Classic station wagons often fly under the radar when people talk about iconic cars, but these hidden gems have a charm all their own. With a blend of practicality and vintage style, many station wagons from the past deserve a second look. In this list, we’ll explore 20 underrated classic station wagons that boast unique designs and timeless appeal.
Contents
Volvo 245 DL
Known for its durability and practical design, the Volvo 245 DL is an iconic station wagon with timeless appeal. Its boxy shape offers ample interior space, while Volvo’s reputation for safety is evident in its solid build. With a reliable four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive, this wagon balances functionality and classic European style, making it a sought-after model among enthusiasts.
AMC Eagle Wagon
As one of the first cars to combine off-road capability with a station wagon design, the AMC Eagle Wagon is a trailblazer. Featuring all-wheel drive, it was ahead of its time in offering versatility for both city and rugged terrains. Its distinct design, blending muscle-car aesthetics with practicality, has earned it a cult following.
Ford Country Squire
The Ford Country Squire, with its signature wood-paneled sides, is a true symbol of classic American station wagons. Its spacious interior made it a favorite for family road trips, while its V8 engine provided power and reliability. The Country Squire’s nostalgic style and comfort make it a standout in station wagon history.
Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
The Vista Cruiser stands out for its unique skylight windows that run along the rear of the roof, giving passengers a panoramic view. Known for its large size and comfort, it featured a robust V8 engine that made long road trips enjoyable. The Vista Cruiser’s iconic roof design and spacious interior make it a memorable classic.
Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon
The Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon is a full-size classic with style and comfort. Its powerful V8 engine and smooth ride made it a favorite for families, while its woodgrain paneling and plush interior gave it a luxurious feel. Its blend of power, space, and classic styling makes it a standout among station wagons.
Chevrolet Kingswood Estate
The Chevrolet Kingswood Estate was known for its roomy interior and powerful V8 engine, making it ideal for long road trips. Its wide stance and signature tailgate design give it a commanding presence on the road. The Kingswood Estate’s blend of classic American styling and practical features earns it a spot on this list.
Plymouth Satellite Wagon
With its muscular design and spacious interior, the Plymouth Satellite Wagon was a stylish yet practical option in the 1960s. Powered by a range of strong engines, including a 383 V8, it offered both performance and family-friendly utility. Its sleek lines and powerful stance made it a cool yet functional classic.
Audi 100 Avant
Audi’s 100 Avant introduced a sleek, aerodynamic design to the station wagon world. Known for its innovative engineering and front-wheel drive, the Avant was both stylish and efficient. Its roomy interior and forward-thinking design, paired with Audi’s engineering prowess, make it a standout classic station wagon.
Dodge Coronet Station Wagon
The Dodge Coronet Station Wagon brought a muscle car attitude to the station wagon scene with its powerful engine options, including a 440 cubic-inch V8. Its large, square body design offered ample space for passengers and cargo, making it practical without sacrificing style. The Coronet’s muscle-car DNA gives it an undeniable cool factor.
Saab 95 Wagon
The Saab 95 Wagon is a quirky, compact station wagon that stands out for its unique design and engineering. Featuring a two-stroke or V4 engine, it was small yet surprisingly spacious. Its rear-hinged doors and signature aerodynamic shape make it a cult favorite among Saab enthusiasts and collectors.
Pontiac Safari Wagon
The Pontiac Safari Wagon combined the brand’s muscle car performance with station wagon practicality. With bold styling, powerful V8 engines, and a spacious interior, it was built for family trips without compromising on speed or design. The Safari Wagon’s bold design and high performance make it an underrated classic.
Toyota Cressida Wagon
The Toyota Cressida Wagon is a reliable, practical option that brought luxury to the station wagon market. Its smooth inline-six engine and rear-wheel-drive layout made it a pleasure to drive. With Toyota’s reputation for reliability and understated design, the Cressida remains a sought-after classic.
Chrysler Town & Country Wagon
The Chrysler Town & Country Wagon stands out for its luxury features and spacious interior. With woodgrain paneling and plush seating, it was a comfortable ride for long trips. Its powerful engine options and refined styling made it a popular choice for those seeking both style and practicality in a station wagon.
Ford Granada Wagon
The Ford Granada Wagon offered a mix of European-inspired styling and American practicality. Its compact design provided a nimble driving experience, while its roomy interior made it family-friendly. With various engine options, including a fuel-efficient inline-four, the Granada is a hidden gem among classic wagons.
Subaru GL Wagon
The Subaru GL Wagon became a favorite for its practicality and all-wheel-drive capability. Known for its rugged reliability, the GL was perfect for families who loved adventure. Its boxy design and off-road prowess make it a cool, underrated station wagon with a lasting legacy.
Peugeot 504 Wagon
The Peugeot 504 Wagon was celebrated for its smooth ride and durability, making it a favorite in regions with rough roads. Its long-wheelbase design allowed for ample interior space, and its comfortable suspension made it ideal for long journeys. The 504’s timeless European styling and practical design make it a classic.
BMW E34 Touring
The BMW E34 Touring brought the brand’s signature sportiness to the station wagon market. With powerful inline-six engines and rear-wheel drive, it offered an engaging driving experience. Its sleek, understated design and luxurious interior make it a cool, underrated station wagon that stands out for its performance and style.
Dodge Monaco Wagon
The Dodge Monaco Wagon featured a large, powerful V8 engine and a roomy, comfortable interior. Known for its bold styling and smooth ride, it was a popular choice for families in the 1960s and 1970s. Its classic muscle-car heritage combined with station wagon utility makes it a standout.
Holden Commodore Wagon
The Holden Commodore Wagon is an Australian classic, known for its powerful engines and spacious interior. With rear-wheel drive and a sporty design, it offered a unique blend of performance and practicality. Its reputation for reliability and performance makes it a beloved classic down under.
Chevrolet Nomad (1960s)
The Chevrolet Nomad of the 1960s maintained the iconic design of earlier models but added more practicality. With its sleek, low-slung profile and wide rear tailgate, it offered both style and function. Its cool factor and unmistakable design keep it on the radar of classic car collectors.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
More from MyCarMakesNoise
20 French Cars That Captivated Drivers Around the World
France has a rich history of producing some of the most stylish and innovative cars in the automotive world. From elegant design to cutting-edge technology, French manufacturers have created vehicles that are highly coveted. Read More
20 Awesome Car Mods That Are Surprisingly Illegal
Car enthusiasts love to modify their vehicles, but some modifications, while appealing, are illegal. These upgrades can enhance performance and style but come with legal risks. Read More
Top 16 Mistakes in Managing Fleet Vehicles
Managing a fleet of vehicles can be challenging, and even small mistakes can lead to significant costs and inefficiencies. From neglecting routine maintenance to overlooking crucial data, there are several common pitfalls that fleet managers should avoid. Read More
