The Greatest Wagons Of All Time
Wagons The American Way

It’s Wagon Week! As we spend the next few days celebrating the glory of the station wagon, I figured it would only be right to take a look at some of the greatest factory wagons and estates ever built. From 1950s classics right up to the high-powered long-roofs of today, we’ve seen some amazing wagons over the years, so let’s go back and check them out…

Nomad-02

Long before the rise of the minivan and SUV the station wagon was the way to go for people hauling in the USA. During the 1950s and 1960s you could order most American models in wagon form – and one of the most iconic was the Chevy Nomad. Introduced in 1955 the Nomad wasn’t a typical four-door wagon – it was an attractive two-door with a roofline to match its sleek, finned profile.

Nomad-01

While the Nomad name would be placed on a number of Chevy wagons over the years, it’s the 1955-1957 cars that are most fondly remembered. If you’ve seen the prices they’ve been fetching lately, you’ll also know the ’55-’57 is one of the most collectable station wagons ever produced.

VistaCruiser

There were many great American wagons manufactured during the ’60s and one of the most memorable was the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. It was the classic family hauler, and like most wagons if you checked the right boxes when ordering one, it could be had with the same powerful V8 engines that powered the muscle cars of the era. Don’t forget the woodgrain either.

VistaCruiser01

But what set the Vista Cruiser apart from the crowd was its raised roof with skylights, which gave both the exterior and interior a very unique feel. Buick also produced a model called the Sport Wagon which featured the same glass roof panels.

Buick-01

By the time the 1980s rolled around, the station wagon had begun to fall out of favor among American car buyers. With minivans dominating the market, the last full-size wagons available in the US were the Buick Roadmaster and Chevrolet Caprice Wagon.

Caprice-01

Being the last of of the traditional American station wagons, the Caprice and Roadmaster are now looked upon fondly by hot rodders and customizers. It also helps that they could be had with an LT1 small block similar to the one used in the Corvette and Camaro. Production ended in 1996.

Magnum-03

But that didn’t mean the end of the American wagon. In 2005 the Dodge Magnum hit the market, acting as a wagon variant of the new LX platform Chrysler 300 sedan. With a Mercedes-sourced chassis and an available Hemi V8, the Magnum offered a nice option to one who might be in the market for a cool and unique family car.

Magnum-02

Things got even better when the Magnum SRT-8 was introduced. This was a true muscle wagon, with a 425 horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi, upgraded suspension, larger brakes and more aggressive bodywork.

Magnum-01

Magnum production ended in 2008 and that’s especially sad given all the crazy stuff Dodge and Chrysler have been doing lately. It would have been really cool to see this car live on. Hellcat wagon anyone?

CTS-02

Thankfully, Cadillac was there to pick up where Dodge left off with the introduction of the CTS Sport Wagon. The CTS Wagon was available in both rear and all-wheel drive, but the big story was the CTS-V Sport Wagon which packed a 556 horsepower supercharged LSA V8 and an available 6-speed manual. It’s simply one of the coolest station wagons ever made.

CTS-03

We’ve yet to hear any info about Cadillac introducing a wagon variant of the new CTS, but here’s hoping they do. You know you want the new CTS-V in wagon form.

Holden-01

Of course, when talking about the great wagons built by American automakers, one shouldn’t leave out their counterparts in Australia, who’ve produced some impressive wagons over the years. It might be the utes they are most known for, but I’ll take hotted-up Commodore wagon myself.

Euro Wagon Mania
BMW-01

While SUVs and minivans put an end to the station wagon’s mainstream popularity on the US, it’s been a different story in Europe where the wagon – or estate as its more commonly known – has always been a popular option. Companies like BMW have long offered wagon versions of their popular models; combining world famous driving dynamics with added space for whatever you need to move.

M5-01

And over the years, there have been a few M models which have been released in the Touring body style, including both the E34 and E60 M5 – the latter of which packed the same 5.0-liter V10 as the sedan.

M5-02

Whether it’s one of the rare M-Touring cars or a standard model, what’s not to like about the ultimate driving machine with room for the whole family?

