If you still think driving a wagon would be detrimental to your image or your ego, you're so last-century. Truth is, there are now as many wagons purveyed by snooty European brands as by the blue-collar automakers, and today's wagons are every bit as good to drive as the sedans on which they are based. Many are also available with all-wheel-drive, delivering nearly all the room and versatility of SUVs in vastly more stylish, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive packages.
Mazda5 GS, GT

The Mazda5 debuted in 2006 and promptly became our Editors' Choice in the Wagon category. One year later and it's still our pick. Why? Because it remains true to the traditional and core values of wagons, but also expands the form, modernizes ... – more »

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon E350 4Matic

For more than $2,000 less than last year's model, the '07 E-Class wagon adds a host of new standard features, including active bi-xenon headlamps, a Harmon Kardon Logic7 surround-sound system, full leather upholstery, ... – more »

Audi A4/S4 Avant 2.0T, 3.2, S4

This premium European "lifestyle" wagon comes in almost all the same varieties as its sedan sibling, except front-wheel drive. That leaves three quattro all-wheel drive models with, respectively, a surprisingly smooth ... – more »

Audi A6 Avant

Audi says, "there is but one word for beautiful wagon: Avant." We find it hard to disagree. If you want some grace with your space the A6 wagon has few rivals. The sole engine is a robust if not especially smooth 3.2-litre, 255-hp V6. ... – more »

BMW 328Xi Touring

The BMW of compact wagons continues in one model with all-wheel drive. The nameplate, however, now reads 328xi, not 325xi. That's because, although the engine is still a 3.0-litre, it now makes 230 hp, up from last year's 215 (no, ... – more »

BMW 530Xi Touring

AJAC's 2006 Best New Luxury car continues in one "loaded" version, with a 255-hp, 3.0-litre "six" driving a seamless all-wheel drive system through 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions. The engine is creamy smooth, with solid ... – more »

Chevrolet HHR LS, LT

Beneath its retro appearance, the HHR is simply a nicely executed station wagon. Think of it as a Chevy Cobalt wagon in drag, since it's based on the same solid architecture. The interior is roomy and comfortable, the rear seat-backs ... – more »

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT, LTZ, SS

The Maxx is an interesting, quasi-wagon that really draws from the Malibu's European roots with its hatchback and sliding rear seat. A 6-inch (152-mm) longer wheelbase than the already roomy sedan provides phenomenal ... – more »

Chevrolet Optra Wagon LS, LT

Chevrolet's Korean-built compact wagon is big on value. Even the base LS include fog lamps, variable-delay wipers, an 8-way adjustable driver's seat and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo. But the rather ho-hum 2.0-litre engine is not ... – more »

Chrysler PT Cruiser Base, Classic, Touring, GT

Remember all the fuss when the totally original PT Cruiser was new? Hard to believe that it's now entering its eighth model year. Last year Petey had a mild cosmetic freshening and a welcome noise abolishment ... – more »

Dodge Magnum SE, SXT, R/T, SRT8

Big, brawny and brimming with attitude, the Magnum is a unique package. But its sloping roofline and high rear sill say "hatchback" more than "wagon," and cargo volume is modest for so large a car (though there's ample ... – more »

Ford Focus ZXW SE, SES

Available in well-equipped SE or loaded SES grades, the Focus wagon is powered by a likeable 136-hp, 2.0-litre engine, with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Focus' strengths include one of the segment's best ... – more »

Jaguar X-Type 3.0 Sportwagon

Jaguar's first wagon is sold here in one version, powered by a 227-hp 3.0-litre V6 that is now looking a little dated compared with rivals that have upgraded since the X-Type was new. Teamed with a 5-speed automatic transmission, ... – more »

Mazda6 Sport Wagon GS-V6, GT-V6

If sporty European wagons are beyond your budget, the stylish Mazda6 is a fine alternative. Starting well below $30,000, it combines the sharp handling of any Mazda6 with a well-conceived wagon body and an available 5-speed ... – more »

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B200, B200 Turbo

Sure it's an expensive compact, but it's a very affordable Mercedes. You could pay as much for a compact SUV that wouldn't be nearly as much fun -- and wouldn't be a Mercedes. The B-Class isn't an SUV but its SUV-like ... – more »

Pontiac Vibe

If you're already set on a Vibe for 2007, the decision as to which model just got easier. Gone from the range, due to slow sales, is the 118-hp all-wheel drive version. Gone, too, is the sporty GT, because its high-revving 164-hp engine ... – more »

Saab 9-3 SportCombi 2.0T, Aero

The 9-3 wagon (sorry - SportCombi) was new last year, and for 2007 it gets the same reworked interior as its sedan and convertible siblings. Like them, it comes in 2.0T and Aero flavours. The former is powered by a smooth, ... – more »

Saab 9-5 SportCombi

Like its sedan counterpart, the Saab 9-5 wagon is an oft-overlooked gem. For 2007, it stays as is, following last year's thorough makeover. The wagon comes in just one flavour, and that is spicy: the 2.3-litre turbo four makes 260 ... – more »

Subaru Impreza Wagon 2.5i, 2.5 SE, WRX

The current generation of Impreza Wagon has been around awhile now, but still makes a compelling case with its affordability, standard all-wheel drive and usable cargo area. For '07 the Outback Sport model is gone, ... – more »

Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.5i, 2.5 GT

Sadly, Subaru's Legacy Wagon does not get the sporty Spec.B model the sedan lineup offers. Still, the long back version of the automaker's premiere model has much to offer. There's a wide ranger of models offered, all ... – more »

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