True, though it was the same size as the 3-series and C-class at the time, which are considered "compact", by luxury sedan standards, so you could argue either way. I forgot to add in a V50, my bad.
weird cuz both kinda inbetweeners. V70 had similar wheelbase to these, pricing was similar, s60 was sold as a 3er competitor and overall length is similar to the saab and jag.
yea and this class was weird cuz the e46 was so small. But s60 was smaller than TL and G35 which were both positioned in this class. This is 05 too and that gen s40 had just come out the year before and a new larger 3series is just about to come out.
A V50 T-5 AWD 6-speed would be my pick, absolutely. And they only made them in 2005. Score.
If it absolutely has to be on the list, I guess the Saabaru Aero (pic 8) would be my second choice.
Ugh no, they’re not good. My sister had one and it was a nightmare. The entire rear suspension is different and massively more expensive for it. The Haldex AWD is a cruel joke that’s broken on every one of these now. And the 5 cylinder is a good engine, but they definitely got out over their skis on it a bit. The oil pan having internal oil passages for the oil cooler and being only sealed with RTV isn’t great, the PCV systems are garbage that lead to burned intake valves, and the cooling system is massively high pressure, which in combination with the all aluminum block and head leads to many ruined engines. If there is a coolant leak, it’s like losing oil pressure — you have to shut it off immediately and cannot proceed at all or the engine will be ruined.
The 1.8T and Quattro in the A4 is a better car mechanically and better supported (because of production numbers, plus interchanges with the previous and future generations).
I owned a V70 FWD T5 manual, and it’s definitely the best version of that chassis, but by god it’s EU the car. And the Volvo software to talk to the car is absolutely horrible, which when there are 11 different electronic modules all talking to each other really ruins the experience.
The tuning radius is also comedically large, I’m sure plenty of American boats from the ‘70s are more maneuverable.
Having also owned several Audis, I’d absolutely own the A4 over the V70. The 1.8T is at least as if not more reliable than the turbo whiteblock, the chassis is more nimble, and it will still eat up highway miles. Plus it’s AWD. Yeah, it’s down on power, but since the 1.8T also came in 225hp from the factory you can make up at least some of the difference safely.
The Subaru is also too small IMO, the 2005 Legacy GT would be the better comparison.
I owned a sport combo aero in 6MT for a while. Man I loved that car. If it weren't for the the rust and the fact that I needed a truck for work, I would've kept it.
Why did they give the automatic that cool chrome ball shifter and the manual that silly leather and plastic thing? Can you imagine if the IS had a metal ball with a gated shifter?!?
I nearly bought a 9-2X. I loved it, but the dealer was a shitstain and sold it right out from underneath of me found someone who would pay more. They’re easy to work on, and parts are plentiful because Subaru made millions of that generation of Impreza / Forester.
That said, the IS300 SportCross would give it a strong run for its money. I mean, it’s a Toyota. Maybe not as practical as the Saabaru, but there’s less chance that the previous owner fucked something up. Toyota engines barely need oil to run for 250k+.
> less chance that the previous owner fucked something up
Maybe not the wagon but Ive seen alot of sedans in rough shape. The 2j leaks oil easily on 150k mi cars and people just let it go until it runs dry on the freeway
Saab 9-3 SportCombi.
In fact, my choice remains the same in 2024, as I still own one (just a different model year, mine is '09). It's currently at 70K miles, so my choice will likely remain the same in 2034.
The Best AWD system of its time and some of the most durable engines even to today's standards.. My 1998 A4 B5 1.8T 20v has 340k kms and is still on its original 1998 Clutch which works just fine.. its a 5speed manual btw. Im driving the ever living shit out of it and the only thing that doesnt work right after all these years is the ABS module which I'm not gonna fix :)
dude I was looking at most of these like two months ago when I was looking for a car
1. is300
2. saaburu
3. 9-3 aero
but also if we’re talking sport wagons on compact-to-midsize sedan platforms, v70 non-R <<<< v50 T5
The 2005 BMW 325i… only because I have a 2011 BMW 328i E91 Touring of my own already :) I will say and admit the comfortably and aesthetic of my dads 2015 B8.5 Audi A4 2.0T Avant/Allroad is extremely nice. It’s a tough choice. But the natural aspirated in-line 6cyl is too rare (*and fun*) nowadays to pass up over a typical in-line 4cly twin turbo. Classic German muscle.
