Could Wagons Finally Make a Comeback? — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep. 222
About this episode
A lively discussion about the resurgence of station wagons, exploring their history, appeal, and current market status. Hosts Jason Camisa and Derek Tam-Scott share personal anecdotes about their experiences with wagons, highlighting their practicality and unique charm. They debate the perception of wagons as 'uncool' and how that image has shifted among enthusiasts. The episode also touches on the challenges wagons face in a market dominated by SUVs and minivans, while celebrating the niche community that still values these versatile vehicles.
Chevrolet Impala
"... died many, many years ago. But it was a 75 Chevy Impala in lime green with green vinyl interior."
400 cubic inch V8
"It had a 400 cubic inch V8. That made 170."
A 400 cubic inch V8 is a type of engine that has eight cylinders and is quite large, giving it a lot of power. It's often found in older American cars.
The 400 cubic inch V8 refers to the engine size and configuration. It indicates a V8 engine with a displacement of 400 cubic inches, which is a common size for American muscle cars and provides significant power.
horsepower
"...185 horsepower. Oh, I was close."
Horsepower measures how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, which is crucial for understanding a vehicle's performance.
torque
"...305 pound feet of torque at 20...36 and 2800 RPM."
Torque tells you how much force an engine can use to turn the wheels. More torque means better acceleration and the ability to pull heavier loads.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, indicating how much twisting power an engine produces. It's important for acceleration and towing capacity, affecting how quickly a vehicle can move from a stop.
Toyota 4Runner
"...And this is a feature you can still get in the Toyota 4Runner."
The Toyota 4Runner is a type of SUV that is built to handle rough terrains and off-road driving. It's known for being tough and reliable, making it popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
The Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It features a body-on-frame construction, which is typical for vehicles designed for off-road use.
clamshell tailgate
"...this is called the clamshell, the Cadillac versions of it, I think had a power."
A clamshell tailgate is a special kind of back door on some cars that opens up like a clam shell. This design makes it easier to get things in and out of the trunk.
A clamshell tailgate is a type of rear door design that opens upwards, typically found on SUVs and some station wagons. It allows for easier access to the cargo area and can provide a more seamless look when closed.
Buick Roadmaster
"I must have been here thinking. Buick Roadmaster wagon or something."
The Buick Roadmaster is a large car made by Buick, famous for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside.
The Buick Roadmaster is a full-size car produced by Buick from 1936 to 1996, known for its spacious interior and classic styling.
Cadillac Castilian
"Cadillac Castilian station wagon. But that's like a coach built thing."
The Cadillac Castilian is a fancy station wagon made by Cadillac, known for being luxurious and stylish.
The Cadillac Castilian is a luxury station wagon produced in the 1990s, known for its upscale features and unique styling.
Cadillac Fleetwood
"But that's like a coach built thing. Fleetwood Brom, yeah, it must have been- Probably Buick or ..."
V8
"Plus, it had a big honking V8 in it. With a great deal of power. Deep, great deal of torque."
A V8 engine has eight cylinders that help it produce a lot of power. It's often found in cars that need strong performance, like sports cars or trucks.
A V8 is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This design typically provides a good balance of power and smoothness, making it popular in performance and luxury vehicles.
minivan
"...the minivan thing had already happened because that started in 84 with the Chrysler products..."
A minivan is a type of vehicle that is very roomy inside, making it easy to fit a lot of people and their stuff. They often have doors that slide open, which is helpful for getting in and out.
Minivans are designed primarily for transporting passengers and are characterized by their spacious interiors and sliding side doors. They became popular in the 1980s and 1990s for family use.
Jeep Cherokee
"...The Ford Explorer had just come out and the Jeep Cherokee was around..."
The Jeep Cherokee is another type of SUV, which means it can handle rough terrain and is good for adventures. It's popular for its strong build and ability to go off-road.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV that has been in production since 1974. It is known for its off-road capability and rugged design, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
Ford Explorer
"...SUVs hadn't quite started. The Ford Explorer had just come out..."
The Ford Explorer is a type of vehicle called an SUV, which stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. It’s designed to carry more people and cargo, making it great for families.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that was first introduced in 1990. It became popular for its spacious interior and versatility, appealing to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"but it wasn't kind of pervasive. It was the Grand Cherokee that was really... Yeah, in 92 or three or someth..."
Mercury Sable
"the ones you would have would be like a Mercury Sable or Ford Taurus. Everyone had a Taurus Sable wagon."
The Mercury Sable is a car that was made by the Mercury brand, which was part of Ford. It was popular for being roomy and comfortable, and it came in both a regular car style and a wagon style.
