They'll Be Back-Who says a utility vehicle has to drive like a truck or share styling cues with a slab-sided moving van? Wagons may not be hot right now, but like many '60s icons, they'll be back. I've always loved wagons. I drove a '69 Buick wagon in high school and would own one now long before a sport/utility or minivan. Of this group, I'd go with the BMW if price were no object. If I had to shell out my own hard-earned fun tickets, I'd pick the Volvo. It's fun to drive and designed more like a four-door hatchback than a traditional wagon. I'm also the only writer in this group who likes the Mercedes E-Class wagon styling. I guess it reminds me of my old Buick.-Chuck Schifsky
| Report Cards |
| | Audi A4 | BMW 540i | Mercedes- | Saab 95 | Volvo |
| | 1.8T | Sport | Benz | Wagon | V40 |
| | Avant Quattro | Wagon | E320 Wagon | | |
| Exterior styling | A | A | C+ | B | A- |
| Interior styling | A | A+ | B | B+ | B |
| Ergonomics | B+ | B | B | B- | A |
| Luxury quotient | C | A | B+ | B | C |
| Engine/power | B- | A | B | B | A |
| Transmission | B+ | A+ | A | B | B |
| Ride quality | B+ | A- | A | A- | B+ |
| Handling | A | A+ | B- | C+ | B- |
| Steering feel | A | A+ | C+ | C+ | B+ |
| Cargo capacity | B | A | A | A | C |
| and access |
| Fun factor | A- | A | C | C+ | A- |
| Value | A+ | C | C+ | B | A+ |
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