12 Station Wagons That Carried the Whole Neighborhood
These legendary station wagons had enough room for half your street, and somehow, still made the trip fun.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Station wagons used to be the ultimate group transporters before minivans and SUVs took over. These long, low-slung road warriors were the real MVPs of carpool lanes, grocery runs, and chaotic family road trips. These 12 wagons earned their stripes hauling neighbors, cousins, sports gear, and more, all in one unforgettable ride.
1. 1970 Ford Country Squire
Cimare on Wikimedia Commons
This one had faux wood siding and real neighborhood-hauling power. The Country Squire looked like a rolling cabin and often smelled like snacks and sports bags. Everyone’s soccer team could fit in the back, and probably did.
2. 1984 Chevrolet Caprice Classic
Niels de Wit from Lunteren, The Netherlands on Wikimedia Commons
It felt like driving a living room on wheels, but this beast could cruise. With a front bench seat and a cavernous trunk, no neighbor was left behind. If it rumbled up the street, you knew it was time to go somewhere fun.
3. 1987 Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon
Mr.choppers on Wikimedia Commons
Boxy and proud, this wagon was cooler than it looked. It hauled kids, groceries, and maybe even beat a Camaro at a red light. If someone’s dad drove one, you knew the ride was going to be fast and safe.
4. AMC Eagle Wagon
CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz on Wikimedia Commons
This lifted wagon brought all-wheel drive before it was trendy. It tackled snowy streets like a champ and had enough room for sleds and the sledding crew. It was the rugged choice for families who camped year-round.
5. 1991 Buick Roadmaster Estate
Wagon Master Johnson on Wikimedia Commons
It floated down the road like a cloud but hauled like a freight train. Fold down the back seat, and it turned into a mini apartment. If your friend’s family owned this, you always hoped they were driving.
6. Dodge Aspen Wagon
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand on Wikimedia Commons
It was not the flashiest ride, but it got the job done every time. It was the car that always showed up for school runs, weekend games, and grocery store marathons. And it probably had a pack of tissues in the glove box.
7. 1965 Chevrolet Impala Wagon
Sicnag on Wikimedia Commons
This one looked cool even sitting still. It had chrome trim, sleek curves, and room for a dozen kids and a picnic basket. Families packed in, rolled the windows down, and made summer memories mile after mile.
8. 1978 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
MercurySable99 on Wikimedia Commons
That raised roofline with skylights made kids feel like astronauts. It had three rows, rear-facing seats, and the kind of ride that made you sleepy after five minutes. Bonus points if it had the rear air deflector.
9. 1990 Subaru Loyale Wagon
Bull-Doser on Wikimedia Commons
This compact wagon always showed up ready to work. Its four-wheel drive, pop-up headlights, and boxy design made it feel like a go-kart with a trunk. Yes, it carried skis, bikes, and five kids in puffy coats.
10. 1982 Toyota Cressida Wagon
OSX on Wikimedia Commons
Sleek, quiet, and weirdly luxurious, this wagon crept into the neighborhood lineup and stayed there. It had a velvet interior, a tape deck, and a trunk you could nap in. It was understated, but unforgettable.
11. 1973 Plymouth Satellite Wagon
Sicnag on Wikimedia Commons
This wagon had curves, muscle, and attitude. It was basically a road boat, but with attitude and enough space for your whole softball team. Just seeing it made you want to climb into the way-back seat.
12. 1985 Peugeot 505 Wagon
OSX on Wikimedia Commons
It was French, it was funky, and it carried more than you’d think. It had jump seats, racks, and a surprisingly quiet engine. No one knew how it ended up in the U.S., but no one ever wanted it to leave.