The Mercury Sable was a mid-size car produced by the Mercury division of Ford from 1985 to 2005. It was known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, often available as a sedan or station wagon.
Ford Taurus
"Everyone had a Taurus Sable wagon."
The Ford Taurus is a car that Ford made starting in 1985. It became very popular, especially in the 1990s, and was known for its comfortable ride and good design.
The Ford Taurus is a mid-size car that was first introduced in 1985 and produced until 2019. It gained popularity for its innovative design and was a best-seller in the United States during the 1990s.
Volvo 700 series
"And then Volvo 700 and 200 series."
The Volvo 700 series is a group of cars made by Volvo from the early 1980s to the early 1990s. They were known for being very safe and reliable, making them a good choice for families.
The Volvo 700 series was a line of mid-size cars produced by Volvo from 1982 to 1992. Known for their safety features and durability, these cars were popular among families and those seeking reliable transportation.
Mercedes-Benz 300 TD
"...it was a diesel. So it had to have been 87, 124, 300 TD. That's cool."
The Mercedes-Benz 300 TD is a type of station wagon that runs on diesel fuel. It's known for being reliable and having a lot of space for passengers and cargo.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 TD is a diesel-powered wagon from the W124 series, known for its durability and practicality. It was popular in the 1980s and 1990s, offering a spacious interior and strong performance for a family vehicle.
Audi 5000
"...his mom had an Audi 5000. That's cool. Which was also available as a wagon, correct."
The Audi 5000 is a car that was made in the 1980s and is known for being comfortable and having some modern features for its time. It also came in a wagon version, which is great for carrying more stuff.
The Audi 5000 is a mid-size car produced by Audi in the 1980s, known for its advanced technology and comfortable ride. It was available in various body styles, including a wagon variant, making it a versatile choice for families.
Volkswagen Squareback
"in either a Volkswagen squareback, which was a wagon or some quote, big American wagon."
The Volkswagen Squareback is a type of car that looks like a small wagon. It was made by Volkswagen and is known for its unique shape and usefulness for carrying things.
The Volkswagen Squareback is a compact station wagon produced by Volkswagen from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s. It features a distinctive design with a rear hatch and is part of the Type 3 family, known for its practicality and unique styling.
Peugeot 55
"...we had a Peugeot 5.5 sedan because my mom was way too cool to have a wagon also."
The Peugeot 505 sedan is a car made by the French company Peugeot. It was popular in the 1980s and 1990s and is known for being comfortable and roomy inside.
The Peugeot 505 sedan was a mid-size car produced by the French automaker Peugeot from 1979 to 1992. It was known for its comfort and spacious interior, making it a popular choice for families.
Citroën CX
"That's true of the Citroën CX, if you were wondering. Is the wagon longer wheelbase?"
The Citroën CX is a big car made by Citroën, a French company. It was popular for its unique design and comfortable ride, thanks to its special suspension system.
The Citroën CX is a large family car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1974 to 1991. It is known for its aerodynamic design and innovative technology, including hydropneumatic suspension.
Jaguar XJ6
"...they bought an XJ6 as the family car. And then finally my mom bought a Jeep Cherokee..."
The Jaguar XJ6 is a fancy car that was made for a long time and is known for being comfortable and stylish. Many people liked it because it looked good and drove smoothly.
The Jaguar XJ6 is a luxury sedan that was produced by Jaguar from 1968 to 1992. It is known for its elegant design and smooth ride, making it a popular choice among luxury car enthusiasts.
Bronco
"...He had a Bronco for five minutes and then got that Lankerser for most of my childhood."
The Ford Bronco is a type of SUV made by Ford. It's known for being tough and good for off-road driving, which makes it popular for outdoor activities.
The Ford Bronco is a series of SUVs produced by Ford, originally introduced in 1966. It is known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
Land Rover Range Rover
"Yeah, we had Cherokee and then Range Rover Classic."
The Range Rover Classic is the first version of the Range Rover, a luxury SUV that is good for both driving on roads and off-road adventures. It was made for many years and is still appreciated today.
The Range Rover Classic is the original model of the luxury SUV, produced from 1970 to 1996. It is known for its combination of luxury and off-road capability, setting the standard for future luxury SUVs.
wagons
"But here's the thing, wagons, the reason I love wagons is because I'm a sort of left-brained rational person."
Wagons are a type of car that has more space in the back for carrying things compared to regular cars. They are great for families because they can hold more stuff and people.
Wagons, or station wagons, are cars that have an extended body and a larger cargo area compared to sedans. They combine the comfort of a car with the utility of an SUV, making them versatile for families and cargo.
BMW E30
"...when it came time for me to know that I had to have an E30, I was gonna have a wagon."
