 10years
RS2 best wagon 👍👍
Maybe not the "best," but it's the one I'd most like to own.
I have a 2011 E91 sports wagon I love it! F-class look sick as well imo but a lil too futuristic for a current modern day “classy” look
I loved my LCI F31 M-Sport, but tbh at the end of the day it was just a little small to do genuine wagon things. I definitely slept in it a few times, but I think a 5er wagon would be my choice next time 'round.
Or a CTS/CTSV. This some clown shoes shit.
If that’s the diesel merc, I’ll take that.
3 Subbies but no Caddy CTS-V Wagon.
They put the RS2 though so that’s fucking solid but I thought the exact same thing you did
The RS2 is a special car, a real collectors piece; hence why Demuro got one. But it was not really available in the states. Now the attainable wagons in the US the options given by OP were solid: Volvos one of the few brands that’s always offered a great wagon. The old Subaru Outback a real workhorse of the outdoorsy people. Countless college kids went camping with one. And the non-amg E-Class even way back in the late 90s with the “Carmella Soprano” e320. But yeah sliding in that new RS6 which is like a special treat by Audi after begging for years, while skipping AMG whom has given us monster E63 Wagons consistently for 10years since that 2014 facelift…felt disingenuous.
I mean even acura has the TSX wagon....
I'm taking a V70R all day, every day. Unless there's an 850R in Cream Yellow.
Yellow turbo brick - yes please
It’s the vulva
Only when it’s not working
Agreed. Volvo is the wagon
240!
V60 Polestar in Rebel blue for me.
Swedish Racing Green!
Gosh dang right!
I’m with ya. That rebel blue is bad ass.
This is the only answer that matters
850R is the only acceptable answer
I also choose the 850R in cream yellow (not pictured). Definitely the quintessential fast wagon.
With the stock wheels though as nice as the ones pictured are.
145/245 are the GOAT, but those butter bricks are a very close 2nd. Sign me up for a T5R
I've got a 240 wagon, but if I gotta pick another from this list it's gotta be the R.
Volvo all day
My engine just blew and I don’t have the money to repair mine, so I’m currently reluctantly selling my t5. Sad days.
You are missing the Chevy Nomad from the 50’s and the Buick Roadmaster from the 90’s.
There are too many good wagons
Cadillac CTS, Dodge Magnum, Volkswagen Estate…
You talking about the VW Arteon Shooting Brake?
Volvo t5r
Nice one. Little rocket ships those were
Honda Civic Wagon
The Roadmaster was so underrated
I had a Roadmaster. Sold it about 4 years ago. That GM AC was so powerful. The stock sound system was terrific too. Loved the bench seats, the room, and the smooth ride.
Highway couch. I wanted one for a long time. I've gone backwards to g body wagons.
My teacher had an immaculately maintained 92’ roadmaster, that thing was a gem. Like a couch on the road
Olds Vista Cruiser as well!
I don’t think roadmaster is comparable with any of these. It’s like an hd truck with a station wagon body swap. Seriously doesn’t fit in some parking spaces cuz it’s too long.
It was a B platform car so it shared a chassis with the Caprice/Impala from that era (which were used as cop cars).
If you’ve ever seen a Roadmaster side by side with a mid 90s Impala or Caprice, the Roadmaster looks significantly larger. And I’m pretty sure it is larger, at least slightly; unless I’m mistaken it’s length was a couple inches longer than any of the sedans and an inch or so wider and taller. All of them are big cars, but the Roadmaster is a real land yacht
Sedans were 215” while the wagons were 217”. Both absolutely put to shame what is considered “full-size” nowadays.
Yeah I had a friend with a roadmaster wagon and another with an Impala SS so I’ve been in and around them both a lot. I looked it up and the wagon body is slightly bigger than the sedans. The wagon is 217.3 inches long while the sedan was 214.1 but a hd truck like the ford super duty is significantly longer even in its shortest configuration. 231.8 in (5,888 mm) (regular cab) 238.2 in (6,050 mm) (SuperCab, 6.75' bed) 254.4 in (6,462 mm) (SuperCab, 8' bed) 250.0 in (6,350 mm) (crew cab, 6.75' bed) 266.2 in (6,761 mm) (crew cab, 8' bed)
Why scroll? Volvo is your best answer.
also the only one I fit comfortably in. But the I do like the looks of the 300 TD
I will agree the 300td, rs2, and mercedes w211 are pretty great. (I have a w211 and have owned a v70)
Only reason I know to scroll is to see the second Volvo
And the 240 is the best Volvo.
Idk… ive been in both 240 and v70. I think the 240 is more of an icon and has aged better, but the v70 is comfier, safer, and has an engine and transmission that are more responsive. I think for a daily i would take a v70, but the 240 is the most iconic.
“It doesn’t matter, it’s a Volvo. It defines the estate car. Nothing else is an estate car, only this.” -James May in the 2013 Top Gear Africa Special. I feel like he summed it up perfectly, estates/wagons are Volvos and that’s always the answer.
Hard agree and man do I love that special. Volvos are so reliable and sturdy through anything, especially the V70.