Benz-01

Mercedes-Benz is another automaker known for building some tantalizing wagons, some of which wear the legendary AMG moniker. If you are looking for a big, luxurious hauler that can outperform many sports cars, look no further than the AMG E-Class wagon.

Benz-02

With a twin turbocharged V8 sitting beneath its bonnet, the latest E63 AMG Estate is one of the baddest station wagons of all time.

Benz-03

Should I suddenly be presented with an enormous pile of money and had to buy a car for everyday use, this would likely be it. Any kid who grows up riding in the back one of these is guaranteed to be a car lover for life.

Audi-04

But as good as those BMW and Mercedes wagons are, there’s no brand who has embraced the idea of fast and cool wagons quite like Audi has. In fact, it was on the five-door wagon body style that Audi decided to introduce its RS2 Avant in the mid-1990s.

Audi-03

Not only was the turbocharged, all-wheel drive RS2 Avant one of the greatest sleepers ever built, it would be the first in a long line of high performance wagons from Audi. They were fast, had room for anything you’d need to haul and could be used in any type of weather.

Audi-01

Today you can get Audi’s RS6 Avant with the same twin turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 found in the Audi S8 and Bentley Continental GT, putting it right up there with the Caddy CTS-V and E63 AMG Estate in terms of performance.

Audi-02

Actually, it would be a tough choice between this and the E63 AMG Estate as the ultimate daily driver these days. Either way, we should thank the automotive gods that cars like this are allowed to exist.

T5R

Few automakers have been more synonymous with wagons than Volvo though, and while most of their offerings have been more skewed to practicality, there have been some hot ones over the years.

http://www.autogaleria.hu -

And of all Volvo’s performance-oriented wagons, none are more beloved than the T-5R wagon and the 850R that followed it. With their boxy, yet attractive styling and deceptive performance, these cars did a lot to raise Volvo’s reputation among car enthusiasts.

V60Wagon

More recently, Volvo has released the Polestar-tuned V60 Wagon which packs a 345 horsepower turbo inline six, all-wheel drive, and a whole host of performance upgrades. Once again, the idea is to show that there’s a lot more to Volvo than just safety ratings and comfort.

Jag01

While Volvo is a brand that’s always been known for practical wagons, Jaguar is not. That’s why it was so cool to see them release the XF Sportbrake, and more specifically the radical XFR-S Sportbrake.

Jag02

With a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 making 550 horsepower, the XFR-S Sportbrake quickly earned a place in the wagon hall of fame and represents a whole new direction for the Jaguar brand. Style, performance, and tons of space. What more do you need?

Japanese Wagons
Skyline-Wagon-01

While Japan has recently become a country dominated by minivans and small hatchbacks, it wasn’t always that way. At one point, station wagons could be found everywhere in Japan, and they included versions of iconic cars like the Hakosuka Skyline of the early ’70s.

Stagea-02

And while there was never a Skyline GT-R wagon produced, the Nissan Stagea Autech 260RS was essentially a GT-R with a wagon body, packing the same RB26DETT engine and all-wheel drive system. When it comes to JDM unicorns, it doesn’t get better than this.

WRX-01

Of course, when talking about Japanese wagons of the turbo, all-wheel drive variety no one does it better than Subaru. And as great as the sedan version of the Impreza WRX was, it was even better when you got it in five-door wagon form.

WRX-Wagon-02

Whether it’s Audi or Subaru, there’s just something right about the combination of all-wheel drive, a turbocharger and a wagon body style. Rally DNA with room to spare – it’s a fine, fine thing.

Legacy-01

And if you were looking for the same experience with a bit more room. you could step up the larger Legacy wagon which offered all the fun in a larger package.

Legacy-02

Of all the Legacy wagons, none were more desirable than the limited production STI S204 with a 2.5-liter turbo boxer four and a whole array of goodies from the STI team. It’s every Subaru fan’s dream wagon.

Levorg

These days, the Levorg has taken over Subaru’s wagon duties, and while it might not be quite the same car that the older Legacys and Imprezas were, it can still be had with a turbo – and of course AWD – for an engaging wagon experience.