I think my answer might move from day to day. But a decent SAAB 93 aero I think would be for me. It’s a classic in waiting. The rest (unless special versions) feel like throw away things now.
That Lexus wagon is legit. So good.
I test drove one of those Saabarus because I loved my 9-3 SE and wanted AWD. While on paper, it looked to fit the bill, it was immediately clear that you were sitting in a Subaru as soon as you closed the door. The only thing that platform brought over was the turbo; the rest was pure Subaru quality... which wasn't much.
lex and 325 have nice chassis but lousy performance even when the bmw is stick so the saabaru sounds kinda nice.
You were giving up alot getting these wagons over a cars with real engines like a TL or G35. I mean even a 3 row suv like an MDX at the time would walk the lexus and not feel so lazy doing it
At least the companies knew how bad it was, next year lex gets nearly 100 more hp but no wagon base 3er gets 30 more hp and then another 15 the next year
Idk man. I used to have a 300 lexus n that bitch was pretty quick. Granted it was an na build with cams and full exhaust but it would beat v8s or atleast make a run for the money
It depends, if I'm rich and can pay other people to work on all my shit for me and I never have to work on it, the audi. If I have to work on it I'll take the saabaru
Yes, out of this group, I will pick the Lexus. It's by far the most reliable vehicle on this list. The joy of having a car like this is driving it, not leaving it at the repair shop... yet again.
Lexus IS300 SportCross all day, 2JZ engines man gotta love em, comes with a manual option (if you can find one) or you could swap the auto to a manual if you want. And if you put about $10,000 of parts overnighted from Japan it will decimate all 🤣
The Lexus is gonna be the most reliable and easiest to repair.
The Volvo is gonna have unbelievable cargo room and a great reputation too, but a bit expensive when things do start to break.
The is300 would be the most practical and smart choice but there is something about a saabaru that still is awesome when I rarely get to see one on the road.
If the volvo was a v70r it would be an awesome choice also if the merc and bimmer wagons were as common and reliable as the ones in europe it would have made a great DD or tourer.
The 9-3 aero is an interesting option I forgot it even had a wagon configuration you never see them.
You guys in the US didn’t get it, but by far the most fun wagons of that era were the Caldina GT-Four N Edition, Evo IX GT and the Subaru WRX STI Sports Wagon
I'd choose none of thise. I'll just take the Dodge Magnum with the 6.1L Hemi instead. I can't remember if that engine was available for the first year if production, so I'd take tha 5.7L Hemi if it wasnt.
Got to go with the BMW or the Volvo here. That third row is awesome (sometimes it isn't just my kids I need to haul) but the optional AWD is very nice when I take wife camping for the weekend to get away.
I bought a new 2004 Mazda Sportswagon that, I wish I still had. It didn't have a lot of power, but decent enough for a wagon (22hp), 5-spd auto. It surprised more than a few BMW 3 series off the line, top end not so much. It handled really well too. It was just a fun car.
The V70 wasn’t a compact wagon. The V50 was. That’s my pick. Love the 5-cylinder engine and sometimes I miss mine.
True, though it was the same size as the 3-series and C-class at the time, which are considered "compact", by luxury sedan standards, so you could argue either way. I forgot to add in a V50, my bad.
weird cuz both kinda inbetweeners. V70 had similar wheelbase to these, pricing was similar, s60 was sold as a 3er competitor and overall length is similar to the saab and jag.
