I think it is poor marketing.

What do you guys think?

Minivans and SUVs.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Mostly changing tastes. Minivans were more efficient in storage capacity, assessability, usability, and visibility. Then people migrated to SUVs. They have the same general advantages as Minivans. Station wagons are a specialty vehicle now.

A Ford spokesman said that 90% of their profits last year were from their SUVs witch accounted for 25 % of their sales.He stated that they only make $300 to $400 dollars profit per auto but 10 to 15 thousand dollars profits per SUV.

So folks step right up be the first on your block to own Fords new 900 HP Dolly Parton Limited edition "Lion Tamer" .base price just 53,500 options unclude a full size hot tub, danceing minitures bears to keep the kiddies happy on long trips.dual 300 gallon fuel tanks and joy stick steering............

William Rogers.......

The Buick Roadmaster, last of the great ones.

I think the europeans have it right. Make the wagons a sportier alternative to the SUV. Such as Audi and Saab Aero Wagon.

But I don't think they will make it until they slap some wood on 'em

I think the Audi A-4 wagon, BMW 5-series wagon and the MB 124 wagons are three of the classiest wagons out there.

It's a real shame that both MB and VW stopped producing diesel wagons so long ago (except the recent jetta tdi wagons), as I know quite a few folks who are looking for a newer car with great mileage and wagon utility. The very nice '96-'97 Passat tdi wagon is as rare as hen's teeth here in the states.

Folks who like wagons are almost forced to purchase a Subaru, but they don't get very good mileage, so they're screwed.

Poor marketing and a lack of higher CAFE fuel mileage standards over the last 20 years have killed the U.S. wagon.

What's with the bizarre American obsession with fake wood panelling??? In the late 70's my dad had a Ford LTD wagon with that stuff on it. I referred to it as the Ford Fakewood. I always slunk down low in my seat so no one could see me in there....of course, those behemoths will consume as much fuel during those miles, as the Audi-VW's would in 400-500k--and you'll look like a putz doing it too :p

...sorry, but those look like a tennis shoe with a hood scoop tacked on. I'm probably one of the few Northwesterners who just haven't 'got' the whole Subaru appeal--but, what do I know?

...say it loud and say it proud bro.

Thats about what my Toyota is getting. 17-20 around town 23-25 on the highway. I think I'd rather have a V8 for those numbers. An S600 can probably get close to that and at least the gas would be going to a good cause.

I think the reason wagons haven't come back yet is gas is to cheap here. When it goes to like $3+ per gallon wagons will become popular. So will diesel too!

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I don't know why wagon's aren't more popular in the US. I grew up with a 1984 Ford LTD wagon
It was pretty bullet proof, but then we needed a van for towing/passenger reasons. The Volvo V70R is a helluva vehicle, and priced in mainstream SUV territory, I don't under stand how more people don't buy it. Come on, a 300hp, turbo charged, AWD station wagon.
I think US wagon sales will pick up with the new Dodger Magnum. It seemed pretty popular at the Chicago Auto Show this year.

And finally, my beast. A 1985 Volvo 745T, the most practical, and most fun car I have ever owned.

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2004 will be the best station wagons ever sold in the USA. The Audi S6 Avant is no longer available though.

Perhaps pictures of a nice, fun, active, whatever family in a wagon for an ad or something would be good. I say we bring some Europeans over here to help us sell them.

Whoa, you mean I'm not the only person on this board who thinks that Subarus aren't the best thing since sliced bread?

BTW, I love wagons...but, IMHO, to be at their most efficient, they need that third row of seats in the back. I really wanted a 300TD with that setup, but couldn't find one in my price range.

It'd be nice if the Jetta TDi wagon was offered with 3-row seating...

Also, I want to see how well the Chrysler Pacifica does. It's basically an AWD station wagon...and I remember hearing a rumor that, if it does well enough in sales, they might bring a diesel version out here

I think an E500 AWD is on the radar if not, a Volvo or Audi likely the Volvo though because it has the best safety record.

I see plenty of VW wagons 'round here. I think if a car is good value against a SUV it will sell.

As much as I love my Merc, I still miss my old French go-anywhere diesel wagon- 45mpg too

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__________________
1993 320TE M104
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past:

1983 230E W123 M102
1994 E300D S124 OM606 (x2)
1967 250SE W108 M129
1972 280se 3.5 W108 M116
1980 280SE W116 M110
1980 350SE W116 M116
1992 300E W124 M103
1994 E280 W124 M104
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"music and women I cannot but give way to, whatever my business" -Pepys