Evo-Wagon-02

Last but not least comes Mitsubishi, which produced not only one of the coolest, but also one of the rarest performance wagons ever with the Evo IX wagon. As you’d expect, it packed all the goodies from the Evo sedan into a boxy wagon to make for the ultimate sleeper.

Evo-Wagon-01

So there you have it – a look at some of the greatest factory wagons ever produced. Of course, any wagon can be built into something special, but these are some of the best right off the showroom floor. Got a favorite or one that we happened to miss? Let us know below in the comments section.

Mike Garrett
Instagram: speedhunters_mike
mike@speedhunters.com

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1

One of my favourites is the Lexus IS Sportcross, I mean, look at it, it's more than 15 years old but still looks actual, such a timeless design...

2

Think you got the C63 Estate posted there

3

Never knew about that STAGEA! That thing is amazing!

4

perfect timing i just bought a 05 legacy gt with stage 2 running close to 300hp and allwheel drive. such a sleeper, suv's try to take me on all time but have no chance. best car i owned so far....plus there is room for dog and kids. and fun at the track

5

Mondeo ST200/220, definitely.

6

Just to let you know, that's not the E63 AMG but the C63 AMG that you've posted.

7

I realllly want to take either a 90's Legacy wagon or a 240/740/940 volvo wagon and turn it into a lowriding, barrel-wheel bearing, sleeper VIP wagon with an itasha moniqure and take it to anime cons

8

Volvo 200 series Turbo was the first real bad*ss wagon. But I'd say Audi has perfected the formula.

9

As an 300C SRT8 owner, I absolutely agree with your posting of the Dodge Magnum!  It definitely reignited the USA's love affair with the wagon once again.

10

How about the Civic Aerodeck 1.8VTi? A decent B18 that will keep up with more recent Type Rs...!

11

My favorite is a little german 2 doors wagon

12

Grew up in a 1990 Volvo 240 DL wagon. 

Here's the story I submitted to IPD. http://www.ipdusa.com/blogs/297/customer-feature-thomas-williams

13

Don't forget Skoda. The Fabia vRS Combi is just that much larger than the hatch to handle reasonably well, has the 132kw VW twincharge/7sp DSG combo with funky 17s and 40 profile rubber from the factory.
Small size, plenty of go and is used as a Ring Taxi!

14

Cant wait for my 260rs to show up! shipping out of japan this Friday! Wagons FTW.

15

A Stagea with R34 fronted, in midnight blue.. the perfect wagon :)

16

EvolveWRC I forgot they made them. They actually look better in wagon form

17

Toyota Crown Estate Athlete V

18

you guys should really change the audi rs6 pictures, the pictures shown here are the audi s6. The rs6 is wider, has oval pipes, and is a lot quicker!

19

these are audi rs6's (left one is the 5.0 v10 c6, right one is the 4.0 v8 c7)

20

You forgot this african icon , the Peugeot 504 wagon ,here in Dangel 4wd version.

21

You forgot the Volvo P1800 ES

22

I can't believe you have a Story on the Wagon and the Legnum VR4 didn't make the list. By far the best looking Wagon to come out of Japan. 2.5L V6 Twin Turbo sporting all wheel drive with an AYC rear diff.

23

Kids heart did an R35 fronted stagea....

24

@Gnah  surely that's a shooting brake, not a wagon?

25

If the R34s are all gone by the time it's legal to import them, I'm getting a Stagea and GT-R the damned thing up.

26

Brocky_X I saw one of those in the wild visiting Tokyo! Had no idea what it was, but it checked all my fizzy root boxes. Now I know.

27

No mention of the Volkswagen R36 Variant, a better wagon than those Volvos to be sure.

28

@Aex The 850R and T5-R are by far better cars, but I like the Passat R36 Variant more than the S60 Polestar, that's for sure. But who else in the world used a WAGON bodied car in a Touring Car Championship, only the crazy folks at Volvo.

29

You guys forgot Honda Accord WAgon

30

Gah..These japanese wagons are bringing me back to Gran Turismo 2. And yes, Hellcat wagon GO!!

