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{{Short description|Auto body-style with its roof extended rearward}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
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| caption2 = 2018 [[Volvo V60]] Estate
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A '''station wagon''' ([[American English|US]], also '''wagon''') or '''estate car''' ([[British English|UK]], also '''estate''') is an automotive [[Car body style|body-style]] variant of a [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]] with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door (the [[liftgate]], or [[Trunk (automobile)#Tailgate|tailgate]]), instead of a trunk/boot lid.<ref name="Hilliers">{{cite book|first1=Victor |last1=Hillier |first2=Peter |last2=Coombes |title=Hillier's Fundamentals of Motor Vehicle Technology: Volume 1 |edition=5th |publisher=Nelson Thornes |year=2004 |isbn=9780748780822 |page=11 |quote=The estate body, also known as station wagons in some countries, has the roofline extended to the rear of the body to enlarge its internal capacity. Folding the rear seats down gives a large floor area for the carriage of luggage or goods. Stronger suspension springs are fitted at the rear to support the extra load. Hatchback: The hatchback is generally based on a sedan body but with the trunk area blended into the center section of the body. The hatchback is therefore halfway between a sedan and an estate car. This type of body is very popular due to its versatility and style. Although some hatchbacks are in fact sedan bodies with the trunk effectively removed (usually the smaller cars), many hatchbacks retain the full length of the sedan but the roofline extends down to the rear of the vehicle. As with the sedan bodies, a hatchback can have two or four passenger doors, however, there is a tendency to refer to hatchbacks as three or five doors because the rear compartment lid (or tailgate) is also referred to as a door on the hatchback bodies. As with the estate, the rear seats fold down to give a flat floor for the transportation of luggage or other objects. When the tailgate is closed, the luggage compartment is usually covered with a parcel shelf. |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=DoYaRsNFlEYC&q=%22station+wagon%22+vs.+%22hatchback%22&pg=PA11 |via=Google Books |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> The body style transforms a standard [[Three-box styling|three-box]] design into a [[Three-box styling#One-box and Two-Box design|two-box]] design—to include an [[Pillar (car)|A, B, and C-pillar]], as well as a D-pillar. Station wagons can flexibly reconfigure their interior volume via fold-down rear seats to prioritize either passenger or cargo volume.
The ''[[American Heritage Dictionary]]'' defines a station wagon as "an automobile with one or more rows of folding or removable seats behind the driver and no luggage compartment but an area behind the seats into which suitcases, parcels, etc., can be loaded through a tailgate."<ref name="ahd">{{cite web |title=Definition: Station Wagon |publisher=American Heritage Dictionary |url= https://www.dictionary.com/browse/station-wagon |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref>
When a [[model range]] includes multiple body styles, such as sedan, [[hatchback]], and station wagon, the models typically [[Automotive platform sharing|share their platform]], [[drivetrain]], and bodywork forward of the A-pillar, and usually the B-pillar. In 1969, ''[[Popular Mechanics]]'' said, "Station wagon-style ... follows that of the production sedan of which it is the counterpart. Most are on the same wheelbase, offer the same transmission and engine options, and the same comfort and convenience options."<ref name="pm">{{cite magazine |first=Bill |last=Hartford |title=Sizing up the 1969 Station Wagons |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=February 1969 |page=106 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=I9gDAAAAMBAJ&q=%22station+wagon%22+%22body+style%22&pg=PA104 |via=Google Books |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref>
Station wagons have evolved from their early use as specialized vehicles to carry people and luggage to and from a train ''station''. The demand for station wagon body style has faded since the 2010s in favor of the crossover or [[SUV]] designs.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.autolist.com/guides/best-station-wagons | title=Best Station Wagons for 2022 and 2023 |first=Evan |last=Walton |date=30 August 2022 |website=autolist.com |access-date=19 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.motortrend.com/features/every-station-wagon-you-can-buy/ | title=Here is Every Station Wagon You Can Buy in 2022 | date=2 February 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g26961972/best-station-wagons/ |title=Best New Station Wagons of 2022 |first=Eric |last=Stafford |date=29 November 2022 |website=caranddriver.com |access-date=19 January 2023}}</ref>
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== Name ==
Reflecting the original purpose of transporting people and luggage between [[estate (land)|country estates]] and [[train station]]s,<ref name="colin">{{cite book |title=British Woodies: From the 1920s to the 1950s |first=Colin |last=Peck |page=5 |publisher=Veloce Publishing |date=2008 |isbn=9781845841690 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=edOlJadQjUgC&pg=PA5 |via=Google Books |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> the station wagon body style is called an "estate car" or "estate" in the United Kingdom or a "wagon" in Australia and New Zealand.
Either horse-drawn or automotive, the earliest use of the station wagon description would be considered to describe utility vehicles or light trucks.<ref name="Word_Origins">{{cite web|url= https://www.wordorigins.org/big-list-entries/station-wagon |title=Station wagon/estate car/shooting brake |date=12 December 2022 |website=wordorigins.org |access-date=18 May 2024}}</ref> The depot [[Hackney carriage|hackney]] or taxi, often on a [[Ford Model T Depot Hack|Model T]] chassis with an exposed wood body, most often found around railroad stations, was the predecessor of the station wagon body style in the United States.<ref name="Kozak"/> These early models with exposed wooden bodies became known as [[Woodie (car body style)|woodie]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://autoheritagefoundation.org/2022/08/15/history-of-the-ford-woody-wagon/ |title=History of the Ford Woody Wagon |website=autoheritagefoundation.org |date=15 August 2022 |access-date=16 August 2024}}
</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Motavalli |first1=Jim |title=The Knotty History of the Woody Wagon |url=https://www.cartalk.com/blogs/jim-motavalli/knotty-history-woody-wagon |website=cartalk.com |date=14 July 2018 |access-date=19 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Kyle |title=The 6 coolest woody cars, according to you |url=https://www.hagerty.com/media/hagerty-community/6-coolest-woody-cars-according-to-you/ |work=Hagerty |date=22 July 2019 |access-date=19 January 2023}}</ref> By the 1920s the status of the station wagon description changed to consider them as vehicles for passengers.<ref name="Word_Origins"/>
In Germany, the term "Kombi" is used, which is short for ''Kombinationskraftwagen'' ("combination motor vehicle").{{Citation needed|date=November 2018}} "Kombi" is also the term used in [[Poland]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english-polish/station-wagon |title=Translation of station wagon |work=Cambridge Dictionary English-Polish dictionary |access-date=18 May 2024}}</ref>
In [[Russia]] and some Post-Soviet countries, this type of car is called "universal".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english-russian/station-wagon |title=Translation of station wagon |work=Cambridge Dictionary English-Russian dictionary |access-date=4 August 2024}}</ref>
Manufacturers may designate station wagons across various model lines with a proprietary nameplate for marketing and advertising differentiation. Examples include "Avant", "Break", "Caravan", "Kombi", "Sports Tourer", "Sports Wagon", "Tourer", "Touring", and "Variant".
==Design characteristics==
===Comparison with hatchbacks===
[[File:Three body styles with pillars and boxes.png|thumb|Typical [[Pillar (car)|pillar]] configurations of a sedan [[three-box styling|(three box)]], station wagon [[three-box styling|(two box)]] and hatchback [[three-box styling|(two box)]] from the same [[car model|model range]]]]
Station wagons and [[hatchback]]s have in common a [[Three-box styling|two-box design]] configuration, a shared interior volume for passengers and cargo<ref name="Vehicle Dynamics"/><ref name="AutomotiveTech">{{cite book |first=Jack |last=Erjavec |title=Automotive Technology: a Systems Approach Chapter 4 |page=55, Body Styles |publisher=Cengage Learning |year=2004 |isbn=9781401848316 |quote=Liftback or Hatchback: The distinguishing feature of this vehicle is its luggage compartment, which is an extension of the passenger compartment. Access to the luggage compartment is gained through an upward-opening hatch-type door. A car of this design can be a three- or five-door model; the third or fifth door is the rear hatch. Station Wagon: A station wagon is characterized by its roof which extends straight back, allowing a spacious interior luggage compartment in the rear. The rear door, which can be opened numerous ways depending on the model, provides access to the luggage compartment. Station wagons come in two and four-door models and have space for up to nine passengers.}}</ref> as well as a hatch or rear door (often called a [[#Tailgate designs|tailgate]] in the case of a station wagon) that is hinged at roof level.<ref>{{cite web |title=Car Design Glossary—Part 2: One-Box (Monospace or Monovolume) |website=cardesignnews.com |quote=A three or five-door hatchback (no separate trunk compartment) is a 'two-box' car. |url= http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/new_cars/display/store4/item131867/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101201151939/http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/new_cars/display/store4/item131867/ |archive-date=1 December 2010 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=American Cars of the '50s |first=Mike |last=Mueller |year=2003 |publisher=Crestline |isbn=9780760317129}}</ref> Folding rear seats designed to provide a larger space for cargo in place of passenger capacity, are also typical features for station wagons and hatchbacks.<ref name="ahd"/>
Distinguishing features between hatchbacks and station wagons include:
* D-pillar: Station wagons are more likely to have a [[Pillar (car)|D-pillar]] (hatchbacks and station wagons both have A-, B-, and C-pillars).
* Cargo volume: Station wagons prioritize passenger and cargo volume—with windows beside the cargo volume. Of the two body styles, a station wagon roof (viewed in profile) more likely extends to the very rearmost of the vehicle, enclosing a full-height cargo volume<ref name="AutomotiveTech"/>—a hatchback design (especially a [[liftback]] version) is likely to have steeply sloping roofline behind the B- or C-Pillar, prioritizing style<ref name="Hilliers"/> over interior volume or cargo capacity, sometimes having a shorter rear overhang and smaller side windows (or no windows at all).