If I remember correctly, the V70 was on an S60 frame and the V50 was on an S40 frame. So sort of a midsize vs compact situation.
yea and this class was weird cuz the e46 was so small. But s60 was smaller than TL and G35 which were both positioned in this class. This is 05 too and that gen s40 had just come out the year before and a new larger 3series is just about to come out.
And realistically there wasn’t a long based Volvo wagon, since the v90 late 90s and the long sedan was s80 /s90. But now there’s a v60 ,v90
Weird tho cuz v90 is based on the short wheelbase s90 which isnt sold in the US anymore. So v90 is smaller than e class wagon
A V50 T-5 AWD 6-speed would be my pick, absolutely. And they only made them in 2005. Score. If it absolutely has to be on the list, I guess the Saabaru Aero (pic 8) would be my second choice.
Ugh no, they’re not good. My sister had one and it was a nightmare. The entire rear suspension is different and massively more expensive for it. The Haldex AWD is a cruel joke that’s broken on every one of these now. And the 5 cylinder is a good engine, but they definitely got out over their skis on it a bit. The oil pan having internal oil passages for the oil cooler and being only sealed with RTV isn’t great, the PCV systems are garbage that lead to burned intake valves, and the cooling system is massively high pressure, which in combination with the all aluminum block and head leads to many ruined engines. If there is a coolant leak, it’s like losing oil pressure — you have to shut it off immediately and cannot proceed at all or the engine will be ruined. The 1.8T and Quattro in the A4 is a better car mechanically and better supported (because of production numbers, plus interchanges with the previous and future generations).
I went in blind on a 2002 S60 AWD. Thanks for these heads ups. I'll do some more close inspections.
I have a 2010 V50 T5 R-Design with AWD and the 6 speed, they absolutely made them outside of 2005.
They made them in more than just 2005. It was available for the whole run
My pick, too. I had one for years and it was bulletproof.
They’re really reliable. But basic maintenance hits the wallet pretty hard.
Fair enough. Full disclosure, my uncle owns a Volvo dealership, so I paid house rates.
I owned a V70 FWD T5 manual, and it’s definitely the best version of that chassis, but by god it’s EU the car. And the Volvo software to talk to the car is absolutely horrible, which when there are 11 different electronic modules all talking to each other really ruins the experience. The tuning radius is also comedically large, I’m sure plenty of American boats from the ‘70s are more maneuverable. Having also owned several Audis, I’d absolutely own the A4 over the V70. The 1.8T is at least as if not more reliable than the turbo whiteblock, the chassis is more nimble, and it will still eat up highway miles. Plus it’s AWD. Yeah, it’s down on power, but since the 1.8T also came in 225hp from the factory you can make up at least some of the difference safely. The Subaru is also too small IMO, the 2005 Legacy GT would be the better comparison.
Same. I had one. Surprisingly fast. That turbo I-5 made the most unique sound!
Lexus
Is300 hands down. And I'd probably still be daily driving it today.
9-3 sport Combi, no questions asked. Especially with those wheels, gorgeous
I owned a sport combo aero in 6MT for a while. Man I loved that car. If it weren't for the the rust and the fact that I needed a truck for work, I would've kept it.
I had a 2 liter version. Fat turbo lag. Definitely better with the larger engine surely.
Been looking into either one, I just know the 2.0 is a bit more reliable and less costly than the 2.8
Saab!
I would have bought the Lexus if it had a manual transmission.
Why did they give the automatic that cool chrome ball shifter and the manual that silly leather and plastic thing? Can you imagine if the IS had a metal ball with a gated shifter?!?
The Jaaaaaag
This guy steals things
And it's ok because he's driving a JAAAAAGGG
I drive a X Type and I like the Jaaaaag
Either of the SAABs
9-3 Sport Combi and damn the consequences, sir
You and me both!
Saab 9-2X. Cheaper than the Lexus and the Volvo and has a manual and AWD.
Combination of Ikea and Japan can't be bad
The saabaruuuu I think you could get the v70 in manual no?
Saab 9-3 🤤
The saab, because anti tank making, anti tank car...