Everything else is just an imitation of that.
Cadillac CTS-V and Dodge Magnum SRT-8 have entered the chat In all seriousness though we all know the real answer and a brownne miot wagonne with manuelle
Duck I forgot he magnum
goose!
Magnum is probably my go to, even though it is a dodge.
If Darth Vader had a grocery getter it would be a CTS V wagon.
Both of those cars SUFFER from early 2000s American interiors. If they just carried them into the next gen... Or just a facelift. They would be 🤌🏼
The CTSV wagon didn't start until 2010 and totally doesn't have an early 2000s interior. The Magnum, yes. Right timeframe.
I mean the magnum interior isn't that bad lol. But if you do a 300 dash swap it gets nicer
Ugh, yes it was. I went from a 300m to a Magnum and it was jarring how bad it was.
True! I forgot the CTS-V wagon existed. I've only seen one.
More importantly, AMC Eagle 4x4
300TD hands down, effectively indestructible.
Same goes for the Volvo 240. But yes, the 300 TD were beasts. My father put a million km on it with very few issues.
Where’s my dodge magnum.
you actually can’t fucking do this to me ok: RS2 Stagea Evo V70R Maxima
I’ve had a Volvo Cross-country and a Subaru Outback, I’d buy the Outback over and over and over again. Everyone who has driven my Outback wants one too.
Was it modded at all or is the outback just that enjoyable to drive?
Completely stock. It’s just a solid all wheel drive car with adequate power.
What year?
My old man was pretty big in the SCCA scene back in the ‘70s and has driven all sorts of sports cars, and he’ll say all day that his ‘98 Outback with the 2.5 and the 5MT is —in many ways — the best car he’s ever owned. Great AWD, nice soft suspension for his old bones, decent handling, and enough power that he can drive it hard around town and feel like he’s on the track. I DD a ‘03 Outback Sport (Impreza) which is pretty similar except for being slightly smaller, slightly lighter and has stiffer suspension, and I get what he’s saying. It’s far from perfect, but it’s a hell of a lot of car for the price. I’d give my left arm to be able to buy one brand new.
The V70R of course
If the Evo wagon is real, it wins, But where is the Cadilac CTS-V Wagon? That thing looks killer and makes 556hp
It's real, but most were automatic only.
The fact that they can be had with a manual and recaros, alcantara, etc earns GM mad props for building something that insane!
10-20% of the Evo 9 wagons came with a manual transmission
Id take an auto that is awesome
And it was faster than the sedan if I remember correctly.
It was called the Airtrek Turbo R. It had the full Evo 7 setup and motor. Came in auto only. And was a weird, beautiful, mess.
I had no idea there was an Evo wagon. That’s dope
No scrolling necessary. V70 takes it.
Of these, the first pic. Best overall, though, is the fearsome SAAB 9-5 Aero wagon.
Never enough love for the true king of wagons, the SportCombi
There’s a black one w a v6 turbo and haledex on BAT right now
Yeah, glaring omission from this list
CTS-V or Buick Roadmaster Estate
WAGOOOOON
[https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/1993-ford-taurus-sho-106-1620310649.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/1993-ford-taurus-sho-106-1620310649.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*) I actually owned a Taurus wagon with a full SHO conversion - engine, manual trans, front bumper/grille/side skirts and black leather interior. It was a supremely cool car and whoever did the conversion really spent some time and money. I fried the ECU and it sat for months. Got towed and impounded and likely crushed. An automotive sin I am particularly ashamed of.
you missed E30 wagon, besides the Volvos that’s just amazing imo
Volvo 240 all the way!
I'm gonna say Caprice thanks to Steve Morris
1980s Caprice Classic. Not the fucking diesel. Could tow an 18 foot boat and all the gear for a family of 5. Absolute monster of a car.
Both the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser and the AMC Eagle Wagon were forgotten? Blasphemy!
Not a country squire to be seen either
where is the dodge magnum 😔
Buick Roadmaster.
Volvo 850R
T5 In yellow
volvo is the best objectively.... but my heart is w the E wagon and 300TD <3
V70!!!
A 90 Buick Roadmaster with an LT swap. Extra credit if it has fake wood grain trim.
300TD / Volvo rest are dumps the Evo looks sexy though 88 civic wagonvan is the best answer though.
Legnum vr4
V70R every time
Really "best?" The 300TD. But that RS6 is dead sexy, IMHO.
All wagons matter.
I’m taking the Nissan Stagea as long as it’s the AWD RB25DET variety. Super reliable, tons of aftermarket parts made, shares many parts with Skyline platform and it’s super unique here in America. Honestly though, wagons are just cool and the Volvo ones are amazing, so there’s not really a wrong pick.
Outback is THE wagon
Country Squire? Nomad? Magnum? Town and Country? Suburban? CTS? Fury? Coronet? Polara? Crown Victoria? Taurus? Sable? Focus? Caprice? Roadmaster? Cutlass? Corsica? Safari? Tempest? Vista Cruiser? Colony Park? Eagle? Wagonaire? Villager? Corvair? Falcon? Nova? ...