Other differences are more variable and can potentially include:
*Cargo floor contour: A station wagon often has a fold-flat floor (for increased cargo capacity), whereas a hatchback is more likely to have a cargo floor with a pronounced contour.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
*Seating: Some station wagons have three rows of seats, whereas a hatchback will have two at most.<ref name="Vehicle Dynamics"/> The rearmost row of seating in a station wagon is often located in the cargo area and can be front-facing, rear-facing, or side-facing.
*Rear suspension: A station wagon may include a reconfigured rear suspension for additional load capacity<ref name="Hilliers"/> and to minimize intrusion in the cargo volume.
*Rear Door: Hatchbacks usually feature a top-hinged [[liftgate]] for cargo access, with variations ranging from a two-part liftgate to a complex tailgate that can function as a full tailgate or a trunk lid. Station wagons have also been equipped with numerous [[#Tailgate designs|tailgate configurations]]. Hatchbacks may be called Liftbacks when the opening area is very sloped, and the door is lifted to open.<ref name="Vehicle Dynamics">{{cite book| first=G. Nakhaie |last=Jazar |title=Vehicle Dynamics: Theory and Application |pages=30, 1.8.3 Passenger Car Body Styles | publisher=Springer-Verlag |year=2008 |quote=Hatchback: Hatchback cars are identified by a rear door including the back window, that opens to access a storage area that is not separated from the rest of the passenger compartment. A hatchback may have two or four doors and two or four seats. They are also called three-door or five-door cars. A hatchback car is referred to a ''liftback'' when the opening area is very sloped and is lifted up to open. Station Wagon: A station wagon or wagon is a car with a full-height body all the way to the rear; the load-carrying space created is accessed via a rear door or doors. |isbn=9780387742434}}</ref> A design director from General Motors has described the difference as "Where you break the roofline, at what angle, defines the spirit of the vehicle", he said. "You could have a 90-degree break in the back and have a station wagon."<ref name="nyt1">{{cite news |title=The Hatchback Is Back (but Nobody Uses the H-Word) |newspaper=The New York Times |first=Dan |last=Neil |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/28/automobiles/the-hatch-is-back-but-please-don-t-use-the-h-word.html |date=28 April 2002 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref>
It has become common for station wagons to use a [[Car platform|platform]] shared with other body styles, resulting in many shared components (such as chassis, engine, transmission, bodywork forward of the A-pillar, interior features, and optional features) being used for the wagon, sedan, and hatchback variants of the [[car model|model range]].<ref name="pm"/>
===Tailgate designs===
Many modern station wagons have an upward-swinging, full-width, full-height rear door supported on [[gas spring]]s—often where the rear window can swing up independently. A variety of other designs have been employed in the past.
===
The split gate features an upward-swinging window and a downward-swinging tailgate, both manually operated. This configuration was typical in the 1920s through the 1940s, and remained common on many models into the 1960s.
====Retractable window====
In the early 1950s, tailgates with hand-cranked roll-down rear windows began to appear. Later in the decade, electric power was applied to the tailgate window so it could be operated from the driver's seat and by a key-activated switch in the tailgate. By the early 1970s, this arrangement was available on full-size, intermediate, and compact wagons. The lowered bottom hinged tailgate extended the cargo area floor and could serve as a picnic table for "tailgating."<ref>{{cite web |title=1963 AMC Rambler Classic station wagon |url= https://digitalcollections.detroitpubliclibrary.org/islandora/object/islandora%3A210924 |work=Detroit Public Library |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref>
* '''Side hinge:''' A side-hinged tailgate that opened like a door was offered on some three-seat station wagons to make it easier for the back-row passengers to enter and exit their rear-facing seats.
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| caption2 = rear roof retracted and tailgate hinged down
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====Retractable roof====
A station wagon design featuring a retractable rear roof section and a conventional rear tailgate with a window that rolled down and the gate opened down. The sliding roof section allowed the carrying of tall objects in the rear cargo area. This configuration appeared on the 1963–1966 [[Studebaker Wagonaire]] station wagon and the 1998-2009 [[GMC Envoy|GMC Envoy XUV]] SUV model.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Estrada |first1=Zac |title=The Studebaker Wagonaire And GMC Envoy Offer Sliding Roof Fun |url= https://jalopnik.com/the-studebaker-wagonaire-and-gmc-envoy-offer-sliding-ro-5929470 |work=Jalopnik |date=29 July 2012 |access-date=31 March 2022}}</ref>
====Dual and tri-operating gates====
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| footer = A dual tailgate on a [[Ford Country Squire]]
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In the United States, Ford's full-size station wagons for 1966 introduced a system marketed as "Magic Doorgate"—a conventional tailgate with retracting rear glass, where the tailgate could either fold down or pivot open on a side hinge—with the rear window retracted in either case. Competitors marketed their versions as a ''Drop and Swing'' or ''Dual Action Tailgate.''<ref name="pm"/> For 1969, Ford incorporated a design that allowed the rear glass to remain up or down when the door pivoted open on its side hinge, marketing the system, engineered by [[Donald N. Frey]]<ref name="time1">{{cite magazine|url= https://time.com/archive/6890312/autos-the-thinker-detroit-style/ |title=The Thinker (Detroit Style) |magazine=Time |date=21 April 1967 |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref> as the "Three-Way Magic Doorgate".
Similar configurations became the standard feature on full-size and intermediate station wagons from General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, and [[American Motors Corporation]] (AMC).<ref>{{cite web |access-date=1 July 2024 |page=4 |title=American Motors Presents: four ways you can be the 1970 wagon master (brochure) |url=https://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/AMC/1970_AMC/1970-AMC-Wagons-Brochure/slides/1970_AMC_Wagons-04.html |website=oldcarbrochures.org}}</ref> Some full-size GM wagons added a notch in the rear bumper that acted as a step plate; a small portion of the bumper was attached to the tailgate to fill the gap. When opened as a swinging door, this part of the bumper moved away, allowing the depression in the bumper to provide a "step" to ease entry; when the gate was opened by being lowered or raised to a closed position, the chrome section remained in place making the bumper "whole".
====Clamshell====
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| footer = 1971 [[Buick Estate Wagon]] with a "clam shell" tailgate
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Full-size General Motors, from 1971 through 1976 station wagons ([[Chevrolet Kingswood Estate|Chevrolet Kingswood, Townsman, Brookwood, Bel Air, Impala, and Caprice Estates]]; [[Pontiac Grand Safari|Pontiac Safari and Grand Safari]]; [[Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser]], and the [[Buick Estate]] models) featured a 'clam shell' design marketed as the ''Glide-away'' tailgate, also called a "disappearing" tailgate because when open, the tailgate was entirely out of view.<ref>{{cite web |last1=O'Clair |first1=Jim |title=Collectible Clamshells |url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2008/05/15/collectible-clamshells |work=Hemmings |date=15 May 2008 |access-date=19 January 2023}}</ref> On the clamshell design, the rear power-operated glass slid up into the roof and the lower tailgate (with either manual or optional power operation), lowered below the load floor. Manually operated types included a lower tailgate counterbalanced by a torque rod similar to the torque rods used in holding a trunk lid open. It required a {{convert|35|lb|kg|adj=on}} push to lower the gate. Raising it required a {{convert|35|lb|kg|adj=on}} pull on a handhold integral to the top edge of the retractable gate.<ref name="popsci">{{cite magazine |title=The '71 Wagons, Big Changes Coming Up |magazine=Popular Science |date=October 1970 |pages=74–75 |first1=Jan P. |last1=Norbye |first2=Jim |last2=Dunne |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=QwEAAAAAMBAJ&q=%22glide+away%22+tailgate&pg=PA75 |via=Google Books |accessdate=31 March 2022}}</ref> Power-assisted operation of both the upper glass and lower tailgate became standard equipment in later model years. Station wagons with this design were available with an optional third row of forward-facing seats accessed by the rear side doors and a folding second-row seat. They could accommodate {{convert|4|x|8|ft|m|adj=on}} sheets of plywood or other panels with the rear seats folded. The clamshell design required no increased footprint or operational area to open the cargo area. This enabled access even if the station wagon's rear was parked against a wall.
The GM design, as used in a Pontiac Grand Safari, with a forward-facing third-row seat and the clamshell tailgate, was less popular with consumers and was described as the "least convenient of all wagon arrangements" with difficult passenger egress and problematic tailgate operation in comparison to the 1974 [[AMC Ambassador#Seventh generation|AMC Ambassador]], [[Dodge_Monaco#Third_generation_(1974–1977)|Dodge Monaco]], and [[Mercury_Colony_Park#Fifth_generation_(1969–1978)|Mercury Colony Park]], full-size station wagons conducted by ''Popular Science'' magazine.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Norbye |first1=Jan P. |last2=Dunne |first2=Jim |title=The Big Wagons: They do a great job—at a high price |magazine=Popular Science |date=May 1974 |volume=204 |issue=5 |pages=12, 21, 24, 26, 28 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=j989VTOlPwMC&pg=PA12 |via=Google Books |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref>
Subsequent GM full-size wagons reverted to the door/gate system for its full-size wagons.
====Lift-gate====
[[File:VW Passat Variant Typ B5GP Pic06 trunk.jpg|thumb|upright|A lift-gate on a [[Volkswagen Passat Variant|Volkswagen Passat]] Variant]]
A simplified, one-piece lift-gate on smaller wagons. The [[AMC Hornet]] Sportabout was introduced for the 1972 model year and featured a "liftgate-style hatchback instead of swing-out or fold-down tailgate ... would set a precedent for liftgates in modern SUVs."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Notte |first1=Jason |title=29 Classic Station Wagons We Miss From Childhood |url= https://blog.cheapism.com/best-station-wagons/#slide=6 |website=cheapism.com |date=9 April 2021 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> The 1978-1996 GM's mid-size station wagons also returned to the upward-lifting rear window/gate as had been used in the 1940s.