31

JDMDONG EvolveWRC They unfortunately only made them in Automatic, but that car is on my personal list of perfect daily drivers!

32

Current aussie wagon, 6.2 LS3, 340kw

33

@remy C6 for me. Because twin turbo V10, of course.

34

@Ed Well that's okay, it gives me a reason to post the DP motorsports Porsche 944 Shooting Break:

35

Thank you for mentioning the Mitsubishi. By far my favorite wagon. Shame it didn't took off, but non the less, it proved to be very popular and even used in racing!

36

no RX3 wagon?????

37

Dino's gotta do a spotlight on this Wagon!!!!

38

Don't forget the best of the best

40

@Difinity My other halfs grandfather has a completely stock 1.8 mk2 Octavia wagon that's only done 18k.... and never driven at night. Absolutely markless inside and out... And under for that matter, original glass.... A really tidy car that puts a smile on my face as I wonder how he has kept such an unassuming car so wonderfully preserved. 


God I want to drop it and stick Porsche wheels on it.

41

No ford squire?

42

This is a joke right?

43

RS6 wagon is my ultimate. Period. 
Also the little Mazda Familia/1300 wagons should have been mentioned....by far one of the coolest retro JDM wagons ever produced!!!

44

Bring the Levorg to the states and make all the Subaru wagon fans happy.

45

Subaru Legacy GT.

46
wolfpacklightsout

How does this get overlooked

47

@Aex  Having owned a proper Volvo. Nope. Like the others here there are many reasons Volvo estates are legendary.

48

How ozzies treat their wagons

49

Legacy S402... S204 is an special edition Impreza.

50

For me the newest Audi RS6 takes the cake.

51

No 2003-2005 Toyota Matrix XRS and its twin, the Pontiac Vibe GT?  Both 2800lb wagons came upgraded over stock with better bushing, springs, semi-independent rear suspension, Akebono 4 wheel disc brakes, front strut bar and the 180hp 2ZZ w/VVTLi, 8400rpm redline and 6sp from the Celica GTS.  That's just the performance hype.  Tons of utility and unflappable reliability help it shine, as well.

52

Good thing you asked this question here on SH, not that other blog site I also use. Not that it's a bad thing, but that thread would end rather quickly.

53

Brocky_X you absolutely right

54

The best mercedes wagon should be the cls shooting brake amg 63, or the R class amg 63 !

57

@Lou Hell Yes.  Sometimes I wish my Corolla was a panel van.

58

If we are talking cool stationcars... The BTCC Civic Tourer! Yes, Volvo also did a 850 estate BTCC car. That was at least just as epic.

59

Aren't the 2nd and 3rd Merc pics C-classes?

60
Chris 'Haffy' Hafner

German yes. Aussiefied it's a Holden Gemini, and yes we did this to them...

61
Chris 'Haffy' Hafner

Happens all the time!!

62

You forgot the Legnum VR4! 96-2002.. 2.5 V6 Twin Turbo 4WD from an EVOLUTION IV...

63

That Audi RS2 though ...... tough metal

64

ra64freddy! Seconded!

65

@Gnah OMG i wants one!!

66

shiftyXTI Yes!

67

shiftyXTI JDMDONG EvolveWRC No problem, 2JZ engine & transmission swap

68

Legnum is based on a galant mate, not an evo IV. All pre X evos are 4g63s.

69

Why are people confusing hatchbacks with wagons?

70

GregFentonHNHS John Bush has come a long way with his photography. I've followed him almost from the beginning, and the pictures that he gets now are ridiculous. 
Personally, I think Speedhunters should have him as a guest author/photographer for a story about the SummerNats. His coverage of the SummerNats, and the car culture in Australia, is second to none.

71

my favorite wagon Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

72

How could you forget the Honda Civic Wagon / Wagovan / RT-AWD?  It's so epic!
I've had 2 of the RT-AWDs, Impreza hatch w/ RS front end, Caprice wagon, and now looking for a Buick Roadmaster for the family.  Does the Fit count as a wagon?

Thanks for running this wagon week!!!!

