The Week in Ask.cars.com

Ask.cars.com is getting more engaging questions every day. We do our best to answer each and every relevant question that hits our inbox. There’s thorough research involved, and often some of our own strong opinions. Hey, some people want to know what we’d pick for them to drive, so we’re going to tell them. Check out the questions we got this week and click on them for the answer. 

• Is a VW Eos safe?
• What minivans have all-wheel drive?
• When do the new Volvo wagons go on sale?
• What car has the most legroom?
• What American cars have all-wheel drive?
• What should I buy to tow a horse trailer?
• How many miles can a car have and still be called new?
• What are low-profile tires?

Comments

This is a rant more than a question: Why the heck is it almost impossible to find a decent midsize station wagon in today's market? A wagon provides most of the benefits of a minivan - cargo space and extra seating - but in a lighter, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient vehicle that is also easier to drive and less blown-around by crosswinds on the open road. With gas skyrocketing they make more sense than the ubiquitous minivan or SUV.

But just try to find one that isn't compromised in some way. Here's are the choices: Magnum, Suburu, Passat, Volvo. Period.

Compare these to the old standby, the Taurus wagon. The last two are very pricey, and the VW has a rep for unreliability. The Suburu is also pricey and is AWD only - meaning extra weight, complexity and lower mileage. The Magnum is heavier, less nimble, and has slightly less cargo space than a Taurus wagon. This is progress? Plus its quirky styling looks cool but exacts a price in visibility, etc.

A smaller minivan would be acceptble, but the only two available are a Mazda and a Kia that lack the comfort potential of a midsize car.

A market failure? Prediction: In couple years this will be changing, because current gas prices will force minivan and SUV owners to seek comparable cargo/passenger convenience in a more efficient platform. I need one now, though, and you know what? I might be buying a 2005 Taurus wagon. :(

J.
As a wagon shopper myself I agree with you, we need more wagons! But I'd also throw in the Mazda6 wagon as an alternative. It's getting redesigned for 08/09 though. That would be about as equivalent to the old Taurus wagon as you can get. You can get a 2008 2.5i Outback for around $24K.

Dave, good call on the Mazda wagon, one of the best looking ones around. I liked the old Taurus wagons, too, but they go through transmissions like crazy. But I still wish someone, ANY one, would build a cool 2-door wagon.