* '''Swing-up window:''' An upward-lifting, full-height, full-width rear door, where the window on the rear door can be opened independently from the rear door itself. The window is also opened upwards and is held on pneumatic struts. The [[Renault Laguna]] II station wagon and [[Ford Taurus]] wagon featured this arrangement.
* '''Fold-up license plate:''' Wagons (including the [[Volvo Amazon]] wagon, early models of the [[Range Rover Classic|Range Rover]], and the [[Subaru Baja]]) had an upward folding hinged [[Vehicle registration plate|license plate]] attached to the lower tailgate of the split rear door. When the tailgate was folded down, the plate hung down and remained readable. The wagon versions of the [[Citroën DS]], called the Break, Familiale, or Safari, had a different solution: two number plates were fitted to the tailgate at right angles to each other so one would be visible in either position.
===Safety equipment===
[[Cargo barrier]]s may be used to prevent unsecured cargo from causing injuries in the event of sudden deceleration, collision, or a [[Vehicle rollover|rollover]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Byard |first1=RW |last2=Bourne |first2=AJ |last3=James |first3=R |journal=Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health |date=August 1999|title=Childhood deaths and cargo barriers in cars |pmid=10457305 |volume=35 |issue=4 |pages=409–10 |doi=10.1046/j.1440-1754.1999.00379.x|s2cid=5675364 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
=== Performance models ===
Performance models of station wagons have included the 1970 [[Ford Falcon (XY)]] 'Grand Sport' pack,<ref>{{cite web |title=Grand Sports |url= http://www.aus-ford-uk.co.uk/html/grand_sports.html |website=aus-ford-uk.co.uk |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref> the 1973 [[Chevrolet Chevelle#Third generation (1973–1977)|Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS-454]] and the 1992 [[BMW M5#E34|BMW M5 (E34)]].
The 1994 [[Audi RS2]], developed with Porsche, has been described as the world's first performance station wagon.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Porsche Helped Audi Create the World's First Performance Wagon |url= https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/a10297476/audi-rs2-history/ |website=Road and Track |date=12 July 2017 |access-date=13 August 2022}}</ref> This was followed by the [[Audi RS4]] and [[Audi RS6]].
The 2006 through 2008 [[Dodge Magnum]] SRT-8 model brought power and performance with station wagon features. The cars featured a 6.1 L [[Chrysler Hemi engine|Hemi]] V8 engine rated at {{convert|425|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. The Dodge Magnum SRT-8 shared its platform with the [[Chrysler 300C]] Touring SRT-8, which was only sold in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://fastestlaps.com/models/dodge-magnum-srt8 |website=fastestlaps.com |title=Dodge Magnum srt8 specs |access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.carscoops.com/2022/01/the-chrysler-300c-srt8-touring-is-the-muscle-wagon-you-always-wanted-but-still-cant-get-in-the-usa/ |title=The Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring Is The Muscle Wagon You Always Wanted (But Still Can't Get In The USA) |date=6 January 2022 |first=Stephen |last=Rivers |website=carscoops.com |access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Veazey |first1=Nick |title=The Dodge Magnum SRT-8: The Station Wagon Built for a Family On the Go |url= https://www.motorbiscuit.com/dodge-magnum-srt-8-station-wagon-built-for-family-go/ |work=MotorBiscuit |date=25 July 2022 |access-date=13 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bedard |first1=Patrick |title=Tested: 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 |url= https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a18202251/dodge-magnum-srt8-short-take-road-test/ |work=Car and Driver |access-date=13 August 2022 |date=20 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Redgap |first1=Curtis |title=2007 Dodge Magnum Full Throttle test drive |url= https://www.allpar.com/d3/reviews/2007/magnum.html |website=allpar.com |date=2006 |access-date=13 August 2022}}</ref>
Other German manufacturers have produced station wagon versions of their performance models, such as the [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205)|Mercedes-AMG C63]], [[Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213)|Mercedes-AMG E63]], [[BMW M5#E60|BMW M5 (E60/E61)]], [[Volkswagen Golf R]] and [[Volkswagen Passat (B6)|Volkswagen Passat R36]] wagons.<ref>{{cite web |title=The World's Best Station Wagons |url= https://gearpatrol.com/2015/08/17/worlds-best-station-wagons/ |publisher=Gear Patrol |access-date=27 November 2018 |date=17 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Is this Super Rare BMW M5 Wagon Worth $130,000? |url= https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a11327600/super-rare-bmw-m5-wagon-for-sale/ |website=roadandtrack.com |access-date=27 November 2018 |date=3 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=E61 BMW M5 Touring: One of the best M cars of all time |url= https://www.bmwblog.com/2016/01/22/e61-bmw-m5-touring-one-of-the-best-m-cars-of-all-time/ |website=bmwblog.com |access-date=27 November 2018 |date=22 January 2016}}</ref>
The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon introduced for the 2011 model year was considered the most potent production station wagon offered with a manual transmission, and the Corvette-engined version continued until 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Skwarczek |first1=Matthew |title=We Still Can't Believe Cadillac Built a 556-hp CTS-V Station Wagon |url= https://www.motorbiscuit.com/we-still-cant-believe-cadillac-built-a-556-hp-cts-v-station-wagon/ |work=MotorBiscuit |date=10 June 2020 |access-date=13 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Courtney |first1=Will Sabel |title=The Ultimate, Hyper-Rare Family Supercar Is Up for Sale |url= https://www.gearpatrol.com/cars/a34930033/cadillac-cts-v-wagon-stick-for-sale/ |work=Gear Patrol |date=12 December 2020 |access-date=13 August 2022}}</ref>
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=== United States ===
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==== 1910 to 1940: Origins and woodie wagons ====
{{See also|Woodie (car body style)}}
The first station wagons were built in around 1910 by independent manufacturers producing wooden custom bodies for the Ford Model T chassis.<ref name="www.stationwagon.com">{{cite web |title=A Short History of Station Wagons in the USA |url= http://www.stationwagon.com/history.html |website=stationwagon.com |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref> They were initially called "depot hacks" because they worked around train ''depots'' as ''hacks'' (short for [[hackney carriage]], as taxicabs were then known).<ref name="www.coolridesonline.net">{{cite web |title=The History Of The Station Wagon |url= https://www.coolridesonline.net/news-blog/the-history-of-the-station-wagon/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181105062014/https://www.coolridesonline.net/news-blog/the-history-of-the-station-wagon/ |url-status= usurped |archive-date= 5 November 2018 |website=coolridesonline.net |date=23 September 2013 |access-date=4 November 2018}}</ref> They also came to be known as "carryalls" and "suburbans".<ref name="www.stationwagon.com"/> Station wagons were initially considered [[commercial vehicle]]s (rather than consumer automobiles) and the framing of the early{{when|date=November 2018}} station wagons was left unfinished, due to the commercial nature of the vehicles. Early{{when|date=November 2018}} station wagons were fixed-roof vehicles, but lacked the sides and glass that would generally enclose the passenger compartment, and included rudimentary benches for seating passengers.<ref name="cars: early and vintage" />{{page needed|date=November 2018}} Instead of framed glass, side curtains of canvas could be unrolled. More rigid curtains could be snapped to protect passengers from outside elements. The roofs of "woodie" wagons were usually made of stretched canvas treated with a waterproofing dressing. The framing of the wooden bodies was partially sheathed in steel{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} and coated with tinted lacquer for protection. These wooden bodies required constant maintenance: varnishes required re-coating, and expansion/contraction of the wood meant that bolts and screws needed periodic re-tightening.
Manufacture of the wooden bodies was initially outsourced to custom [[coachbuilder]]s,<ref>{{cite book |last=Narus |first= Donald J. |title=The Great American Woodies and Wagons |publisher=Crestline Publications |year=1977 | isbn=978-0-912612-13-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Brown |first=Arch |title=Natural History: The 'Woody' Station Wagon Story—Part I |date=April 1997 |magazine=Collectible Automobile |volume=13 |issue=6 |pages=26–41}}</ref> because the production of the all-wood bodies was very time-consuming. One of the first builders of wagon bodies was the Stoughton Wagon Company from Wisconsin, which began putting custom wagon bodies on the [[Ford Model T]] chassis in 1919<ref name="cars: early and vintage" />{{page needed|date=November 2018}} In 1922, the [[Essex (automobile)|Essex Closed Coach]], a [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]], became the first mass-produced car to use a steel body.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=VO8mAQAAMAAJ&q=Due+to+the+inexpensive+1922+Essex+coach+revolutionized+body+making--in+addition+to+family+motoring.+It+made+the+closed+car+affordable.+The+revolution+had+to+do+with+the+body's+modular+assembly.+coach,+Essex+became+a+tremendous+bestseller |page=29 |title=A century of automotive style: 100 years of American car design |first1=Michael |last1=Lamm |first2=Dave |last2=Holls |publisher=Lamm-Morada |year=1996 |isbn=9780932128072 |access-date=30 June 2012 }}</ref> In 1923, [[Star (automobile)|Star]] (a division of [[Durant Motors]]) became the first car company to offer a station wagon assembled on its production line (using a wooden wagon body shipped in from an outside supplier).<ref name="American">{{cite book |last=Mort |first=Norm |title=American Woodies 1928-1953 |year=2010 |page=10 |publisher=Veloce Publishing |isbn=978-1-845842-69-7 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=WLFrFlpwD8wC&dq=%22The+first+production+woody+station+wagon+is+accredited+to+Durant+in+1923,+built+on+a+standard+chassis.+The+four-cylinder+Star%22&pg=PA10 |access-date=2017-05-12 }}</ref><ref name="www.theatlantic.com">{{cite web |title=The Last, Great, Gasp of the American Station Wagon |url= https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/07/the-last-great-gasp-of-the-american-station-wagon/373776/ |website=theatlantic.com |date= 2 July 2014 |access-date=4 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1923 Star Station Wagon |url= https://www.thehenryford.org/artifact/287253/ |work=The Henry Ford |access-date=2 August 2019}}</ref> By 1929 the Ford Motor Company was the biggest producer of chassis' for station wagons.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} Since Ford owned its own hardwood forest and mills (at the [[Ford Iron Mountain Plant]] in what is today [[Kingsford, Michigan]], in Michigan's Upper Peninsula) it began supplying the wood components for the [[Ford Model A (1927–1931)|Model A]] station wagon.<ref name="cars: early and vintage" />{{page needed|date=November 2018}} Also in 1929, J.T. Cantrell began supplying woodie bodies for Chrysler vehicles, which continued until 1931.<ref name="cars: early and vintage" />{{page needed|date=November 2018}}
By the 1930s, station wagons had become expensive and well-equipped vehicles.<ref name="www.theatlantic.com" /> When it was introduced in 1941, the [[Chrysler Town & Country (1941–1988)|Chrysler Town & Country]] was one of the most expensive cars in the company's model range. The first all-steel station wagon body style was the 1935 [[Chevrolet Suburban#First generation (1935)|Chevrolet Suburban]].<ref name="www.stationwagon.com"/> As part of the overall trend in the automotive industry, wooden bodies were superseded by all-steel bodies due to their strength, cost, and durability.<ref name="cars: early and vintage">{{cite book |last=G.N. Georgano |first=G. N. |title=Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886–1930 |publisher=Mason Crest |year=2002 |isbn=978-1-59084-491-5 |url-access=registration |url= https://archive.org/details/worldofwheels0000unse }}</ref> The commercial vehicle status was also reflected on those vehicles' registrations For example, there were special "Suburban" [[Vehicle registration plates of Pennsylvania|license plates in Pennsylvania]] used well into the 1960s, long after station wagons became car-based.
