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Pure Americana: The History of the Station Wagon

The term “station wagon” refers to a vehicle that features the body style of a car but has a longer roofline than a traditional automobile. This longer style allows for extra rows of passenger seating and more cargo space in the back. Throughout the years, the station wagon has evolved. In fact, you could say that it was the inspiration for the SUV. Here is a brief history of this practical vehicle, brought to you by all of us at Quality Toyota Auto Repair Service in Fergus Falls, MN.  

Starting Out

Before it was called a “station wagon,” this type of vehicle was known as a “depot hack.” This name came from the fact that the vehicle transported passengers and cargo from train stations. The first ones were based on a truck platform without doors. The first enclosed station wagon was released in 1922. Ford used a wood-based design to make their version, but after WWII, the auto industry developed advancements and replaced the wood with steel. Jeep was the first vehicle manufacturer to build a steel wagon.

The 1960s

The station wagon’s modern design peaked in the 1960s. During this decade, automakers made compact, midsize and full-size station wagons. Car buyers had the option of selecting a two-way, three-way or side-by-side version. Oldsmobile and Buick knew how practical the vehicle was for large families. To give them more options, the car makers offered features like a raised roof with glass paneling. Buyers could even purchase a station wagon with a glass sunroof in the ‘60s.

The ‘70s and ‘80s

When the gasoline crisis hit during the 1970s, station wagons fell out of favor with car buyers. The vehicles were big, which made them expensive to operate. Also, car makers were starting to manufacture minivans, a vehicle that offered the same sizing and cargo options as station wagons but with greater driving visibility.

Sport utility vehicles started showing up in the 1980s. Their arrival put another dent in the popularity of station wagons. People in the U.S. wanted vehicles with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. They also liked the body style of SUVs better than station wagons. While America stopped buying this type of vehicle, the body style has remained popular in Europe.

Still Around

Even though you see fewer station wagons on the road in the U.S. today than you did in the past, the body style is still around. Car builders like Mercedes, Volkswagen and Volvo continue to make them. Fluctuating gas prices mean that the body style could always come back in style.

Quality Toyota Auto Repair Service , 1125 W Lincoln Ave, Fergus Falls, MN  56537 

Sources: Ask.com and AOL