15 Best Station Wagons of the ’80s

Ah, the ’80s! A time of big hair, neon colors, and some seriously cool cars. Station wagons were a staple of family life back then, offering plenty of space, comfort, and style.

This article features some of the best station wagons that rolled out in the ’80s. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just curious about retro rides, you’ll find something to love here!

1980s Ford Country Squire

1982 Ford country squire
Sunstarfire – 1982 country squire / Wikimedia Commons

The 1980’s Ford Country Squire was the epitome of the classic American family wagon. With its iconic wood paneling and spacious interior, it could easily haul kids and groceries alike. It featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine, providing decent power for highway cruising.

Beyond its looks, the Country Squire had practical touches, including a third-row seat for extra passengers. This wagon was designed for family road trips, and it didn’t disappoint, offering plenty of room and comfort for everyone on board.

Toyota Corolla Wagon

1980 toyota corolla wagon
oldparkedcars – Pinterest

The Toyota Corolla wagon was part of the fourth-generation Corolla, which hit the market in 1979 and stuck around until 1983. The wagon version was a practical family hauler that was pretty popular, especially in California.

Most common was the 1.8-liter 3T engine, which put out about 70 horsepower in California-spec form. It wasn’t exactly a powerhouse, but it sipped gas and was tough as nails. Some markets also got smaller 1.3-liter or 1.5-liter options.

These wagons were everywhere back in the day. They were reliable, cheap to run, and could haul a ton of stuff. By the 1990s, though, most of them had been driven into the ground and replaced by RAV4s or Priuses. 

Buick Century Wagon

1980 buick century wagon
Pinterest

The Buick Century wagon was part of the fifth generation Century, produced from 1982 to 1996. The wagon version joined the lineup in 1984 to replace the Regal wagon. You could get it with a four-cylinder engine, but most people went for the V6. The 3.0L V6 gave you about 110 horsepower, while the 3.8L V6 bumped that up to 140-150 hp.

These wagons were pretty popular back then. Buick marketed them as upscale family cars, and they hit the sweet spot between comfort and practicality. They had a decent amount of space for hauling stuff, but still drove like a car, not a truck.

AMC Eagle Wagon

1981 AMC Eagle Sport Wagon
Wikipedia – 1981 AMC Eagle Sport Wagon

Introduced in 1980, the Eagle was innovative for its time, offering car-like comfort with 4-wheel drive capability. It was available in wagon, sedan, and coupe body styles and helped bridge the gap between cars and SUVs. It was produced from 1980 – 1988 and most owners loved the versatility.

It handled will in snow and off-road, but had the comfort of a regular car. AMC had to ramp up production to meet demand. Poor gas mileage and lack of power were concerns, but the crossover aspect seemed to make up for those shortcomings.

Mercury Lynx Wagon

1981 mercury lynx wagon
Mercury

The Mercury Lynx Wagon was produced from 1981 to 1987 as Mercury’s version of the Ford Escort wagon. The Lynx came with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, putting out about 70 horsepower, or customers could choose the “high output” version with 80 horsepower.

The Lynx was eventually replaced by the Tracer in 1988, which was based on a Mazda design.

Volkswagen Quantum Syncro Wagon

1980s volkswagen quantum syncro
Wikimedia

The Volkswagen Quantum Syncro wagon was a pretty unique ride from the 1980s. It was sold in North America from 1982 to 1988. This wagon was basically VW’s version of the Audi 80, but with a different badge and some tweaks.

The Syncro models came with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system, which VW called “Syncro”. Under the hood, you’d find a 2.2-liter five-cylinder engine borrowed from Audi, putting out about 110 horsepower. That five-cylinder engine had a really distinctive sound that car enthusiasts loved.

Chevrolet Malibu Station Wagon

1982 Chevrolet Malibu Station Wagon
Riley – 1982 Chevrolet Malibu Station Wagon / Flickr

Blending style and reliability, the 1981 Chevrolet Malibu Station Wagon quickly gained popularity. While it was compact, it surprisingly offered plenty of room, making it ideal for city dwellers. Buyers could choose from either a four- or six-cylinder engine, adding versatility to this family-friendly vehicle.

The Malibu was known for its smooth ride, thanks to a well-tuned suspension. Plus, it was easy to maintain, which made it a favorite among budget-conscious drivers.

Chevrolet Cavalier Wagon

1980s brown chevrolet cavalier wagon
Wikimedia

The Chevrolet Cavalier wagon was part of the Cavalier lineup introduced in 1982. It was a practical family hauler that stuck around through the ’80s and into the early ’90s. Early models came with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, but most folks preferred the 2.0-liter engine introduced in 1983. If you wanted more pep, there was even a V6 option available later on.