<gallery widths="200px" heights="155px">
File:Ford Model T Woody Station Wagon -besopha.jpg|[[Ford Model T]]
File:1934 Buick Woodie Station Wagon (27705328712).jpg|1934 [[Buick Series 50]] station wagon
File:Pontiac Woodie.jpg|1940 Pontiac Special Series 25
</gallery>
==== 1945 to 1970: Steel-bodied station wagons ====
The first all-steel station wagon was the 1935 [[Chevrolet Suburban]], which was built on the chassis of a [[panel truck]].<ref name="www.stationwagon.com" /> However, most station wagons were produced with wooden bodies until after World War II.
When automobile production resumed after World War II, technological advances made all-steel station wagon bodies more practical, eliminating the cost, noise, and maintenance associated with wood bodies.<ref name=lastwood>{{cite web| url= https://www.autos.ca/motoring-memories/motoring-memories-the-history-of-the-station-wagon/ |last=Vance |first=Bill |title=Motoring Memories: The history of the station wagon |work=Autos Canada |date=24 March 2001 |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref> The first mass-produced steel-bodied station wagon was the 1946 [[Willys Jeep Station Wagon|Willys Station Wagon]], based on the chassis of the [[Jeep CJ#CJ-2A|Jeep CJ-2A]].<ref name="www.stationwagon.com" /><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.promotex.ca/articles/cawthon/2002/05-15-2002_article.html |last=Cawthon |first=Bill |title=Jeep: From Station Wagon to Superstar |date=15 May 2002|access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1945-1952-jeep.htm |title=1945–1952 Jeep: Willys Postwar Jeep |author=((Editors of Publications International)) |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |date=13 December 2007 |access-date=15 January 2013 }}</ref> In 1947, Crosley introduced a steel-bodied station wagon version of the [[Crosley#Crosley CC Four (1946–1948)|Crosley CC Four]].
The first postwar station wagon to be based on a passenger car chassis was the [[1949 Plymouth|1949]] [[Plymouth Suburban]], which used a two-door body style. Several manufacturers produced steel and wooden-bodied station wagons concurrently for several years. For example, Plymouth continued the production of wooden-bodied station wagons until 1950. The final wooden-bodied station built in the United States was the 1953 [[Buick Estate#1950s|Buick Super Estate]].
By 1951, most station wagons were being produced with all-steel bodies.<ref name="www.stationwagon.com"/> Station wagons experienced the highest production levels in the United States from the 1950s through the 1970s as a result of the American [[Mid-20th century baby boom]].
The late 1950s through the mid-1960s was also the period of greatest variation in body styles, with models available without a [[pillar (car)|B-pillar]] (called [[hardtop]] or pillarless models) or with a B-pillar, both in 2-door and 4-door variants.<ref name="mom's">{{cite web|url= http://www.collectorcarmarket.com/content/profiles/station_wagons/postwar_station_wagons.htm |title=Postwar Station Wagons: Mom's Car Makes a Comeback |website=.collectorcarmarket.com |date=1999 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131115030655/http://www.collectorcarmarket.com/content/profiles/station_wagons/postwar_station_wagons.htm |archive-date=15 November 2013 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref>
The 1956 [[Rambler Six and V8|Rambler]] was an all-new design, and the 4-door "Cross Country" featured the industry's first station wagon hardtop.<ref name="Zyla">{{cite news |last1=Zyla |first1=Greg |title=Those famous '56 Rambler Cross Country wagons |url= https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/columns/2012/10/08/those-famous-56-rambler-cross/43789615007/ |newspaper=The State Journal-Register |date=19 October 2012 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> However, the pillarless models could be expensive to produce, added wind noise, and created structural issues with body torque.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/21/sports/about-cars-chewing-over-the-art-of-automotive-design.html |last=Schuon |first=Marshall |title=About Cars; Chewing Over the Art Of Automotive Design |newspaper=The New York Times |date=21 June 1992|access-date=15 January 2013 }}</ref> GM eliminated the pillarless wagon from its lineup in 1959, while AMC and Ford exited the field beginning with their 1960 and 1961 vehicles, leaving Chrysler and Dodge with the body style through the 1964 model year.
<gallery widths="200px" heights="155px">
File:1954 Studebaker Conestoga.jpg|1954 Studebaker Conestoga
File:Plymouth Station Wagon 1954 two-door.jpg|1954 Plymouth Savoy Station Wagon
File:1958 Ambassador 4-d hardtop wagon 1.JPG|1958 [[AMC Ambassador]] 4-door pillarless hardtop station wagon
</gallery>
==== 1970 to 1990: Competition from minivans ====
[[File:Plymouth Reliant station wagon (6637664679).jpg|thumb|1986–1988 [[Plymouth Reliant]] station wagon]]
The popularity of the station wagon—particularly full-size station wagons—in the United States was blunted by increased fuel prices caused by the [[1973 oil crisis]].<ref name="www.stationwagon.com" /><ref name="www.theatlantic.com" /> Then, in 1983, the market for station wagons was further eroded by the [[Chrysler minivans#First generation (1984-1990)|Chrysler minivans]], based on the [[Chrysler K platform|K platform]].<ref name="www.coolridesonline.net" /><ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/29/automobiles/autoreviews/29WHEEL.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2 |newspaper=The New York Times |title=The Wagon of Cadillacs |first=Joe |last=Lorio |date=27 November 2009 |access-date=7 March 2012 }}</ref> While the K platform was also used for station wagon models (such as the [[Plymouth Reliant]] and [[Dodge Aries]]), the [[minivan]] would soon eclipse them in popularity.
The [[CAFE standards]] provided an advantage to minivans (and later SUVs) over station wagons because the minivans and SUVs were classified as trucks in the United States and, therefore subject to less stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations. Station wagons remained popular in Europe<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2003/nov/6/20031106-092341-2096r/ |first=Russ |last=Heaps |title=Europe's station wagons flourish |newspaper=The Washington Times |date=6 November 2003 |access-date=28 August 2022}}</ref> and in locations where emissions and efficiency regulations did not distinguish between cars and light trucks.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.pewclimate.org/docUploads/Fuel%20Economy%20and%20GHG%20Standards_010605_110719.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161031090943/http://www.pewclimate.org/docUploads/Fuel%20Economy%20and%20GHG%20Standards_010605_110719.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-10-31 |title=Comparison of passenger vehicle economy and greenhouse gas emission standards around the world |last1=An |first1=Feng |last2=Sauer |first2=Amanda |work=Pew Center on Global Climate Change |date=December 2004 |access-date=15 January 2013 }}</ref>
==== 1990 to present: Competition from SUVs ====
[[File:Buick Roadmaster Limited Wagon.jpg|thumb|1996 [[Buick Estate#1991–1996|Buick Roadmaster Estate Limited station wagon]]]]
The emergence and popularity of [[sport utility vehicle|SUV]]s, which closely approximate the traditional station wagon body style, was a blow. After low sales, the [[Chevrolet Caprice]] and the [[Buick Roadmaster]], the last American full-size wagons, were discontinued in 1996. Smaller station wagons were marketed as lower-priced alternatives to SUVs and minivans. Domestic wagons also remained in the Ford, Mercury, and Saturn lines. However, after 2004, these [[compact car|compact]] station wagons also began to be phased out in the United States. The [[Ford Taurus]] wagon was discontinued in 2005, and the [[Ford Focus]] station wagon was discontinued in 2008. With other brands, the niche previously occupied by station wagons is now primarily filled with a similar style of [[Crossover (automobile)|Crossover SUV]], which generally has a car underpinning and a wagon body.