73

I think the P2 Platform (04-07) Volvo V70R AWD and maybe the 98-00 P80 V70R AWD's deserve a mention too.  The P2 V70R was a great all-around car: the 300bhp B5254T4 with twin CVVT, K24 turbo, dual intercoolers, and that distinct sound.  The 4C adaptive chassis that while pricey to fix works amazingly.  Big ol' Brembos up front, best seats ever, goofy spaceball shifter.  Even MORE fun with a tune and a cat-back, oh man the noise.  Understeer prone but a great chassis.

The P80R V70R's are basically like the 850R but with simple (removable) AWD added and slightly nicer interior. And a 16T turbo stock, 2000's had a 19T but they're ford Junk at that point.

74

What about the rx3 wagon? Rotary goodness for the whole family right there. Which potentially makes it the best wagon of all time.

75

That Audi RS is a serious car.
Also, Aston and Ferrari made some limited Shooting Brakes...definitely should be considered because of the pedigree of designers behind the styling. Spotlighting the cheap ones that were around would be nice because they were at least accessible for us poor people...which in turn makes them great.

77

what about the concept wagons that didn't make it? like this 1954 Corvette Nomad...

78

Mr Mnchk or this 1966 Ford Mustang Wagon... only 2 prototypes were made...

79

Greets from Monterrey, México! this Nomad 56 have a Chevy 454, wilwood brakes, power windows, and a LOT of extras... have a great day everybody!

80

I was meaning to say the 4wd system. Should've been more clear. Yes i'm well aware it's based on a 8G Galant

81

@DPe4mance Touring car wagons, very epic indeed. Am I the only one who thinks an ex BTCC Civic like the one pictured would make an epic daily driver?

82

ayasegiken やっぱさーほら、ツーリングワゴンってセダンに余計に夢とか贅沢詰め込める車種なワケじゃん? 欧州じゃ医者が週末バケーションに家族と荷物詰め込めるからで選ぶ車種じゃん?日本人特有のビンボー臭いミニバンと違うわけじゃん?

83

kazuz1000 あちらでも昔よりかは多少ワゴンの地位は低下しちゃってますが(やっぱりSUV・クロスオーバーに一部とられてる)それでもステータスシンボルに変わりはないですしね、復権しないかなぁ

84

ayasegiken 復権してほしいけど分かり易い便利っぽさとか、見栄の張りやすさないからこのまま分かる人だけわかるみたいな状況続くんじゃないかな。あとボルボV60は身体的に乗れないの判って泣いてる。

85

kazuz1000 だと思います。見栄ならクロスオーバーとかSUVですしね、すっかり

86

mnchk1987 Mr Mnchk Yeah that 'Vette Nomad is so iconic you almost forget it was concept.

87

pelic4n Yeah lots of great Japanese wagons from the '70s - Corolla, 510, RX-3 etc.

88

AM81 To be honest I didn't think about those, but they are quite rad indeed.

89

SN95 Lover Anything with woodgrain on the sides gets a thumbs up from me.

90

How're you about to leave out the Honda Wagovan?

91

Mike Garrett mnchk1987 Mr Mnchk you should make an article about these that didn't make it... or the front end swaps... i've seen a lot of chevelles, gto's, skylines, you name it... Saludos!

92

You just forget to notice that Audi first limit the RS only for their Avants (Wagon/Estade)

93

What no Woodie love??

Most beautiful wagon of all time for me is between e30 and ke70. Actually no it's not: e3o kills it.

Also: "the Caprice and Roadmaster are now looked upon fondly by hot rodders and customisers." So show us! Please.

94

the 2014 Audi RS4 Estate... BEST.WAGON.EVER!!

95

TheRealSten I prefer the previous V10TT one......

96

Ummm you forgot about the Legnum VR-4 from Mitsubishi..twin turbo V-6 and AWD.

97

JessTay Very true. I lost to one in 2005 @ Santa Pod when I lived in England.  Impressive machine.

99

ImUrOBGYN That's a hatchback... look at the roofline!

100

@Truhidden That's a hatchback mate...

101

dlaurence01 There is a road going replica of this somewhere in the UK I've seen it driving around. There's also a replica Wix Racing A-Class pounding the Motoroways.