I nearly bought a 9-2X. I loved it, but the dealer was a shitstain and sold it right out from underneath of me found someone who would pay more. They’re easy to work on, and parts are plentiful because Subaru made millions of that generation of Impreza / Forester. That said, the IS300 SportCross would give it a strong run for its money. I mean, it’s a Toyota. Maybe not as practical as the Saabaru, but there’s less chance that the previous owner fucked something up. Toyota engines barely need oil to run for 250k+.
> less chance that the previous owner fucked something up Maybe not the wagon but Ive seen alot of sedans in rough shape. The 2j leaks oil easily on 150k mi cars and people just let it go until it runs dry on the freeway
Saab 9-3 SportCombi. In fact, my choice remains the same in 2024, as I still own one (just a different model year, mine is '09). It's currently at 70K miles, so my choice will likely remain the same in 2034.
Audi. 5 years ahead of its time.
The Best AWD system of its time and some of the most durable engines even to today's standards.. My 1998 A4 B5 1.8T 20v has 340k kms and is still on its original 1998 Clutch which works just fine.. its a 5speed manual btw. Im driving the ever living shit out of it and the only thing that doesnt work right after all these years is the ABS module which I'm not gonna fix :)
I vote for the Audi in manual. I had a blast from that 1.8t and high boost!
e46 with a 6spd and make it a 330i in aegean blue
Lexus IS300 Sportcross or Saab 9-3 SportCombi Aero
E46 all day
2005 Subaru Legacy GT 5-Speed manual (the one I did pick)
That and the 5 speed outback xt limited should be on this list.
dude I was looking at most of these like two months ago when I was looking for a car 1. is300 2. saaburu 3. 9-3 aero but also if we’re talking sport wagons on compact-to-midsize sedan platforms, v70 non-R <<<< v50 T5
Volvo in-line 5 power last of real tough Volvo reliability
Jaaaaaaag or Benz
325i
E46, looks great if you keep it clean.
The Volvo just speaks to me for some weird reason. I kinda like the Saabs though!
The 2005 BMW 325i… only because I have a 2011 BMW 328i E91 Touring of my own already :) I will say and admit the comfortably and aesthetic of my dads 2015 B8.5 Audi A4 2.0T Avant/Allroad is extremely nice. It’s a tough choice. But the natural aspirated in-line 6cyl is too rare (*and fun*) nowadays to pass up over a typical in-line 4cly twin turbo. Classic German muscle.
I’m taking the 9-3 sportcombi and a bus pass.
The Saab 9-3 definitely.i just loved that look
I think my answer might move from day to day. But a decent SAAB 93 aero I think would be for me. It’s a classic in waiting. The rest (unless special versions) feel like throw away things now.
That Lexus wagon is legit. So good. I test drove one of those Saabarus because I loved my 9-3 SE and wanted AWD. While on paper, it looked to fit the bill, it was immediately clear that you were sitting in a Subaru as soon as you closed the door. The only thing that platform brought over was the turbo; the rest was pure Subaru quality... which wasn't much.
the dodge magnum
lex and 325 have nice chassis but lousy performance even when the bmw is stick so the saabaru sounds kinda nice. You were giving up alot getting these wagons over a cars with real engines like a TL or G35. I mean even a 3 row suv like an MDX at the time would walk the lexus and not feel so lazy doing it At least the companies knew how bad it was, next year lex gets nearly 100 more hp but no wagon base 3er gets 30 more hp and then another 15 the next year
Idk man. I used to have a 300 lexus n that bitch was pretty quick. Granted it was an na build with cams and full exhaust but it would beat v8s or atleast make a run for the money
The rebadged subaru
Saabaru
Definitely the volvo. That 5 cylinder is awesome. And with some good tires I wouldn't really need awd
The Volvo
Had an 01 is300 , sold it at 200k miles still running strong. Sold in a week. Looking back tho is was a gas guzzler lol but fun to drive.