The Cavalier wagon was pretty popular back then. It was affordable, reliable, and gave you plenty of space for hauling stuff around. In 1984, Chevy sold over 100,000 Cavalier wagons alone. That’s a lot of wagons!

Peugeot 505 Wagon

peugoet 505 wagon
Peugeot

The Peugeot 505 wagon hit the scene in 1982 as part of the 505 lineup. It was a versatile family hauler that could seat up to seven people, making it great for big families or road trips.

There were four-cylinder petrol engines ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 liters, with power outputs from about 80 to 160 horsepower. If you wanted diesel, you could get that too, including a turbodiesel option that was pretty zippy for its time.

While it wasn’t a massive seller in the US, the 505 wagon had a loyal following in Europe and other parts of the world. It was one of those cars that just kept going, which is why you can still spot some on the roads today. Production of the 505 line, including the wagon, continued until the early 1990s in most markets.

Pontiac 6000 Safari Wagon

1988 pontiac 6000 wagons
Hagerty Auctions

The Pontiac 6000 Safari wagon was a solid family hauler from the ’80s. It hit the market in 1984 as part of the 6000 lineup, replacing the older rear-wheel drive Bonneville Safari wagon. The Safari stuck around until 1991 when Pontiac pulled the plug on the whole 6000 series.

Early on, you could get a 2.8-liter V6 with about 112 horsepower. Later models bumped that up to 135 hp with fuel injection. If you were really watching your wallet, there was a four-cylinder option too, but it was pretty underpowered for a wagon.

Subaru GL Wagon

1985 Subaru L Series Touring Wagon GL station wagon
OSX – 1985 Subaru L Series Touring Wagon GL station wagon / Wikimedia Commons

For outdoor enthusiasts, the 1985 Subaru GL Wagon was the ideal vehicle. Its all-wheel-drive capabilities made it perfect for tackling diverse terrains. Families loved the spacious design, which accommodated camping gear, bikes, and other adventure essentials.

With a strong reputation for reliability, the GL Wagon stood out as a great investment for active lifestyles. It offered ample cargo space and a rugged design, making every trip an exciting journey.

Dodge Aries Wagon

Aries Wagon
Take Me Higher – Aries Wagon / Wikimedia Commons

The 1986-1989 Dodge Aries Wagon became a top choice for practicality on a budget. Offering spacious interiors and a variety of engine options, it catered to families and solo drivers alike. Its affordability and fuel efficiency made it particularly appealing during this era.

Many drivers found the Aries to be a reliable workhorse. As a result, it became a common sight on the roads, known for its excellent value.

Volvo 240 Wagon

1987 Volvo 240 GL 2.0
Vauxford – 1987 Volvo 240 GL 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

The 1987 Volvo 240 Wagon is synonymous with safety and durability. While its boxy design may not have been fashionable, it was built to last. Families felt secure on long journeys, thanks to high safety ratings and robust construction.

Inside, the Volvo 240 boasted a spacious cabin, filled with quality materials. Known for its longevity, many of these wagons are still on the road today, a testament to their reliability.

Ford Taurus L Wagon

Ford Taurus L Wagon 1988
RL GNZLZ – Ford Taurus L Wagon 1988

The 1988 Ford Taurus L Wagon redefined the family wagon with its sleek, modern aesthetic. Spacious and equipped with a powerful V6 engine, it appealed to families seeking both comfort and performance.

Designed with driver and passenger comfort in mind, it made long drives enjoyable. With improved aerodynamics, this wagon was quieter and more fuel-efficient than many of its competitors.

Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser

1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser
Mr.choppers – 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser / Wikimedia Commons

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser wagon was part of the Cutlass Ciera lineup, produced from 1982 to 1996. In the ’80s, it was a pretty popular choice for families looking for a mid-size wagon.

The base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but most folks opted for the V6 engines. You could get a 3.0-liter V6 early on, and later a 3.3-liter or 3.8-liter V6. These gave you a bit more pep for hauling the family around.

The Cars Kids Drove in the 1980s

blue 1981 ford mustang cobra
Sicnag – Wikipedia / 1981 Ford Mustang Cobra

While parents were driving station wagons, the kids had much cooler choices to consider for getting around town. Check out 18 cars from the 1980s kids either wanted – or drove!  

Crazy 80s Car Museum Is A Must See For 1980s Car Enthusiasts

crazy 80s car museum building
Crazy 80’s Car Museum on Facebook

Nestled in the small town of Dwight, Illinois, is the Crazy ’80s Car Museum. It is a hidden gem that transports visitors back to a time of boxy cars, cassette tapes, and big hair. It is a must see for kids of the 1980s who want to get back to those carefree days.

Cars That Were Named After Animals

1967 pastel blue volkswagen
Antti – 1967 Volkswagen Beetle / Flickr

Whether it’s the speed of a cheetah or the majesty of a stallion, these animal-named cars are designed to capture the imagination.

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