102
Gianluca FairladyZ

Audi RS4 B5 all the way... Timeless shape... Great Engine.. Lots of fun!

103

"Diesel Fury: The Black Smoke 300td Wagon"

104

OH Boy!
How can I not love the speedhunters, seriously!

you guys talked about one of my dream Cars! Volvo T-5R  and my current Subaru Legacy GT-B!
Yes Yes ! I want perfomance and keep the possibility of travel !

105

Dominate ImUrOBGYN That can easily be debated.  As a matter of fact, there was an article I read recently on another popular site defining the rules that decide whether a car is a hatchback or wagon.  This actually just covers all the rules for a wagon.  But only the first gen Vibe!  The later gens qualify as a hatchback.

To be honest, this is such a gray area for some cars and for what people agree are wagons or shooting brakes.

I will argue into the dirt that the first gen Vibe can qualify as a wagon.  Don't test me or I will return with meaningless 'facts'!!! lol ;)

106

Great Article, but, for me, is incomplete... Where is the Toyota Caldina ST215W??? (3SGTE 260PS - 5MT AWD) and the Toyota Caldina GT-FOUR N Edition (3SGTE 260PS - AT - AWD - RECARO'S, etc)

108

@Robo_No1 Any idea what kind of perfomance they have? Hopefully not just wheels and stickers.

109

No IS300 wagon? No Forester XT??

110

You forgot the Saab 9-2X Aero!
Plus the new HSV Sandman!
Nissan Stagea Autech 260RS oh yes!

111

dont forget the mazda protege5 2003

112

Lexus CT200h 2010

113

LuisMarmol My best friend came sooo close to buying one of these last month while looking for a new daily driver.  He ended up going with a 2011 Lexus ES at the last minute, though.  Good looking little car and handles decently.

114

How did we not make the list?

115
ThatAnnoyingFan

You should have included the french too.
This is the renault 18, my father had one of these for 28 years, he bought it in France back in 1985.
It's a front wheel drive diesel vehicle, extremely reliable and tough. It could tackle any kind of terrain, and it could be fixed with a bunch of spanners and some swear words.
This is THE CAR that got me into cars, I still remember hearing its engine roaring from 2 blocks away, which meant that I better turn off the TV and studying.
and it shared the same diesel engine as the renault master and the mythical renault 21 Nevada, which was used for a long period of time as a people carrier in my country.
My father had to sell it because of rust issues and because he couldn't afford the expenses of keeping it on the road, I would have loved to have it as my first car.

116

Ian at Jewel or Jalopy Very badarse.

117

LuisMarmol Dude, the Lexus CT200h is NOT A WAGON!!!!! IT'S A HATCHBACK!!!

118

LuisMarmol I think you prefer the Lexus IS SportCross/Toyota Altezza Gita Wagon than the CT200h

119

vwrules65 the Forester is an Crossover SUV

120

Aktifspeed Panamera is a 4-dr coupe

121

EythanAldrich Aktifspeed I'm not going to argue if it's a wagon or otherwise, but I will 100% refute a 4 door being called a coupe!

122

LuisMarmol also a hatchback not a wagon

124
LachlanZaneJeremiahWiebe

Caldina should have been in there too. Turbocharged 2.0 litre out of the MR2 and chassis and drivetrain from the Celica and AWD. Amazing wagon, 256hp stock with lots of room for improvement.

125
That was a c class

You have actually mistaken the new C63 AMG wagon for the E63 AMG wagon in the photos.

126

Something Americans know very little about is real JDM cars!!! I see Toyota Caldina GT mentioned , when apart from the Nissan Stagea RS there is a much COOLER than all the JDM wagons here in Japan is the Toyota Crown Athlete Wagon 170 with a 1JZGTE another one is the Mark 2 Blit IR-V both these run circles around most the Euro and Chevrolet stuff...

127

JPRedhead LuisMarmol Nop this is sport wagon

128

@That was a c class not quite. The new E class actually looks much like the C class.

129

I can't believe that whoever did this article didn't include the SAAB 9-5 Aero wagon.
For me its the best looking, sexiest afford and affordable wagon ever made.

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