Luxury Wagons Work to Woo Families

I'm a wagon lover, and I'm not ashamed to say it. If things went my way, I'd have one of those big, wood-paneled ones in my driveway right now. However, most Americans don't share my enthusiasm for the old-school wagon. They have no idea what they're missing out on because today's wagons are often quite luxurious — and lacking in wood paneling.

With many of today's wagons focusing on luxury, these original grocery-getters have gotten pricey. A short list of wagons — Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen — can be had for less than $25,000.

Several luxury automakers are doing their best to woo families with high-end wagons, but they're not always as family-friendly as you'd think:

2014 Volvo XC70: What's Changed

• Most significant changes: New multimedia system and gauge cluster; minor exterior styling tweaks
• Price change: TBA
• On sale: This summer
• Which should you buy, 2013 or 2014? If you think the wagon needs a style and tech features boost, go for the 2014.

Volvo's wagon hasn't been significantly revised since model-year 2008, but for 2014, the XC70 sees a host of interior and exterior updates. The XC70 will make its debut next month at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show with a slightly more rugged looking exterior and a new multimedia system.

On the outside, the grille is wider and houses an enlarged Volvo badge. There are also updated headlights, redesigned taillights, more matte silver trim bits outside, and the black body cladding below the beltline has been extended to surround the fog lights.

Black Friday: Best Cars for Serious Shoppers

A successful Black Friday shopping trip is all in the planning. Bargain hunters study store ads and websites as though they're cramming for a test, and now they have less time to do so as several major chains — Sears, Wal-Mart, Target and Toys R Us — will open their doors on Thanksgiving evening instead of 4 or 5 a.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving.

There's one thing that Black Friday shoppers can plan before the deal-laden store circulars arrive: which car to take.

Black Friday shoppers might think bigger is better — big SUVs, minivans — when it comes to picking a car for hauling all their bargains. They're not wrong, especially if they're hoping to bag a gigantic flat-screen TV at a low price. But nimble, small cars in busy parking lots shouldn't be left out of the Black Friday fun. Here are our top picks for Black Friday haulers.

Recall Alert: 2013 Volvo S80 and XC70

Volvo is recalling 300 model-year 2013 versions of the S80 sedan and XC70 wagon because of problems with the tire pressure monitoring system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A software error may prevent the tire pressure warning system from alerting the driver when a tire is low on air. Underinflated tires could result in a blowout and possible crash.

Volvo has not yet provided an owner notification schedule, but dealers will replace the affected parts for free. Owners can call Volvo at -800-458-1552 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

Related
Research the 2013 Volvo S80
Research the 2013 Volvo XC70
Check out Other Recalls

NHTSA Fines Volvo $1.5 Million

The automaker who worked to make its name synonymous with "safety" is being fined for not reporting safety recalls in a timely manner. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volvo Cars North America has agreed to pay a $1.5 million penalty to settle the charge.

NHTSA's investigation found that in 2010 Volvo failed to issue six safety recalls within the amount of time required by law, as was the case with a seventh recall reported in 2012. Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, automakers have five business days to notify NHTSA after determining a defect exists.

Cars.com Reviews the 2012 Volvo XC70

To Volvo, "station wagon" isn't a dirty word, and nor should it be, says Cars.com Senior Family Editor Kristin Varela. The XC70 is a comfortable and practical family hauler, though its retro-boxy exterior could use some updating, according to Varela. Volvo's wagon redeems itself inside, however, with a spacious interior and plenty of cargo room.

2012 Volvo XC70 Review

Volvo Incentive Offers Two Months of Free Payments

During its summer sales event, Volvo is offering longer free-maintenance plans on its 2013 models and is allowing buyers to waive the first two months of finance or lease payments on its 2012 models.

There's a catch, though. The waived payments have a cash limit and must be financed through U.S. Bank. Also, Volvo's longer maintenance schedule for its 2013 models includes fewer, more spread out service intervals than were offered on its 2012 and 2011 models.

Cars.com Family Reviews the 2012 Volvo XC70

If you have one or two children and like a bit of luxury with your practicality, the 2012 Volvo XC70 is worth a look, says Cars.com Family contributor Courtney Messenbaugh. While this five-seat wagon is versatile, it lacks great fuel economy and a bevy of cupholders (it only has four).

2012 Volvo XC70 Review

Recall Alert: 17,000 2012 Volvo Vehicles

Volvo is recalling 17,000 model-year 2012 Volvo S60, XC60, S80 and XC70 vehicles because the driver-side airbag may not deploy properly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

On the affected vehicles, which were manufactured from May 16 through Oct. 6, 2011, the wiring harness underneath the driver's seat may not be attached properly. If the wires are loose and are hanging low, they could get caught in the seat track when the seat is adjusted by the driver, potentially causing the wires to disconnect.

If the wires disconnect, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light could illuminate on the instrument cluster. In the event of a crash, the driver-side airbag and side curtain airbags may not deploy correctly, or not at all, increasing the risk of injury. The wiring harness may cause an issue with the seat-belt pretensioner as well, Volvo says.

Volvo will start notifying owners by March 30, and dealerships will secure the faulty seat wire harness for free. Owners can call Volvo at 800-458-1552 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

Best Cars for Black Friday Shopping

A successful Black Friday shopping trip is all in the planning. Bargain hunters study store ads and websites as though they're cramming for a test, and now they have less time to do so as several major chains — Target, Best Buy, Macy's and Kohl's — will open their doors at midnight instead of 4 or 5 a.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving.

There's one thing that Black Friday shoppers can plan for before the deal-laden store circulars arrive: which car to take.

Black Friday shoppers might think bigger is better — big SUVs, minivans — when it comes to picking a car for hauling all their bargains. They're not wrong, especially if they're hoping to bag a gigantic flat-screen TV at a low price. But nimble small cars in busy parking lots shouldn't be left out of the Black Friday fun. Here are our top picks for Black Friday haulers: