Ah, the station wagon! These vehicles were so much more than just a way to get from point A to point B—they were the workhorses of family life in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, and the ultimate road trip companions. With wood-paneled exteriors, roomy back seats, and luggage racks ready to be piled high, they were ready for everything: vacation getaways, weekend errands, and family drives with windows down and the radio blasting. Let’s revisit some of the most iconic station wagons that would still give us a thrill to see cruising down the road today.
1. 1970 Chevrolet Kingswood Estate
The Kingswood Estate felt like a tank on wheels but had a charm that just pulled you in. This was the car for big families or anyone who always had a friend or two (or three) tagging along. You felt invincible driving this, with a back end big enough for a spontaneous neighborhood get-together. A drive in this beauty was a statement in itself.
2. 1964 Ford Country Squire
With its faux-wood paneling and a long, sleek look, the Ford Country Squire was the picture of suburban perfection. Remember piling into the back with blankets and snacks for a cross-country trip, waving at drivers behind you? This wagon had all the room and comfort you needed for family adventures and was as common in driveways as kids on bikes.
3. 1984 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country
Chrysler made its Town & Country wagon an elegant mix of style and practicality. This one had a touch of luxury but still all the space you needed to load it up for a weekend away. And those fake-wood panels on the side? Classic! This car made you feel like you were ready for anything, whether it was a day at the lake or a family wedding a few states away.
4. 1979 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
The Custom Cruiser wasn’t just a car—it was a status symbol of the time. You might remember it as the car to be seen in when you pulled up to soccer games or parked outside the grocery store. With all that seating, it was like driving a luxury bus, and it even had enough space to haul around a few bikes or a backyard barbecue set in the back.
5. 1967 Plymouth Fury III
Talk about style! The Plymouth Fury III was the “cool” station wagon, the one that dads everywhere secretly loved to drive. The Fury was big and bold, with a smooth ride and plenty of room. And when you were riding in it? You knew you were in a car with class. Family vacations with this one meant you were going in style, for sure.
6. 1978 Volvo 245 DL
The Volvo 245 DL might not have had wood panels, but it made up for that with durability. This car could take a beating and keep going—perfect for families that had dogs, kids, sports equipment, and who knows what else. It was the dependable workhorse that was built like a tank, and you knew it would last forever. It was safe, reliable, and practical, but with that classic Volvo charm.
7. 1966 Dodge Monaco Wagon
The Dodge Monaco had some serious muscle under the hood, and it was perfect for those who wanted to get from point A to point B with a little extra pep. This car looked sleek and sturdy, and its roomy interior made it a favorite for long drives. With enough space to stretch out, it was built for scenic routes and open highways.
8. 1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood
The Caprice Kingswood was the car that let you feel like royalty while hauling a week’s worth of groceries. It had a smooth, powerful ride and plush seats that made you feel like you were on your living room sofa. It had all the makings of an American classic, a car that reminded you that “getting there” was half the fun.
9. 1958 Buick Century Caballero Estate Hardtop Station Wagon
The Buick Century Wagon was all about comfort and class. It didn’t just get you from one place to another; it felt like the ultimate road trip machine. Plush seats, plenty of legroom, and that smooth Buick ride. Families that had a Century Wagon knew that this was the car for a weekend getaway or just a slow Sunday drive around the neighborhood.
10. 1971 AMC Matador Wagon
The AMC Matador Wagon didn’t care about blending in—it had a unique look and a personality of its own. It was perfect for adventurous families who wanted something a little different. Maybe you remember being parked next to one at the local drive-in, with snacks packed in the back. This was the family car with character.
11. 1977 Ford LTD Country Squire
The Ford LTD was a beast of a car, with a third-row seat that faced backward, which meant waving at the cars behind you was a must! This model was roomy, powerful, and just downright fun. With wood paneling and all the space you could want, it was ideal for summer road trips, beach days, and hauling home everything from a new tree to holiday presents.
12. 1977 Toyota Cressida Wagon
The Cressida was Toyota’s take on the station wagon, and it was smaller and sportier but full of late ’70s charm. This one was compact, fuel-efficient, and somehow still managed to pack in plenty of room for those big grocery hauls or a surprise trip to grandma’s house. It wasn’t the flashiest, but it had a reliable, comfortable vibe that won people over.
13. 1971 Ford Torino Squire Wagon
The Torino Squire Wagon looked like it was built for TV—maybe because it was! This wagon had a starring role in a few ‘70s shows, but it was also a favorite in driveways. It had a little muscle, a lot of personality, and that unmistakable wood paneling that just screamed classic Americana.
14. 1966 Chevrolet Impala Wagon
The Impala Wagon was the quintessential family car of the ‘60s. It was big, bold, and beautiful. With room for the whole family and then some, this car was built for adventures. Driving an Impala down the open road, with the sun shining and the windows down, felt like freedom. It was iconic, reliable, and a little bit magical.
These station wagons weren’t just cars; they were a part of the family. They hold memories of family road trips, grocery store hauls, and spontaneous Sunday drives. They’re reminders of a time when driving was an experience, not just a commute. And no matter how sleek or fast today’s cars get, nothing quite matches the cozy, adventurous feeling of a vintage station wagon on a sunny day.