An exception to this trend was the [[Subaru Legacy]] station wagon and its rugged derivative [[Subaru Outback]], which continued to be produced at the [[Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.|Subaru of Indiana plant]]. The Outback was much more popular than the Legacy wagon and Legacy sedan, the latter two which were discontinued after the 2014 and 2025 model years, respectively. The Outback accounted for 80% of wagon sales in the U.S. However for the [[Subaru_Outback#Seventh_generation_(BU;_2025)|seventh generation]], as there was no Legacy sedan counterpart being produced on the same platform, the Outback is no longer considered a wagon and instead is a mid-sized crossover SUV.<ref>{{cite web | title=Station Wagon Owners Really Love Their Cars. Too Bad | url=https://getpocket.com/explore/item/station-wagon-owners-really-love-their-cars-too-bad?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us }}</ref>
The [[Cadillac CTS]] gave rise to a station wagon counterpart, the 2010 CTS Sportwagon, which defied the trend by offering almost as many trim levels as its sedan counterpart.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> The CTS wagon, particularly in the performance CTS-V trim, received positive reviews until it was discontinued in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon 3.6 |url= https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2010-cadillac-cts-sport-wagon-36-road-test-review |website=caranddriver.com |date= 17 August 2009 |access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2014 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon First Test |url= https://www.motortrend.com/cars/cadillac/cts/2014/2014-cadillac-cts-v-wagon-first-test/ |website=motortrend.com |date= 22 December 2014 |access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref>
In 2011, the [[Toyota Prius V]] introduced hybrid power to the compact wagon market, but was discontinued in 2017 to streamline the Toyota hybrid lineup and focus on the RAV4 Hybrid Crossover SUV.<ref>{{cite web |title=Toyota's own hybrid models are eating away at Prius sales |url= https://www.autoblog.com/2020/01/03/toyota-hybrids-beat-prius/ |access-date=2020-07-09 |website=autoblog.com |date= 3 January 2020 }}</ref>
Imported station wagons, despite remaining popular in other countries,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1736/the-death-of-the-station-wagon/ |title=The death of the station wagon |first=Alex |last=Taylor III |website=autos.yahoo.com |access-date=7 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110929150833/http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1736/the-death-of-the-station-wagon/ |archive-date=29 September 2011}}</ref> struggled in the United States. European car manufacturers such as Audi, Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz continued to offer station wagons in their North American product ranges (marketed using the labels "Avant", "Touring", and "Estate" respectively). However, these wagons had fewer trim and powertrain levels than their sedan counterparts.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> Audi has also offered rugged variants of the A4 and A6 wagons under the [[Audi allroad quattro|Audi allroad quattro]] sub-brand with mixed success in the U.S., while Mercedes-Benz has offered the E-Class All-Terrain based upon the E-Class Estate. The station wagons of the smaller [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class]] line-up were dropped in 2007, and the [[BMW 5 Series]] Touring models were discontinued in 2010 due to slow sales in the United States, with only 400 wagons sold in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=152306 |title=BMW Might Kill 5 Series Wagon in Favor of GT Crossover |website=edmunds.com |date=2009-07-08 |access-date=2009-09-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090830073626/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=152306 |archive-date=30 August 2009}}</ref> In 2012, the [[Volvo V50]] compact station wagon was withdrawn from the U.S. market due to poor sales. In 2016, Volvo reintroduced a large wagon to the U.S. market with the [[Volvo V90]], but only by special order.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15344480/you-can-buy-the-2018-volvo-v90-wagon-in-america-but-only-if-you-custom-order-it/ |title=2018 Volvo V90 Wagon Will Be Custom Order Only in America |first=Joey |last=Capparella |date=6 January 2017 |website=caranddriver.com |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref> Some high-performance wagons have been offered in the U.S. market, including the [[Audi RS 6]], [[BMW M5]], and [[Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG]]; the more recent generations of the Audi RS 6 have only been offered as an Avant and not a sedan but nonetheless this is still appealing to American car enthusiasts and collectors. <ref>{{cite web | title=Station Wagon Owners Really Love Their Cars. Too Bad | url=https://getpocket.com/explore/item/station-wagon-owners-really-love-their-cars-too-bad?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us }}</ref>
The 2015 [[Volkswagen Golf Mk7#Golf Variant / Estate / SportWagen / Sportwagon|VW Golf ''Sportwagen'']]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.vw.com/models/golf-sportwagen/?cid=ssem_MHm7hLRR_66236130786_c |title=VW Golf Sportwagen |website=vw.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150614160929/http://www.vw.com/models/golf-sportwagen/?cid=ssem_MHm7hLRR_66236130786_c |archive-date=14 June 2015 |access-date=19 January 2023}}</ref> was marketed as a sub-compact station wagon in the North American market. This model was withdrawn from the U.S. market after 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28421961/volkswagen-golf-sportwagen-alltrack-discontinued/ |title=Volkswagen Is Ending Golf Sportwagen Alltrack Production |first=Daniel |last=Golson |date=17 July 2019 |website=caranddriver.com |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref>
==== Simulated wood paneling ====
{{See also|Woodie (car body style)#Simulated woodgrain}}
As the wooden bodies were replaced by steel from 1945 until 1953, manufacturers applied wooden decorative trim to the steel-bodied wagons as a visual link to the previous wooden style. By the late 1950s, the wooden trim was replaced by "simulated wood" in the form of stick-on vinyl coverings.<ref name="litwin1">{{cite magazine|url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/di-noc-siding |title=DI-NOC Siding: Restoring a station wagon's wood grain is now quick and easy |date=September 2009 |first=Matthew |last=Litwin |magazine=Hemmings Motor News |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> The woodgrain feature is not that the body is wood—or that it could ever be wood—rather, it is "totally honest in its artificiality."<ref name="Kozak"/>
The design element was also used on cars that were not station wagons, including sedans, pickup trucks, and convertibles.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g15376986/against-the-grain-21-woodies-that-werent-station-wagons/ |title=Against the Grain: 21 Woodies That Weren't Station Wagons |work=Car and Driver |date=2 September 2016 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref><ref name="litwin1"/>
Unique simulated wood designs included trim on the body pillars of the compact-size [[Nash Rambler]] station wagons that went up the roof's drip rail and around on the spit liftgate. The larger-sized Cross Country station wagon was available with bodyside wood trim that went unbroken up the C and D pillars to a thin strip on the roof above the side windows.<ref name="Zyla"/><ref name="Kozak">{{cite web |last1=Kozak |first1=Graham |title=The woodgrained Nash Rambler Cross Country wagon is an unintentional postmodern masterpiece |url= https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a31228614/the-rambler-cross-country-wagon-is-an-unintentional-postmodern-masterpiece/ |work=Autoweek |date=9 April 2021 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref>
Ford marketing began using “Country Squire” with the 1950 model year for the station wagon body design.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/fords-flagship-wagons-the-1950-91-country-squires/ |title=Ford's Flagship Wagons: The 1950-91 Country Squires |first=Bob |last=McGuire |date=30 July 2023 |website=macsmotorcitygarage.com |access-date=26 April 2024}}</ref> From 1950 through 1991, their simulated wood trim differentiated the [[Ford Country Squire]] station wagon models from the lower trim versions.<ref>{{cite web|title=1950–1959 Ford Country Squire |url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1950-1959-ford-country-squire.htm |date=9 October 2007 |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |author=((Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200930040150/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1950-1959-ford-country-squire.htm |archive-date=30 September 2020 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_892769 |title=1955 Ford Country Squire Station Wagon |work=National Museum of American History |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> The "Squire" trim level was an available option in a few different Ford model ranges, including the [[Ford Falcon (Americas)|Falcon Squire]], [[Ford Fairlane (Americas)|Fairlane Squire]], and the 1970s the [[Ford Pinto|Pinto Squire]]. The Squire was the highest trim level of any Ford Wagon and included additional exterior and better interior trims.
Other woodie-style wagon models produced in significant numbers include the 1984 through 1993 [[Jeep Wagoneer (SJ)#1984: Grand Wagoneer|Jeep Grand Wagoneer]] that launched the luxury SUV market segment.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://jerrygarrett.wordpress.com/2015/09/09/jeeps-wagoneer-making-fake-wood-grain-fashionable-again/ |title=Jeep's Wagoneer Making Fake Wood Grain Fashionable Again? |first=Jerry |last=Garrett |date=9 September 2015 |work=Garrett on the Road |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.classiccarstodayonline.com/2017/12/15/a-look-back-at-the-1963-1991-jeep-wagoneer-a-guide-to-year-to-year-changes-2/ |title=A look back at the 1963–1991 Jeep Wagoneer: A guide to year-to-year changes |date=15 June 2015 |author=((Sean)) |work=Classic Cars Today Online |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hagerty.com/media/news/limited-edition-woody-grand-wagoneers-support-hagerty-drivers-foundation/ |title=Limited-edition woody Grand Wagoneers support Hagerty Drivers Foundation |first=Matt |last=Fink |date=28 February 2023 |work=Hagerty |access-date=26 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.pressreader.com/canada/regina-leader-post/20150424/282389808025637 |title=Woody Wagoneer set the luxury SUV standard |first=Clayton |last=Seams |date=24 April 2015 |newspaper=Regina Leader-Post |via=pressreader.com |access-date=26 April 2024}}</ref> Simulated wood-grain trim differentiated the top level models of the 1957-1991 [[Mercury Colony Park]], 1968–1988 [[Chrysler Town & Country (1941–1988)|Chrysler Town & Country]], 1970–1990 [[Buick Estate]], 1971–1992 [[Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser]], and 1969–1972 [[Chevrolet Kingswood Estate]].
<gallery widths="200px" heights="140px">
File:AMC Eagle Wagon blue wood grain 258 cid 5-speed.jpg|1988 [[AMC Eagle]] Wagon with simulated wood trim
File:1950 Plymouth Woodie Station Wagon (19034630231).jpg|1950 [[Plymouth (automobile)|Plymouth]] Woodie Station Wagon
</gallery>
==== Full-size wagons ====
{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical
| image1 = 1969 Ford LTD Country Squire.jpg
| caption1 = 1969 [[Ford Country Squire|Ford LTD Country Squire]]
| image2 = 1975 AMC Matador four-door station wagon with 2-way tailgate and 3-rows of seats at 2017 AMO meet 05of11.jpg
| caption2 = 1975 [[AMC Matador]] with third-row seat and two-way tailgate open for passenger egress
}}
From the 1950s until the 1990s, many [[full-size car|full-size]] American station wagons could be optioned with a third row of seating in the cargo area (over the rear axle) for a total of nine seats. Before 1956, the third-row seats were forward-facing.
