Why Do Americans Loathe Station Wagons?

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.

atc98092 - 8/6/2012 3:38:15 PM

+3 Boost

I prefer the slightly higher seating position in my Tiguan compared to a sedan. As I get older (approaching 60) it gets harder to climb down into a sedan vs just sliding into a crossover. But it's not so high as the large SUVs or trucks.

Airliner - 8/6/2012 6:09:08 PM

+2 Boost

I Love my Jetta SportWagen... Im 39... perhaps living overseas for some years broke the American stigma about cars in me.

AlleVier - 8/6/2012 6:29:02 PM

+1 Boost

Look, I'm sure the Europeans had a few examples of fake-wood, vinyl-cladded station wagons after wood construction had fallen out of favor in the automotive industry. But my God, did we in the States overdo it and because of it, station wagons will forever be associated with the most conservative, fashion-backward class of car buyer.

Patronus - 8/6/2012 10:27:07 PM

+3 Boost

"Why Do Americans Loathe Station Wagons?" - I'd say for the same reasons they loathe manual transmissions, hatchbacks & diesels - and love pickup trucks and SUvs: they are automotive idiots.

irishmike - 8/6/2012 10:58:38 PM

+1 Boost

Right on the money, Patronus!!

quizz - 8/7/2012 12:48:32 AM

+1 Boost

I like the new Allroad, and am seriously considering that for my daily driver next. Perfect compromise between road car and small SUV.

t_bone - 8/7/2012 12:53:17 AM

+1 Boost

Most Americans are obese, so they want a fat vehicle to match.

Steve - 8/7/2012 1:28:51 AM

+2 Boost

Perhaps because station wagons, like mini-vans, aren't sexy. It says "congrats: you're a soccer dad." Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just not for me.

Holydude - 8/7/2012 6:17:43 AM

+4 Boost

Isn't crossover just another name for station wagons?

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/7/2012 7:02:06 AM

+1 Boost

Agents.. Why did you refuse to post the Video / Article on the dangers of the New Grand Cherokee i submitted ???

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/7/2012 7:04:50 AM

+1 Boost

http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/286108/jeep_grand_cherokee_fails_elk_test.html

vdiv - 8/7/2012 11:21:00 AM

+3 Boost

Don't take it personally, they ignore everyone whose submission doesn't fit their mantra.

skytop - 8/7/2012 2:47:59 PM

+1 Boost

Station Wagons has 13 letters and the public suffers habitually from Triskaidekaphobia. Bad mojo driving a wagon.

MorePower - 8/8/2012 2:25:55 AM

+3 Boost

American manufacturers would rather sell minivans for a higher profit.
European station wagons are too expensive.