Originally Posted By: sciphi
My folks had wagons when I was growing up. My family managed to stuff 2 kids, 2 adults and a medium-size dog into whatever wagon we had throughout the years to go on vacations or the like. They were also handy to have around.
I'd rather have a long-roof car than a small SUV or minivan.
I grew up in a wagon, and love wagons, but the versatility of current wagons is pretty low. The cargo area of even a small SUV like ours is much taller than a station wagon. It's a bit shorter, but I've always preferred height over depth. I can put a lawn mower into the back of mine without even folding the handle. I've hauled an upright dresser in the back and only had to fold one side of the 40/20/40 rear seat. Couldn't do that in a station wagon. A family friend recently bought an Outback, and it's a very nice car. But the roof is so low, all you can haul in the back are suit cases and grocery bags.
I also prefer sitting taller and more upright. Regrettably, most sedans and small wagons these days give you a lower or more laid-back sitting position in the seat (due to the lower roofs). I prefer a more natural seating position, and SUVs deliver.
We've actually gone to two SUVs from two minivans. In terms of gross cubic feet, the minivans obviously hold more inside, but we never used all of that space. Our 265-hp AWD SUV gives us about the same fuel economy as the minivan, and is far more engaging to drive and offers far better all-weather capability than the minivan did.
SUVs aren't for everyone, but after so many years not owning any, we finally discovered that they certainly are the vehicle type for us.
My folks had wagons when I was growing up. My family managed to stuff 2 kids, 2 adults and a medium-size dog into whatever wagon we had throughout the years to go on vacations or the like. They were also handy to have around.
I'd rather have a long-roof car than a small SUV or minivan.
I grew up in a wagon, and love wagons, but the versatility of current wagons is pretty low. The cargo area of even a small SUV like ours is much taller than a station wagon. It's a bit shorter, but I've always preferred height over depth. I can put a lawn mower into the back of mine without even folding the handle. I've hauled an upright dresser in the back and only had to fold one side of the 40/20/40 rear seat. Couldn't do that in a station wagon. A family friend recently bought an Outback, and it's a very nice car. But the roof is so low, all you can haul in the back are suit cases and grocery bags.
I also prefer sitting taller and more upright. Regrettably, most sedans and small wagons these days give you a lower or more laid-back sitting position in the seat (due to the lower roofs). I prefer a more natural seating position, and SUVs deliver.
We've actually gone to two SUVs from two minivans. In terms of gross cubic feet, the minivans obviously hold more inside, but we never used all of that space. Our 265-hp AWD SUV gives us about the same fuel economy as the minivan, and is far more engaging to drive and offers far better all-weather capability than the minivan did.
SUVs aren't for everyone, but after so many years not owning any, we finally discovered that they certainly are the vehicle type for us.
