Consumer Reports Tests Station Wagons
21 August 1997
Forgotten, But Not Gone: The Station Wagon Consumer Reports Tests Five Models that Challenge Sport-Ute Supremacy YONKERS, NY - Before baby boomers swarmed onto (and off of) America's roadways in hordes of sport-utility vechiles, they and their families took to the minivan, a serviceable kid mover that made up in cargo room and seating what it lacked in gusto. Before the minivan, there was the prairie schooner, which bore homesteaders westward along trails better suited to an SUV. Somewhere in between came the station wagon - like the prairie schooner, now largely forgotten, but once the very symbol of suburban family life. In its September issue, Consumer Reports revisits this neglected vehicle with tests of five 1997 models: a Volvo and two each from Ford and Subaru. While none can match minivans or most SUV's for their cargo room, the magazine notes, these cars tend to be more pleasant to drive and use less fuel. Three are "Recommended" by Consumer Reports, while a fourth--so new the magazine can't yet predict its reliability --is rated "Promising."Recommended Volvo V70: The Volvo 70-Series used to be known as the 850. The V70 comes in Base, GLT, XC, T5, and R trim lines, with base sticker prices ranging from $28,285 to $40,995. Consumer Reports tested a GLT version whose "light-pressure" turbocharged 2.4-liter, five-cylinder engine puts out 190 hp. The GLT seats up to five adults and--with optional rear-facing third seat--two small children. It provided 21 mpg overall in Consumer Reports' tests. Going from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, the GLT's acceleration was the fastest the magazine has recorded this year. Disappointing, though, was the car's stiff ride. The 850s had a "Very Good" reliability record, and Consumer Reports expects the 70-Series will prove reliable, as well. Subaru Legacy: Like all Subarus, the Legacy has all-wheel drive. It comes in Brighton, L, Outback, Outback Ltd., GT and LSi trim lines, with base prices ranging from $16,895 to $25,695. Consumer Reports tested the GT version, with its 2.5-liter, 165 hp Four and antilock brakes. Although it scored lower overall in the magazine's test than the Volvo V70, the Legacy GT (at $23,295 base price) is a better value, the magazine says. It handles nimbly, rides well, brakes very well and--with seating for five--is roomy inside. Its acceleration (0-60 mph in 10.2 seconds) and overall fuel economy (21 mpg) are good, while its reliability has been "Excellent." Subaru Impreza: With its limited cargo space, the Impreza Outback Sport (the car also comes in an "L" trim line) is more hatchback than station wagon. Still, Consumer Reports says, its nimble handling, willing engine and competent braking make it fun to drive. Base prices range from $16,295 - $17,995. In Consumer Reports' tests, the Outback Sport's 2.2-liter, 137-hp Four went from 0-60 mph in 10.8 seconds and delivered 23 mpg overall. The Outback Sport seats five, although even two adults will be cramped sitting on the narrow rear seat. One other inconvenience: the driver sits low, so this may not be a good choice for a petite driver. Like the Legacy, reliability for this Subaru has been "Excellent." Promising Ford Escort: Redesigned for 1997, the Escort wagon comes only in LX trim, with a 2.0-liter, 110-hp Four, starting at $12,505. Like the Escort sedan, the wagon rides stiffly and noisily, and acceleration (0-60 mph in 12.4 seconds) are just adequate, Consumer Reports says. Yet the Escort is nimble, its fuel economy (25 mpg overall) is good and its cargo area is respectable for a small wagon. In a pinch, three slim six-footers can wedge themselves into the back seat, the magazine says, but they won't be happy there for long. While the magazine can't predict the new Escort's reliability yet, reliability for previous Escorts has been "Average." Also Tested Ford Taurus: Redesigned in 1996, the ride and handling of this front-wheel-drive wagon are quite good, Consumer Reports found, but its reliability has been "Worse Than Average." The Taurus comes in GL and LX trim lines, with base prices ranging from $20,195 to $22,715. The LX the magazine tested comes with a double-overhead-cam 3.0-liter V6 that produced 200 hp; a refinement over the GL's 145 hp 3.0-liter V6. The Taurus can seat eight (an optional front bench seat can hold three abreast; an optional rear-facing third can hold two children), but the car's sweeping body lines force you to duck to get in the rear doors. Acceleration with the 200-hp V6 (0-60 mph in 9.6 seconds) is crisp. Expect to average about 20 mpg overall on regular fuel.Although too few wagons currently exist on the market for Consumer Reports to have assembled its usual test group of similar-priced vehicles, new wagons from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Saab, VW and Volvo will add to next year's selections, and--with each offering an all-wheel-drive option--provide a challenge to the runaway SUV market. The September issue of Consumer Reports will be available Aug. 26 wherever magazines are sold. To order this report by fax through Consumer Reports by Request, at a cost of $7.75 per report, call 800-419-9824 and specify code 9603. This report will also be available Aug. 26. --30-- CONTACT: Andy Norton 914-378-2436 Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union, an independent, nonprofit testing and information -gathering organization, serving only the consumer. We are a comprehensive source of unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health, nutrition, and other consumer concerns. Since 1936, our mission has been to test products, inform the public, and protect consum,ers.
