Some automotive enthusiasts love coupes while some love sedans. Some want convertible sports cars while others want gas-saving hatchbacks. We just love station wagons, regardless of era, especially if they have aftermarket engines with ridiculous horsepower. These are our 10 favorite station wagons from automotive history.
No. 10 – Ford Falcon Wagon
Ford did not produce the Falcon for very long. The car only lasted from 1960-70, but it made an impression with numerous body styles. Our personal favorite was the station wagon, which was long and low to the ground. The second generation (1964-65) looked particularly great in black. It was the type of wagon that didn’t need exterior tweaks. It just benefited from a more powerful aftermarket engine.
No. 9 – BMW M3 Competition Touring
In 2022, BMW released a car that made us very happy — the M3 Touring. This station wagon joined the M performance line and utilized a 6-Cylinder M TwinPower turbo engine. It delivered more cargo space, but the designers accounted for the body style and further emphasized handling. This ensured that the M3 Touring lived up to the M name while building upon the foundation created by past BMW station wagons.
No. 8 – Dodge Magnum
A short-lived creation of Dodge, the Magnum station wagon featured multiple powertrain options. This includes two different Hemi V8s, one of which delivered a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The Magnum was a bit excessive at the time, but it was also wildly entertaining. Unfortunately, Dodge ditched the station wagon in favor of the Journey crossover.
No. 7 – Audi RS 4
The Audi RS 4 is a performance vehicle, plain and simple. The first generation (B5) featured a turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. This car could go from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and it had a top speed limited to 155 mph. The RS 4 wagon also featured the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.
The body styles changed over the years, as did the powertrains and transmission options. The B7 era (2006-08) even featured a V8 that Audi used as the base for the R8 supercar. We aren’t picky. We love all generations of this classy wagon.
No. 6 – Datsun 510 Wagon
The Datsun 510 was not a powerful car when it hit the market. It delivered less than 100 horsepower with its stock engine. However, the little car became a must-have car for tuners. Many people took the wagon, in particular, and made numerous tweaks. They lowered the wagons, installed more powerful engines, and added custom wheels.
No. 5 – Volvo 740
Another tuner’s choice, the Volvo 740 first hit the market in 1985. This wagon became a success for Volvo with its reliability, safety rating, and comfort level. It has since become a car-builder’s dream due to the customization options available. One person, in particular, showed up to Goodwood Festival of Speed with a drift version of the classic wagon.
No. 4 – Mercedes E 63 AMG Wagon
Mercedes has a long history of making luxurious sedans and wagons. The automaker set a new bar when it created the E 63 AMG wagon. This monster boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It had a 0-60 mph time of three seconds and an 11-.1-second quarter mile.
The E 63 AMG wagon, while no longer in production, delivered the perfect combination. It had speed, handling, and over-the-top luxury in a fantastic-looking package.
No. 3 – Cadillac CTS-V
Much like the Dodge Magnum, the Cadillac CTS-V wagon was a little ridiculous in the best way. It featured a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 566 horsepower, which Cadillac paired with a six-speed manual transmission. This station wagon had enough power to make every driver grin from ear to ear, and it had ample room for excited passengers. The CTS-V also was one of the best looking cars during its short lifespan (2011-14).
No. 2 – Chevrolet Yeoman
Chevrolet has made multiple station wagons worthy of a spot on this list. However, our personal favorite is the Yeoman, a two-door wagon that Chevrolet released almost as an afterthought in 1958. The wagon had poor sales, and it only lasted for one production year. However, it has remained one of the best-looking vehicles ever created by the Bowtie, especially after the precious few still running became hot rods.
No. 1- Buick Roadmaster Estate
On paper, a station wagon with wood paneling doesn’t seem like the top option on the board. However, the Buick Roadmaster Estate has become a cult classic. It has a unique look, some luxurious interior touches, and the ability to tow up to 7,000 pounds. Many people, including actor Dax Shepard and TV personality Rutledge Wood, have highlighted the wagon while making it cooler. Shepard also stuffed a 6.2-liter supercharged LSA crate engine in his 1994 Roadmaster Estate.