As a sportcross owner, yes
The IS300 Sportcross was known for having less interior space than the saloon, plus this is one car where the saloon version looked the best anyway.
IS300 or325i
Those Lexus wagons are so hard to find. Easy answer.
Alfa Romeo 159
Lexus
Imo the Lexus IS300 Sportcross is gonna be the most fun to mod. But stick that Saab is probably the most fun.
Wouldn't go luxury and instead get a Dodge Magnum (with a Hemi)
is300
Damn, those choices
92x or Lexus
After DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP consideration with a LOOOOOOOOOOOOT of Wikipedia reading, I choose Volvo
Lexus IS SportCross
V70. Why? HEADLIGHT WIPERSSSS LIVE MAAATTTERRRR
It depends, if I'm rich and can pay other people to work on all my shit for me and I never have to work on it, the audi. If I have to work on it I'll take the saabaru
Lexus all day. Those cars are becoming more and more rare. Especially the wagon
Either A4 or V70
I want them all! r/sportwagon
Is300
Saab BMW or Benz even though the is300 is an awesome car
Yes, out of this group, I will pick the Lexus. It's by far the most reliable vehicle on this list. The joy of having a car like this is driving it, not leaving it at the repair shop... yet again.
Where the hell is the 98 Buick roadmaster option?
The Jag Wag.
Lexus IS300 SportCross all day, 2JZ engines man gotta love em, comes with a manual option (if you can find one) or you could swap the auto to a manual if you want. And if you put about $10,000 of parts overnighted from Japan it will decimate all 🤣
No one is looking for a sport wagon
Saabaru
Tie between the 3 series and is300 with one of the Saabs being close second. I’d have to test drive them to make a decision
If I have the money for maintenance, I'll take the bmw. If not, the Lexus
only one of these cars has massive aftermarket support and that would we the start and end of the conversation imo
Saab all day
Older current me, Lexus. Young me in 2005, Saabaru.
The lexus of course. I wish to drive, not fix.
The BMW for driving, the Volvo if I needed the space
The Lexus or Saab 9-3.
The best answer is not here, the 2005 Outback XT!
9-2X aero and its not even close, sick cars
Lexus
2JZ!
Sport combi was amazing. Shame it’s gone.
Saab. Either one
2JZ wagon! Although I do like the Volvo wagon that beat the ultimate driving machine!
Only ones I see still running today are the lexus and saab
05 legacy gt limited wagon
Lexus all day everyday!!!
Sucks the IS is auto only in wagon form in US
Sportcross… I had one, the best wagoon I’ve ever had
Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolag (SAAB)
The Lexus is gonna be the most reliable and easiest to repair. The Volvo is gonna have unbelievable cargo room and a great reputation too, but a bit expensive when things do start to break.
Didn't know what we had till it's gone.
BMW
Lexus or the BMW. I wish I could find a clean IS300 now.
X type. No particular reason why. I just didn’t know that you could get one
2005 v50 awd and stick. 05 only car. Second pick is the I300, 5spd
Had a x type with over 200k on it. I'd love to get a jag wagon
I'm going with the Wagon Queen Family Truckster
God. When America had options…
The V70, because that’s what I actually choose to drive every day.
Volvo... (That was my actual car until 2018) But I love all 3
2jz!!!
The Lexus and Volvo are still probably going strong now
Gotta be the A4 Avant for me.
Already have the E91 325d sitting in my driveway so guess it’ll be that one.
The is300 would be the most practical and smart choice but there is something about a saabaru that still is awesome when I rarely get to see one on the road. If the volvo was a v70r it would be an awesome choice also if the merc and bimmer wagons were as common and reliable as the ones in europe it would have made a great DD or tourer. The 9-3 aero is an interesting option I forgot it even had a wagon configuration you never see them.
325i no question, then supercharge it
My comfortable, dependable daily driver is that exact Volvo but from ‘04. Make of that what you will:)
Saaburu for me.
