I'd agree with more wagons... only one now is the Fit. Would love to see an Accord wagon again. Not as popular anymore though. I would LOVE to be able to buy an AWD Fit in 6 years

 

So much potential...

 

I have had this chicken or egg, which came first debate before, but I'll throw it out there again.

Over and over I read auto executives say things like wagons and hatchbacks don't sell in North America. And they use this "fact" to substantiate why they don't market those vehicle types here. They insist the market is not interested in these vehicle types, so they don't sell them here.

Well, I can't help but say

I believe the problem is the auto executives have given us so many crappy choices for wagons and hatchbacks that of course the "facts" show we don't buy them. The problem is not a lack of interest in these vehicle types, it's the fact that these vehicle types we do get suck.

BTW Honda, maybe you should go check out this web site, it seems another car company figured out how to make a popular wagon, that sells like hot cakes over here. http://subaru.com/shop/model_conside...?model=OUTBACK

 

Yeah, I think wagons will start to make a slow come-around, though, with people buying smaller and smaller SUVs that they're turning into "tall wagons."

Basically, as I've said before, I think the unpopularity of wagons largely due to the fact that single people never want to drive what their mother drove. Those who grew up in the '70s and early '80s don't want the wagons. Those that grew up in the '80s and '90s wouldn't be caught dead in a minivan.

But as times progress, and people born in the '90s start to buy cars, wagons won't be so taboo. Same cost and economy as a sedan, just a lot more useful.

I love wagons. That being said, I still don't have one... but I wish I'd been more patient when car shopping the last time to hold out for an ideally equipped A4 Avant instead of the sedan....

 

Many manufacturers are hopping on AWD wagon sales these days, Volvo certainly has a wide range of them. The saddest thing is that Honda MAKES several AWD wagons for Japan but won't send us any!

The Fit has been SO popular you could not even buy one w/o being on a months long waiting list until just this year.

I think they should try an Accord wagon with limited production runs like they did the Fit - keep supply less than demand, and see how it goes for a 4 year run. I think they might be surprised at the amount of sales.

 

Good points Mike I can almost say "never" to owning a minivan... although one couple towed their S600 with an Odyssey so they do have uses And I guess I could sleep in one at the track and even have my own port-o-let

I can almost guarantee I will buy a Fit when the time comes in 6 years that I can afford another car payment If it has AWD that would be a huge plus for me.

 

I absolutely agree... it's the same issue with Dealership car buying. The factory has to decide how to equip the options on the new models that come out, just so that they're able to sell it to someone who wants instant gratification of driving off same-day in the car instead of ordering one.

They then base "popular" options on sales numbers... but largely, people bought what they put out there. Circular logic. To an extent, people buy whatever the company puts on the lot.

Subaru has done so well because they only have a few choices on the lot, combined with the fact that they offer SUV options in a car instead. AWD, ground clearance, rugged styling, and power options.

We're looking to replace my wife's car in another year or so... and there's a 90% chance it will be a Subaru wagon. The other 10% would be an A4 Avant or new Passat wagon, both AWD.

 

Yup.

Ford seems to agree with ya. I suspect this will actually do well...

 

[QUOTE=CTMechE,Apr 14 2008, 03:38 PM] We're looking to replace my wife's car in another year or so... and there's a 90% chance it will be a Subaru wagon.

 

We're liking our Subara, Impreza WRX hatchback! It's not as ugly as a four door sedan.

I would consider giving up my SUV for an Outback, or even another hatchback down the line. Gas mileage gets more important each day, like having 4 wheel or all wheel drive too.

Moot point right now. One car payment at a time.

BTW, I know the loyal Honda folks really like the Fit, but it's just too darn small.