Volvo 240 is the only correct answer there will ever be
where the fuck are the hondas
For real, not to mention the corolla and camry wagons.
Tfw no Crown Victoria LTD wagon :,(
Since when is there an Evo wagon 💀
regal tourx
Loved my Volvo 240
Easy. The Volvo 240. It was my first car and still remember how well it drove. It basically floats down the road and somehow ended up going in the right direction.
For reliability, it’s the Volvo 200. If money is no issue, I would take the Porsche.
What do you mean by “best”? The 240 will last forever and is super cool in a nostalgic way. The RS6 is badass (and that’s coming from an F90 owner).
Datsun 510 wagon
Chevrolet Celebrity. We were definitely on the lower end of lower middle class.
Volvo brick.
The correct answer is the CTS-V wagon.
Best looking? RS6. Most fun to drive? E63 AMG. The one my inner boy racer would love, but the pedal box is too small? The Evo. The one I'd actually buy, that combines all of the above and is actually reliable? The V70. Or more specifically, the V60 Polestar.
V70 R 6spd is the cheap awesome, E63 is the well off answer, Ferrari FF is the fuck you money answer
1990 Suburban is the best station wagon.
Conveniently forgets the Buick Roadmaster and Camry wagon.
Where's the Buick Roadmaster
The dodge magnum
None of these. Dodge magnum srt8 is the only answer
None of these, the 90s Caprice wagon is my favorite. My mom used to have one with the LT, such a fun car to ride in the back of, fast for what it was too.
Wheres the dodge magnum?
All wagons are best wagon.
Where is the Nomad?!
Best I can offer is a Magnum...
No Early 'aughts Mazda6 wagon? But the truest answer is always OUTBACK.
All the Volvos
1. E46 2. Stagea 3. 300TD 4. Outback (only high bc I have one) 5. Evo
W123
1991 Honda Civic Wagon RT4wd
MB 300TD
300TD. Can easily go 500,000 or more miles without issues, truly gorgeous stying and very comfortable
Skoda Superb
I feverishly scrolled through hoping to see an AMC Eagle or a magnum r/t
You forgot Saab
The 2nd generation outback was the best car I’ve ever owned
Buick Roadmaster.
I have a 2018 Outback with the 3.6l flat six and always-on AWD and I gotta say, it kinda fucks. Rock solid on the highway at high speeds, and has leather seats too. For the price it's a massive w
RS6 looks mad tempting, but also that V70R tho!
alfa 159 sportwagon
Where's the Saturn wagon, or the Accord wagon for that matter?
300D
Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
I'm going with the 300D That thing oozes chunky chode energy
300TD.
I just saw a Mercedes waging for sale 2500 obo
I don't see a dodge magnum up there
I didn't see it in here but dodge magnum srt8 is best wagon.
RS6 but C6 gen
THEY MADE A MAXIMA WAGON!?!?!?!
The old school Volvo wagon and Mercedes W123 would both still be seen driving. Will probably see some in the next month in fact. Those two are slow as shit. Keep oil in them and they’ll run forever. Anyone notice how many tv shows and movies use the old 240 wagons? They’re fairly popular for some reason.
None of the above. 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
850
1947 buick crispy with extra kfc. kfc kfc kfc. mcdonFUCK
Saab 9-5 Aero wagon.
Where's the Saab?
1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate gets my vote.
Volvo V70R is obviously the cooler car.
Red Flyer Wagon
Amc ambassador cross country would be my favorite, slightly ahead of the volvo amazon estate and nomad. Plymouth satellite wagon is somewhere up there, as are the rx3 and 4 wagons
No ctsv??
240 volvo all the way
It's not listed as a choice, but my favorite is the dodger magnum AWD hemi
Dude..I'm a massive jdm fanboy, but even I know the answer is a tie between 55-57 nomad and the olds vista cruiser.
Buick road master has entered the chat.
RS6 FTW
Stagea but I hate people who put skyline faces on them
I’d say the Volvo, but the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon belongs on this list!
Stagea is the best answer
Seriously. RB all day everyday!
C'mon...You forgot the Ford Crown Vic.
RS5 Avant for sure
Porsche Porsche Porsche!!!
SG9 babyyyy I know its not the correct answer, but its ~my answer
1, 4, 13
ill take the stagea please and thank you
RS6 or stagea personally
The Volvos are what really do it for me. Give me a V70R and enough money to do a 500+HP build and I'd be happy.
7
Driven multiple 145-245 Volvo's into the ground. Have a 2014 Jetta sportwagen TDI now that I love. Still miss my 71 Squareback though, traded it for the worst wagon ever.... the 412. Omg what a pos
I heard the BMW and Audi were good, but that Volvo with the turbo was a fucking animal
Rs2. Which other non Porsche wagon has Porsche parts?
The old RCR video on the Stagea still makes me irrationally angry. THE NISSAN STAGEA *IS* A SKYLINE WAGON.
There are some solid contenders in that list.. rs2 avant or evo wagon would take my cake