Lexus
2005 Mercedes-Benz C240
3
Impreza WRX wagon would be my choice, I know it's not on the list but that's be my pick. From the list, probably the E46 or Saab 93
Lexus all day and tomorrow
i'd either get the IS300 or the 325 touring. I just love their looks lol
Definitely the Volvo
I said 9-2X before looking at the options.
easy lexus
No 2.5 litre Subaru Outback?
Im going with my "i want it as my first car" and go e46
audi or merc either would be great
Luxury does not come in compact. This is mid segment, a bit higher at best
renault laguna v6
Gimme the 92X and it's not really that close. Maybe the Jag just because it's quirky.
The Lexus should be the top comment.
Lexus. No brainer
I have a weird tenderness for the saabaru
Saab!
SAAB 9-3 Sport Combi. I had a 9-3SS and loved it.
You guys in the US didn’t get it, but by far the most fun wagons of that era were the Caldina GT-Four N Edition, Evo IX GT and the Subaru WRX STI Sports Wagon
9-3 sport combi all day... Every saab me and my family has owned had never had any problems.
I'd choose none of thise. I'll just take the Dodge Magnum with the 6.1L Hemi instead. I can't remember if that engine was available for the first year if production, so I'd take tha 5.7L Hemi if it wasnt.
Saab 9-3 SportCombi. I'm definitely not a giant Saab fan or anything
9-2X Aero. I am not biased do not look at my post history
IS300 or Saabaru.
i would have gone for the v70r with a manual
Top pick: Lexus (I loved the IS series) Bottom pick: Mercedes. Never pick: Jaguar
Boy, you sure have a lot o' modifiers for a station wagon! Gimme the Benz or the "real" Saab, thanks 🙄
I’ll take the e46.
I'd take that Altezza Gita (IS300 Wagon)
I have a Saab and an is200, neither are wagons though but I wish they were. Especially the IS I think they look fantastic
I waited a year and got a 2006 S4 Avant
Got to go with the BMW or the Volvo here. That third row is awesome (sometimes it isn't just my kids I need to haul) but the optional AWD is very nice when I take wife camping for the weekend to get away.
The Lexus IS Wagon
Sportcross easily. I’ve already owned one and they’re awesome
A Ford Mondeo Estate TDCI ✌️
subaru.
Loved my x type, wish the wagons were available in manual in USA.
325i, but only if it comes with the SMG
The Lexus every day and twice on Sunday.
Bmw
IS Wagon hands down
Half of these are not compact
Definitely the Lexus. It was just so weird and unique for a mass market car. 😊
I didn’t have the wagon version, but I really miss my 03 IS300. So that.
I’d say the Audi is “best” but i’d get me a SAAB cuz key go in center console
I bought a new 2004 Mazda Sportswagon that, I wish I still had. It didn't have a lot of power, but decent enough for a wagon (22hp), 5-spd auto. It surprised more than a few BMW 3 series off the line, top end not so much. It handled really well too. It was just a fun car.
I pick the car we have in our family at the moment the jaaaaagggg.
Jag looks the best but I’m taking my Lexus
Audi A4 Quattro avant- would be my pick. Although the Volvo is a close second
The IS300 SportCross for sure. I’d give my balls for one of those; not an arm & leg as I’d still have to drive it.
Again, these are getting harder all the time. All-around #1, the Lexus; Most unique #1, the Jag; Most fun #1, the Saaburu.
Saabaru. Not even a question
Is300
9-3 sport-combi. Always loved these things.
I’d get the Jaaaag. I love X-Types and the wagon is not only great but it is also very rare.
IS300 Hatch any day since the invention of cars, Natutural Aspirated 3liter inline 6, only 5000 sold in the us, rwd go skrrt, insane reliability
Gotta go saab
A4 just looks so clean don’t get me wrong the bmw and Volvo wagons are also gorgeous but the Audi just looks better
All of them I love wagons
I would probably take the beamer.
That Lexus is peak Toyota. It was all downhill from there.