The BMW E30 is a popular model of the BMW 3 Series that was made in the 1980s and early 1990s. It's loved for its great handling and classic look, making it a favorite among car fans.
The BMW E30 is the second generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994. It's known for its balanced handling and is a favorite among car enthusiasts, often celebrated for its classic design and driving dynamics.
Toyota Camry
"240s. Same sort of phenomenon with the 90s Camry wagons and Honda Accord wagons."
Honda Accord
"...of phenomenon with the 90s Camry wagons and Honda Accord wagons. And you sort of see these weird shapes"
BMW M5
"But the first M wagon was, I guess E34, M5. But for example, they did not make an E36 wagon."
The BMW M5 is a fast and sporty car based on the 5 Series model. The E34 is one of its older versions, made in the late '80s and early '90s.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. The E34 generation was produced from 1988 to 1995 and is particularly revered among enthusiasts for its balance of performance and comfort.
Lucid Gravity
"...e's no real drawback to a wagon. Higher center of gravity. Higher center of gravity, especially at the back..."
Porsche 911
"...ed car. Any front-engined car is gonna say except 911. Yes."
Porsche Panamera
"...t was front-engined. Yeah, and that was kind of a Panamera. It was a Panamera predecessor."
Toyota RAV4
"...d so SUVs give you the impression of that. Even a RAV4, which is a Corolla on stilts, gives you the impr..."
Toyota Corolla
"...u the impression of that. Even a RAV4, which is a Corolla on stilts, gives you the impression that like,"
Audi A4
"...you have Audi A4, you have Audi A6."
The Audi A4 is a small luxury car that's comfortable and has many high-tech features. It's a good option for people who want a stylish and reliable vehicle.
The Audi A4 is a compact executive car known for its blend of performance, luxury, and technology. It's a popular choice in the premium sedan market.
Audi A6
"...you have Audi A4, you have Audi A6."
The Audi A6 is a larger luxury car than the A4, providing more space and comfort. It's great for those who want a stylish ride with lots of features.
The Audi A6 is a midsize luxury sedan that offers advanced technology, a comfortable ride, and a range of powerful engines. It's often praised for its interior quality and driving dynamics.
Porsche Taycan
"that I think are being discontinued this year. Taycan. Taycan, Cross Turismo. Yeah, unfortunately you'r..."
Subaru Outbacks
"...ut what you also find on that list are a bunch of outbacks, fair enough, they're kind of wagons,"
Volkswagen Jetta
"...towards a particular type of buyer, you know, the Jetta wagon all track thing that they were making until..."
Ford Galaxy
"...ese things made, but you could get like an R-Code Galaxy wagon, which is the solid lifter 427 NASCAR engin..."
Cadillac Ct
"but never put in production. So yeah, until the Cadillac CT SV came out, the Americans never did that."
Holden Caprices
"...ouple of the Save the Whales Buicks and Chevrolet Caprices. And then if they had money,"
Chevrolet Caprices
"...e were a couple of the Save the Whales Buicks and Chevrolet Caprices. And then if they had money,"
Oldsmobile Cutlass
"... a Torres Sable wagon, or like even an Oldsmobile Cutlass Sierra wagon, like all that shit or Cavalier wago..."
Volkswagen Golf
"...s too. People forget about the Sturrock, even the Golf. Why do you drive a Golf?"
Audi Allroad
"If you're using the like strict definition, like who buys an all-road A4 or A6 today? Who buys a Mercedes E-Class wagon?"
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"like who buys an all-road A4 or A6 today? Who buys a Mercedes E-Class wagon? The problem with all of those cars right now"
Volkswagen Id5
"...ck. But I'm really disappointed that Volkswagen's ID5 and ID7 wagons didn't make it to the US"
Volkswagen Id7
"...I'm really disappointed that Volkswagen's ID5 and ID7 wagons didn't make it to the US because those are..."
Volkswagen Id4S
"... think it would be that many, but they can't sell ID4s either and they certainly can't sell ID buzzes,"
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"for markets where they do sell. I think the ID buzz is... I'm now seeing them everywhere finally."
Chrysler Pacifica
"...money and it's not that priced differently from a Pacifica or an Odyssey."
Fiat 500Es
"No, I've owned two wagons. I've owned two 500Es. Yeah, which are not, but they're also a statemen..."
Mercedes-Benz Cclass
"this is the only time we ever got in the United States, the C-Class wagon was the 203, and you could buy the three-series wagon"
Volkswagen Passat
"that has never been happened. And a Passat wagon. That has never happened before since."
Bugatti Veyron
"...had to collect one Piek-era car, it wouldn't be a Veyron, it would be a Passat, W8 four-motion six-speed w..."
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