Chrysler's 1957 models had a roof too low to permit a forward-facing seat in the cargo area,{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} so a rear-facing seat was used for the third row.
General Motors adopted the rear-facing third row for most models during 1959-1971 and 1977–1996. However, the 1964–1972 [[Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser]] and 1964–1969 [[Buick Sport Wagon]] featured raised roof lines beginning above the second-row seat and continuing to the rear tailgate, resulting in the third row of seats being forward-facing. General Motors also used forward-facing seats for the third row from 1971 through 1976 [[#Clam shell|clam shell wagons]].
The Ford and Mercury full-size wagons built after 1964 were available with four rows of seats, with the rear two rows in the cargo area facing each other. The third and fourth rows were designed for two people each (although these seats were relatively narrow in later models), giving a total seating capacity of ten people.
The trend since the 1980s for smaller station wagon bodies has limited the seating to two rows, resulting in a total capacity of five people, or six people, if a bench front seat is used. Since the 1990s, full-size station wagons have been largely replaced by SUVs with three-row seating, such as the [[Chevrolet Suburban]], [[Ford Expedition]], [[Dodge Durango]], [[Land Rover]] [[Land_Rover_Defender_(L663)|Defender 130]] and the [[Range Rover]], [[Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class]], and [[BMW X7]].<ref name="motortrend.com">{{cite web |title=2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon |url= https://www.motortrend.com/legacy/1301-2013-mercedes-benz-gl450-vs-2012-e350-4matic-wagon/ |first=Erick |last=Ayapana |date=3 January 2013 |website=motortrend.com |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref>
==== Two-door wagons ====
The first two-door station wagon was the 1946 [[Willys Jeep Station Wagon]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Automotive History: The Short And Odd Life Of The Two Door Station Wagon |url= https://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotive-histories/automotive-history-the-short-and-odd-life-of-the-two-door-station-wagon/ |first=Paul |last=Niedermeyer |date=24 April 2021 |website=curbsideclassic.com |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref> Other early two-door station wagons were the 1951 [[Nash Rambler]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Severson |first=Aaron |title=Fashionably Small: The Compact Nash Rambler |url= https://ateupwithmotor.com/model-histories/compact-nash-rambler/ |website=ateupwithmotor.com |date=19 September 2009 |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref> and the 1954 [[Studebaker Conestoga]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Gunnell |first=John |title=Standard Guide to 1950s American Cars |year=2004 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=9780873498685 |page= [https://archive.org/details/standardguideto100john/page/235 235] |url= https://archive.org/details/standardguideto100john |url-access=registration |quote=1954 Studebaker Conestoga two-door station wagon. |access-date=27 February 2018}}</ref> In 1956, Studebaker introduced three new two-door wagons in Pelham, Parkview, and Pinehurst trims.<ref>{{cite book|last=Flory Jr. |first=J. "Kelly" |title=American Cars, 1946–1959: Every Model, Year by Year |year=2008 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=9780786452309 |page=700 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=m-k3ONS880cC&dq=%22Studebaker+introduced+three+new+models+in+this+body+style+with+the+Pelham,+Parkview+and+Pinehurst+2-+door+station+wagons%22&pg=PA700 |access-date=27 February 2018}}</ref>
General Motors began producing two-door station wagons in 1955 with the "Chevrolet Handyman" and the "Pontiac Chieftain".<ref>{{cite web|author=((The Auto Editors of ''Consumer Guide'')) |title=1955-1957 Pontiac Star Chief Safari |url= https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1955-1957-pontiac-star-chief-safari2.htm |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |date=25 October 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200925144123/https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1955-1957-pontiac-star-chief-safari.htm#pt2 |archive-date=25 September 2020 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> General Motors also introduced the sportier [[Chevrolet Nomad]] and [[Pontiac Safari]] to their lineup in 1955. Ford began production of steel-bodied two-door station wagons in 1952 with the [[Ford Ranch Wagon]]. In 1956, Ford responded to the Nomad and Safari with the two-door wagon, the [[Ford Parklane]]. This was a one-year-only model, succeeded by the [[Ford Del Rio]] in 1957.
After the merger of [[Nash-Kelvinator|Nash]] and [[Hudson Motor Car Company|Hudson]], the new company, [[American Motors Corporation|American Motors]] (AMC), reintroduced the two-door wagon in the "new" [[Rambler American]] line in 1958.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=McNessor |first=Mike |title=1958-'60 Rambler American |url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1958-60-rambler-american |magazine=Hemmings Motor News |date=July 2011 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> It was "recycling" with only a few modifications from the original version and targeted buyers looking for "no-frills" economy.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Mattar |first=George |title=1958-1960 Rambler American |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |date=October 2007 |url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1958-1960-rambler-american |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> American Motors' strategy of reintroducing an old design made for two distinct model runs, one of few examples where such a strategy has been successful for an automobile manufacturer.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.autos.ca/classic-cars/motoring-memories-amc-rambler-american-1958-1960/ |last=Vance |first=Bill |title=Motoring Memories: AMC Rambler American 1958-1960 |work=Autos Canada |date=28 July 2006 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref>
The [[Chevrolet Vega]] Kammback, introduced in September 1970, was the first U.S.-made four-seat wagon{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} and the first two-door wagon from GM in six years. It shared its wheelbase and length with Vega [[coupe]] versions and was produced in the 1971 through 1977 model years.
American Motors offered a two-door wagon version of the [[AMC Pacer]] from 1977 through 1980.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=AMC Pacer Station Wagon is a Styling Coup! |magazine=Popular Mechanics |pages=96–178 |date=October 1976 |volume=146 |issue=4 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=auMDAAAAMBAJ&dq=AMC+Pacer+Station+Wagon+is+a+Styling+Coup!&pg=PA96 |via=Google Books |accessdate=31 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Lamm |first=Michael |title=PM Owners Report: AMC Pacer Station Wagon No one feels wishy-washy about AMC's eye-catchingest wagon |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=May 1977 |volume=147 |issue=5 |pages=92–93, 243 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=COQDAAAAMBAJ&dq=AMC+Pacer+wagon&pg=PA92 |via=Google Books |accessdate=31 July 2022}}</ref> The wagon embodied all the features and handling of the coupe, including the wheelbase, while only {{convert|2.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} longer and increasing cargo capacity to {{convert|48.3|cuft|l|0|abbr=on}} with the rear seat down.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.curbsideclassic.com/vintage-reviews/vintage-rt-review-1977-amc-pacer-wagon-what-the-pacer-should-have-been-from-the-beginning/ |title= Vintage R&T Review: 1977 AMC Pacer Wagon – "What The Pacer Should Have Been From The Beginning" |first=Rich |last=Baron |date=7 April 2024 |website=curbsideclassic.com |access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref>
The last two-door wagon available marketed in the United States, the [[Geo Storm]] was the 1991 and 1992 "Wagonback", featuring a long roof and a rear hatch in place of the sloping [[liftback]] versions.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theautopian.com/the-geo-storm-was-a-sporty-gem-from-americas-bargain-basement-brand-holy-grails/ |title=The Geo Storm Was A Sporty Gem From America's Bargain Basement Brand: Holy Grails |first=Mercedes |last=Streeter |date=19 April 2023 |website=theautopian.com |access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref>
<gallery widths="200px" heights="155px">
File:Merc2drwagon.jpg|1958 [[Mercury Commuter]] hardtop
File:Vega wagon.jpg|1971 [[Chevrolet Vega]] Kammback
File:1977 AMC Pacer DL station wagon yellow-c Mason-Dixon Dragway 2014.jpg|1977 AMC Pacer DL
</gallery>
===United Kingdom===
==== 1930s to 1950s ====
[[File:Hillman husky mark1.jpg|thumb|1954–1957 [[Hillman Husky]]]]
Early{{when|date=November 2018}} estate cars were after-market conversions, with the new bodywork using a wooden frame and either steel or wooden panels. These wooden-bodied cars, produced until the 1960s, were among the most expensive vehicles. Since the 1930s, the term [[shooting-brake]] (originally a term for hunting vehicles) has been an alternative, if now rarely used, to the term for estates in the UK.
Later, estates were produced by vehicle manufacturers and included the 1937 [[Commer]] (based on the [[Hillman Minx#Pre-WWII Minx|Hillman Minx Magnificent]]) designed for "operators requiring reliable light transport units" and the chassis for the Supervan "multipurpose utility vehicle, primarily designed for estate transport ... seating accommodation for five persons and the driver ... being quickly convertible to carry anything from hunting equipment to farm produce."<ref>{{cite web |title=Improved Commer 8-cwt. Van (archived 30 July 1937 article)|url= https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/30th-july-1937/35/improved-commer-8-cwt-van |website=commercialmotor.com |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref> Others included the 1952 [[Morris Traveller|Morris Minor Traveller]], 1952 [[Morris Oxford MO#Traveller|Morris Oxford Traveller]], 1954 [[Hillman Husky#Original Hillman Husky ("Mark 1")|Hillman Husky]], 1954 [[Austin A30|Austin A30 Countryman]] and 1955 [[Ford Squire]]. Most of these models were two-door estates, and several models were built on the chassis of relatively small cars.
Manufacturers often chose a specific model name to apply to all their estate cars as a marketing exercise - for example, [[Austin Motor Company|Austin]] used the Countryman name, and Morris called it Traveller. Some estates were closely derived from existing commercial [[van]] models, such as the [[Austin A35|Austin A30/35 Countryman]] and the [[Hillman Husky]]. Others included the [[Austin Cambridge|Austin Cambridge Countryman]] and the [[Standard Ten|Standard Ten Companion]].
