Are Car Writers Who Wax 24/7 Over How Station Wagons Are Smarter Than SUVs The SAME As Those Thinking Print Is The Future?

People who prefer station wagons over SUVs just have different preferences than those who prefer SUVs over station wagons. In other words, they like different things, so they'll argue that what they like is "better."

I used to drive a BMW 328 convertible (stick). It's sporting, sexy, handles well, great fit and finish. No complains... aside from relatively high upkeep costs (but very few failures!)

Today I drive an Audi Q5 mid-size SUV with (8-speed auto). It's no sports car, but it is very car-like, more comfortable (and spacious) than my previous BMW, and it suits my needs perfectly.

I admit to the prejudice (in my mind) in which I view station wagons as "my dad's car." That's why I didn't consider one when I was shopping for a new vehicle.

Mind you, if you prefer a station wagon, then you'll get no derision from me. If you drive what you love, then that's awesome for you! Enjoy! :-)

I drove station wagons for years - and when they made full size station wagons - they were the vehicle of choice for large families. I could get 9(Some children though) into my 1964 Chevy Wagon - with rear facing third seat - and still put a carrier on top for luggage - and not have the height doing that with a current crossover. And it was great for vacations. I could carry several 4x8 pieces of plywood - and there was plenty of room. Best of all - with the exceptions of really really high winds - it drive like a car. My much later Mercury Sable wagons actually handled well - although they could not hold the plywood (That had to go on top) - they got reasonable gas mileage - and were really comfortable for long trips.

Today - the Mini-van has replaced the Station wagon for that role. And while people seem to think a Mini-van has a negative image - no SUV can approach its versatility when you do not need four wheel drive.

ANd it is the misconception that four wheel drive is needed in snow that fuels the current purchase decisions. Yes - it may be somewhat better - but a front wheel drive vehicle - with the engine over the drive wheel - and a set of winter tires - will likely be all anyone would need unless the conditions are so bad that no one will get there anyway.

The last large station wagon - sort of - is the Ford Flex - and I am sure it will soon go away. THat new Buick Regal Wagon is really nice - and If I had to decide on one car - with a family - I might chose it if I also needed a car for certain situations. But - my days of carting even grandchildren all over the place are few and far between - and the Mini-van I have make a great vehicle for a camping trip. IF gas ever does spike again - maybe station wagons might stage a comeback - but at this point - with manufacturers eliminating cars - there probably won't be any to buy.

Since my Outback is really just a jacked up station wagon, I feel I have the best of both worlds: higher seating position and practical storage space for carrying stuff. And I have all wheel drive, which is a noticeable improvement when driving in wet conditions. And it does get wet on occasion in Seattle. :)

Station wagon promoters are anachronisms, but they aren't wrong. People are buying a lot of station wagons...as long as they are jacked up on tipsy suspensions. I honestly think manufacturers will offer dropped versions of their crossovers as a performance option which will essentially turn them back into station wagons.

Station wagons and crossovers are the same vehicle in terms of footprint and form.

Wagons rock! You either get it or you don't.

Wagons are cars with high trunks. Easy to drive. the ride is nice. Good fuel economy, You can reach the roof box easily, better driving dynamics than an SUV, a better crash rating, overall a smarter purchase than an SUV if your dog crate and family fit inside it. Mine does not, so I have an SUV.

And wagons are great if when you are driving you like to look the tires of the semi next to you, or the license plate of the passenger vehicle in front of you. Who knows whats in front of the latter vehicle?

Overheard at a bar in SoCal.

Quickest way to tell your mate they're old and washed up. And the easiest way to let someone know they're no longer hot to you.

Buy them a station wagon or a minivan.

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Here's the way I see it. One thing the journalists do is drive a lot of cars. Since I neither drive SUV or Station Wagon, I can't compare the 2, however from a "fun to drive" performance based perspective, I would wager a guess and state the wagon probably handles better then the taller SUV equivalent.

Does that make them wrong?

Of course not. However regardless of good a particular vehicle is, if people don't buy it - it really doesn't matter. There are hidden gems everywhere, sometimes they die off to obscurity with nary a whisper.

Consumers as a whole have rejected wagons. SUV's sales PROVE this point. It doesn't make the SUV better or the wagon worse - but proves the value of capitalism in that the market chooses the winners, and wagons aren't the current winner.

The same can be said of manual transmissions. They may be more fun and add an additional element to the driving experience, but the market has dictated that a manual transmission is a bit of a "unicorn" now versus 10-15 years ago. Consumers vote with their wallets and have chosen automatic transmissions.

Not wrong, just factual.

Finally, let's address the issue of print.

I LOVE PRINT MAGAZINES. I subscribe to them all. In most cases I have read most of the article electronically before the magazine hits my mailbox, but the look, feel, touch and smell of print can't be replicated digitally. And in 10 years from now when I need to find that article about how great station wagons are versus SUV's, I can put my hands on my print copy versus having to search the web for the article I want to reread.

Love the car you drive, drive the car you love. And be prepared to defend and present the case for it be it SUV, wagon, sport sedan or car - or even BEV or Hybrid.

-00J