Rover and Austin produced 4×4 canvas-topped utility vehicles in the 1950s that were available in estate body styles sold as "Station Wagons". They incorporated better seating and trim than standard editions with options such as heaters. Early advertising for the Land Rover version took the name literally, showing the vehicle collecting people and goods from a [[railway station]].
Despite the popularity of station wagons in America, estate offerings in the U.K. from Ford and Vauxhall were limited to factory-approved aftermarket conversions of the [[Ford Consul]] and [[Vauxhall Cresta]] until the factory-built [[Vauxhall Victor#F Series Victor|Vauxhall Victor]] wagon was introduced in 1958.
==== 1960s to 1970s ====
[[File:1976 Ford Granada L 2000 Estate (14794742205).jpg|thumb|right|Ford Granada L Estate]]
One of the smallest estates ever produced was the [[Mini#Morris Mini Traveller and Austin Mini Countryman (1960–69)|Morris Mini Traveller / Austin Mini Countryman]], introduced in 1960.
Ford's first factory-built estate was the 1963 [[Ford Cortina Mark 1|Ford Cortina]].
The 1967 [[Hillman Husky]] station wagon version of the [[Hillman Imp]] was unusual in being a rear-engined estate.
Ford and Vauxhall produced factory-built estate variants of all three of their respective core models (small-, family- and large-size cars) by the 1970s. The [[Vauxhall Victor#FD Series Victor, VX4/90 and Ventora|FD]]- and [[Vauxhall Victor#FE Series Victor, VX4/90, Ventora, VX1800 and VX2300|FE]]-Series Vauxhall Victors, built between 1966 and 1978, were large cars and featured estate models in the style of an American station wagon with front and rear bench seats and large-capacity petrol engines.
Other estates sold in the United Kingdom included the [[Morris 1100]] (introduced in 1966), [[Vauxhall Viva]] (introduced 1967), [[Ford Escort (Europe)|Ford Escort and Squre]] (introduced in 1968), and [[Vauxhall Chevette]] (introduced 1976).
<gallery widths="200px" heights="140px">
File:Austin Mini Traveller Mk.II 1000 1968-69 (14515340650).jpg|Austin Mini Traveller Mk.II 1000 1968-69
File:Traveller (4196830669).jpg|Morris Minor 1000 Traveller 1966
File:Ford100ESquire.jpg|Ford 100E Squire with wood trim
</gallery>
==== 1980s to present ====
In the decades following, Vauxhall has produced the [[Vauxhall Astra|Astra]] family car from 1980 continuing till now in estate form, as well as other estate versions of larger cars such as the [[Vauxhall Cavalier|Cavalier]], replaced in 1995 by the [[Vauxhall Vectra|Vectra]] which itself was replaced in 2008 by the [[Vauxhall Insignia|Insignia]], staying in production till 2022. The second generation Insignia was also made in Country Tourer form, a slightly raised [[Crossover (automobile)|crossover]] version of the standard Insignia Sports Tourer. Between 1978 and 2003, they also sold estate versions of two [[executive cars]], the [[Vauxhall Carlton|Carlton]] and the [[Vauxhall Omega|Omega]]. Vauxhall also produced the [[Vauxhall Signum|Signum]] in the mid-2000s as an executive take on a Vectra estate, and it was only available in such a body style; the Insignia VXR, a high-performance variant of the Insignia available in its first generation could also be had as an estate, with a V6 engine producing 321 bhp.
<gallery widths="200px" heights="115px">
File:Insignia B Country Tourer.jpg|Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer
File:Opel Astra L Sports Tourer Leonberg 2022 1X7A0417.jpg|Opel Astra L Sports Tourer - estate version of the 11th generation Astra
</gallery>
Ford made a variety of estates, such as the [[Ford Focus|Focus]] estate from 1998 that replaced the Escort, as well as the estate version of the family car [[Ford Mondeo|Mondeo]] (1992-2022, which itself replaced the [[Ford Sierra|Sierra's]] estate variant made by [[Ford of Britain]].
[[File:2015 Ford Mondeo 1.6 Zetec Econetic TDCi Estate (16922091829).jpg|thumb|right|2015 Ford Mondeo estate]]
[[Jaguar Cars|Jaguar]] produced the [[Jaguar S-Type|X-Type]] as an estate during the early 2000s, while the larger [[Jaguar XF (X250)#XF Sportbrake (2012–2015)|XF Sportbrake]], produced from 2012, and the [[Jaguar XF (X250)|second generation]], were available estate body style. The first generation had a 'floating roof' appearance as its D-pillars were blended with the rear and side windows to make it look like glass. The [[Jaguar_XF_(X250)#XFR-S|XFR-S]] was available with a {{convert|575|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} 5.0 L supercharged V8, while the latter generation's most powerful engine was a {{convert|380|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} 3.0 L supercharged V6.
<gallery widths="150px" heights="115px">
File:Jaguar XF R-S Sportbrake (2014) (36330400245).jpg|Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake, showing the floating roof effect at the rear
File:Jaguar XF R-S Sportbrake (2014) (36286238246).jpg|Front
File:Jaguar XF (X260) Sportbrake Facelift Auto Zuerich 2021 IMG 0586.jpg|2021 Jaguar XF Sportbrake
</gallery>
The [[Mini Clubman (2007)|Mini Clubman]], made from 2007 until 2024 in [[Plant Oxford|Oxford]], is an estate car made unique by having a split side-opening tailgate across both generations and a shooting brake body style in its first, with a small rearward-opening door on its right-hand side for rear seat access. The second generation was available in the high-performance [[John Cooper Works]] trim with up to {{convert|302|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.caranddriver.com/mini/cooper-clubman-jcw |title=2024 Mini Cooper Clubman JCW |first=Drew |last=Dorian |work=Car and Driver |access-date=5 August 2024}}</ref>
<gallery widths="150px" heights="115px">
File:MINI CLUBMAN (R55) China.jpg|First generation Mini Clubman - shooting brake shape and right rearward-opening door visible
File:0 Mini Clubman (F54) John Cooper Works 2.jpg|Mini Clubman JCW, demonstrating its split boot doors
</gallery>
[[MG cars|MG]] marketed the [[MG5_(automobile)#Other_versions|MG5 EV]] - a rebadged [[Roewe_i5#Roewe_Ei5_/_MG5_EV_(EP22)|Roewe Ei5]], made in China - solely as an estate in the United Kingdom, the first estate since the brand's rebirth. Previously, MG sold the [[MG ZT|ZT]], a badge-engineered [[Rover 75]]. This large family car also had the faster ZT-T version, a modified version of which, with over 800 bhp, gained the World's Fastest (non-production) Estate Car title in September 2003, with a top speed of {{convert|225.609|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. Before its discontinuation, [[Rover (marque)|Rover]] produced various estate cars: the aforementioned 75, also sold in [[Rover_75#Rover_75_V8|V8]] form, and the [[Rover 400]] in the 1990s.
<gallery widths="150px" heights="115px">
File:MG MG5 (Fully Charged 2022).jpg|A 2022 MG5 EV
File:Rover 75 MkII diesel estate registered March 2005 1951cc.jpg|A 2005 Rover 75 estate
File:2007FOS MGZTT EstateSpeedRecord.jpg|This MG ZT-T became the world's fastest (non-production) estate in 2003
</gallery>
{{clear right}}
===Germany===
[[File:2014 Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI (S 204) Avantgarde station wagon (2015-07-09) 01.jpg|thumb|2014 [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204)|Mercedes-Benz C Class]] station wagon]]
Germany is the largest market for station wagons in the world, with around 600,000 to 700,000 vehicles sold each year—amounting to 20% of all car sales.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Niepraschk |first1=Michael |title=Deutschland einig Kombiland |url= https://www.auto.de/magazin/deutschland-einig-kombiland/ |website=auto.de/magazin |language=de-DE |date=9 December 2015 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> German-designed station wagons have been produced by Audi, BMW, Borgward, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, and Volkswagen. Some larger models are available with a third row of seats, such as the rear-facing jump seat for two passengers in the cargo area of the [[Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212)|Mercedes-Benz E-Class]] wagon.<ref>{{cite web |title=2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon |url= https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2013-mercedes-benz-gl450-vs-2012-e350-4matic-wagon/ |first=Erick |last=Ayapana |date=3 January 2013 |work=Motor Trend |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref>
In 1961, Volkswagen introduced the two-door "Variant" body style of the [[Volkswagen Type 3]] (also known as the Volkswagen 1500—later the Volkswagen 1600). The Type 3's rear-engine layout was retained for the station wagon models, but the engine profile was flattened, resulting in a small car with interior room and trunk space in the front. The model was offered through the 1973 model year.
Station wagons produced in East Germany include the 1956–1965 [[Wartburg 311|Wartburg 311/312/313]], the 1963–1990 [[Trabant 601]] Universal, and the 1966–1988 [[Wartburg 353]] Tourist.
===France===
{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical
| image1 = 1963 Peugeot 404 Break L (16641390614).jpg
| caption1 = 1963 [[Peugeot 404]] Break
| image2 = Citroen DS 20 BW 2016-07-17 13-27-21.jpg
| caption2 = 1972 [[Citroën DS]] Break
}}
In [[France]], almost all station wagon models are called a "Break".{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}
The first station wagon produced by a French manufacturer was the [[Citroën Traction Avant]] Familiale model introduced in 1935.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Short History of the Citroen Traction Avant |url= http://www.traction.ch/history/hist_ta_e.html |website=traction.ch |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> The first Peugeot station wagon was the [[Peugeot 203]], introduced in 1950.<ref>{{cite web |title=The World's Greatest Wagons: Peugeot 203, 403, 404, 504, 505 – An Illustrated History |url= https://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotive-histories/the-worlds-greatest-wagons-peugeot-203-403-404-504-505-an-illustrated-history/ |first=Paul |last=Niedermeyer |website=curbsideclassic.com |date=15 July 2022 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref>
In 1958, the [[Citroën ID]] Break (known as the Safari in English-speaking countries) was introduced, larger than other French station wagon models and of similar size to contemporary full-size station wagons from the United States. It seated eight people, with two front-facing bench seats and two folding inward-facing seats in the cargo area. The 'Familiale' version had a front bench seat, a forward-facing three-space bench seat in the middle, and a folding forward-facing three-seat bench in the rear, providing a versatile nine-seat car. The Citroën ID also had a two-part tailgate and a [[hydropneumatic suspension]] that allowed a self-leveling ride height and automatic brake biasing regardless of the load carried. The car could also 'kneel' to the ground to facilitate loading heavy or large items. The successors to the ID, the [[Citroën CX]] and [[Citroën XM]], continued to be among the largest station wagon cars produced in Europe. Nevertheless, the model was discontinued in 2000, and a station wagon version was unavailable for its [[Citroën C6]] successor.
The [[Peugeot 404]], introduced in 1960, offered a conventional large station wagon alternative to the innovative Citroëns. Its replacement, the [[Peugeot 505|505]] was available in both five-seat and seven-seat 'Familiale' versions. As with the Citroëns, changing demands in the French car market led to the end of the large Peugeot station wagon models in the mid-1990s, with the smaller [[Peugeot 406]] becoming the largest station wagon model in the range from 1995. Similarly to the United States, the decline of traditional Break and Familiale models in France was partly due to the introduction of the minivan in the form of the [[Renault Espace]] in 1984.
===Sweden===
{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical
| image1 = Volvo PV 445 Duett Station Wagon.jpg
| caption1 = [[Volvo Duett]]
| image2 = 1993 Volvo 240 SE 2.0.jpg
| caption2 = 1974–1993 [[Volvo 240]] wagon
}}
The first station wagon produced in Sweden was the [[Volvo Duett]], introduced in 1953.<ref>{{cite web |title=Volvo Celebrates 60 Years of Station Wagon History |url= https://www.motorbiscuit.com/volvo-celebrates-60-years-of-station-wagon-history/ |first=James Derek |last=Sapienza |website=motorbiscuit.com |date=14 February 2016 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> The Duett two-door wagon was conceived as a dual-function delivery van and people-carrier and is based on the chassis of the [[Volvo PV444/544|PV444 and PV544]] sedans.
In 1962, the Volvo Duett was supplemented by a larger but lower [[Volvo Amazon|Amazon]], which has a four-door body and a horizontal split [[3-way tailgate|tailgate]]. Volvo continued production of station wagons through the [[Volvo 140 Series|Volvo 145]] (introduced in 1967), then the [[Volvo 200 Series]] (introduced in 1974), and the [[Volvo 700 Series]] (introduced in 1985). In many markets, the station wagon models of the 700 Series significantly outsold the sedan models.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} In 1990, the 700 Series was replaced by the [[Volvo 900 Series]], which was sold alongside the smaller [[Volvo 850]] wagon that was introduced one year later. The 900 Series ended production in 1998, and its successor (the [[Volvo S80]]) did not include any wagon models. Volvo station wagons produced since the mid-1990s are the [[Volvo S40|Volvo V40]], [[Volvo V50]], [[Volvo V60]], [[Volvo V70]], and [[Volvo V90]], with the V60 and V90 models currently in production.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Volvo Cars Gent 2019 production numbers |url= https://www.volvocargent.be/nieuws/productiestijging-voor-volvo-car-gent-in-2019 |website=volvocargent.be |date=9 January 2020 |language=dutch |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref>
Saab began producing station wagons in 1959, with the [[Saab 95]] two-door wagon, based on the [[Saab 93]] sedan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Curbside Classic: 1970 Saab 95 – Saab Shows Ford How To Make The Shortest Three-Row Wagon |url= http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/curbside-classic-1970-saab-95-saab-shows-ford-how-to-make-the-shortest-three-row-wagon/ |website=curbsideclassic.com |date=7 June 2018 |access-date=30 November 2018}}</ref> Following a hiatus in station wagon production since the Saab 95 ended production in 1978, in 1997 the company introduced the four-door [[Saab 9-5]] station wagon, produced until 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=Saab 9-5 Model Details |url= https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/Saab/9-5 |website=nadaguides.com |access-date=30 November 2018}}</ref> In 2005 a 'Sportwagon' version of the [[Saab 9-3]] was introduced and produced until 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Saab 9-3 Sportwagon (2005–2011) review |url= https://www.parkers.co.uk/saab/9-3/sportwagon/review/ |website=parkers.co.uk |access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref>
In 2017 station wagons accounted for 31% of all sold cars.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Berggren |first1=Jan-Erik |title=Kombibilen tappar i världen men står sig stark i Sverige |magazine=Teknikens Värld |date=2019-10-17 |url= https://teknikensvarld.se/nyheter/bil-och-trafik/kombibilen-tappar-i-varlden-men-star-sig-stark-i-sverige/ |access-date=11 June 2021}}</ref>
===Switzerland===
In 1983, station wagons represented 15% of the passenger car market,<ref name="Mon813">{{cite journal | ref=tulips |journal=Le Moniteur de l'Automobile |page=25 |title= Deux levres pour un hayon |trans-title=Two lips for one boot |last=Meurer |first=Stany |___location=Brussels, Belgium |language=fr |volume=36 |number=813 |date=1985-01-24 | publisher=Editions Auto-Magazine }}</ref> reflecting a trend throughout Europe of increasing popularity through the 1980s, with the vehicles becoming less cargo-oriented.
===Japan===
[[File:MAZDA FAMILIA VAN.jpg|thumb|1963–1968 [[Mazda Familia]]]]
[[File:Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Hybrid (E210) IMG 2662.jpg|thumb|2019 [[Toyota Corolla (E210)|Toyota Corolla Touring Sports]]]]
The first Japanese station wagon was the 1961 [[Isuzu Bellel]] four-door wagon, based on a compact sedan chassis. This was followed by the 1963 [[Mazda Familia#First generation (1963–1968)|Mazda Familia]], 1966 [[Toyota Corolla (E10)|Toyota Corolla]], 1967 [[Isuzu Florian]], 1969 [[Mitsubishi Galant#First generation (A50; 1969–1973)|Mitsubishi Galant]], 1973 [[Mitsubishi Lancer (A70)|Mitsubishi Lancer]] and 1974 [[Honda Civic (first generation)|Honda Civic]] wagons. However, Japanese manufacturers did not build station wagons in large volumes until the 1980s when the body style, along with [[SUV]]s and [[minivan]]s, boomed in popularity as leisure vehicles.
Models marketed as passenger station wagons in export markets were often sold as utilitarian "van" models in the home market. Some were not updated in a model's life in Japan for consecutive generations. For example, a sedan might have a model life of four years, but the wagon was not updated for up to eight years (such as the [[Toyota Corolla]] wagon built from 1979 until 1987 and the 1987–1996 [[Mazda Capella]] wagon). Station wagons remain popular in Japan, although they are in slow decline as the SUVs and [[minivan]]s have taken over a large portion of this market since the 2000s, with manufacturers replacing their station wagons with equivalent hatchbacks or crossover SUVs (i.e., Subaru replaced the wagon with the hatchback for their third-generation [[Subaru Impreza|Impreza]] range). Several Japanese [[compact MPV]]s such as [[Subaru Exiga]] and [[Toyota Prius V|Toyota Prius α]] take elements from older station wagons while being more in line with their corresponding category.
===Korea===
South Korean manufacturers do not have a strong tradition of producing station wagons. The first station wagon by the South Korean manufacturer was released in 1995 as the [[Hyundai Elantra|Hyundai Avante Touring (Lantra Sportswagon)]], followed in early 1996 as the [[Ford Festiva|Kia Pride]] station wagon. [[Daewoo Motors]] followed a year later with the first-generation [[Daewoo Nubira|Nubira]].
South Korean manufacturer [[Kia]] produces both the [[Cee'd]] and [[Kia Optima|Optima]] station wagons designated as Sportswagons with sister company [[Hyundai Motor Company|Hyundai]] offering station wagon versions of the [[Hyundai i30|i30]] and [[Hyundai i40|i40]].
===Australia===
[[File:2017 Holden Commodore (VF II MY17) SV6 Sportwagon (2018-11-02).jpg|thumb|2017 [[Holden Commodore (VF)]] Sportwagon]]
The first Australian-designed car was built in 1948, but locally designed station wagons did not appear until nine years later when the 1957 [[Holden FE]] was introduced. Holden's main competitor, the [[Ford Falcon (XK)]] introduced wagon models in 1960.
Ford and Holden produced wagon models based on each generation of their large sedans until 2010. Other wagons produced in Australia include the smaller [[Toyota Camry]] and [[Mitsubishi Magna]]. The Ford and Holden wagons were usually built on a longer [[wheelbase]] than their sedan counterparts until the introduction of the [[Holden Commodore (VE)]], which switched to sharing the sedan's wheelbase.
Ford ceased production of wagons in Australia when the [[Ford Falcon (BF)]] ended production in 2010, primarily due to the declining station wagon and large car market, but also following the 2004 introduction and sales success of the [[Ford Territory (Australia)|Ford Territory]] SUV.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hagon |first1=Toby |title=Ford Falcon wagon dead |url= https://www.drive.com.au/news/ford-falcon-wagon-dead-20100324-qwce/ |work=Drive |___location=Australia |language=en-AU |date=2 October 2016 |access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> Production of wagons in Australia ceased in 2017 when the [[Holden Commodore (VF)]] ended production.
== See also ==
* [[Hearse]]
* [[Panel van]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
* {{Commons category inline|Station wagons}}
{{Automobile configuration}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Station wagons| ]]
[[Category:Car body styles]]
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