The 1970s was a golden era for station wagons. These versatile vehicles offered plenty of room for families, gear, and the occasional pet. They combined practicality with style, making them a favorite among suburban families. Whether you were heading to the beach or embarking on a cross-country road trip, a station wagon was the perfect companion.
Let’s take a trip to one of the grooviest times in history and explore the best station wagons of the ’70s! Which one did your family spend those long road trips in?
Ford Country Squire
The Ford Country Squire is iconic, and known for its distinctive wood paneling and spacious interior. Introduced in the early ’50s, it evolved throughout the decades, but the ’70s models are particularly beloved. With seating for up to eight people, this wagon was perfect for larger families and road trips.
Under the hood, the Country Squire offered a range of powerful V8 engines. This made it not only spacious but also capable of towing trailers and boats. The plush interior featured comfortable seating and a large cargo space, making it a true family favorite.
Chevrolet Malibu Station Wagon
The Chevrolet Malibu Station Wagon, introduced in 1978, was part of the popular Malibu line. With its sleek design and practical layout, it quickly gained popularity. This wagon offered a perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a go-to choice for many families.
The Malibu featured a smooth ride and several engine options, including a V6 that provided solid performance. It was compact to navigate city streets but spacious enough for weekend adventures. Overall, the Malibu Station Wagon was a hit throughout the ’70s.
Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon
The Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon was introduced in mid-1977 as a variant of the standard Pinto wagon. It featured distinctive bubble windows on the sides and flashy graphics packages that capitalized on the custom van craze of the 1970s. The Cruising Wagon came equipped with slotted wheels, a sport gauge package, and eye-catching color options like Tangerine.
Inside, it boasted a vibrant interior with plaid upholstery and striped accents. While exact sales numbers are unclear, the Cruising Wagon was produced from 1977 to 1980. Today, these vehicles are rare and increasingly collectible, representing a unique slice of 1970s automotive culture.
Thankfully this model did not have the same fear factor as their car namesake.
Pontiac Safari
The Pontiac Safari was another standout from the ’70s, known for its sporty appearance and performance. With a design that was rugged yet stylish, it appealed to families and outdoor enthusiasts. Its unique look set it apart from other wagons of the time.
The Safari came equipped with a V8 engine that provided plenty of power for highway cruising. Plus, the spacious interior could easily fit all your gear for a weekend getaway. It was a wagon that balanced practicality with a fun driving experience.
Dodge Aspen
The Dodge Aspen debuted in the mid-1970s and quickly became a popular choice. This compact wagon was known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, which was a big deal during the oil crisis. Families appreciated its affordability without sacrificing space.
With a clean design and decent cargo capacity, the Aspen was perfect for daily errands and family trips. Plus, it came with various engine options, allowing buyers to choose the level of power that suited their needs. It was a practical choice for many.
Volvo 245
The Volvo 245 emerged as a favorite among safety-conscious buyers. Known for its boxy design and sturdy construction, this wagon was built to last. It had a reputation for being one of the safest cars on the road, which appealed to many families.
The interior was spacious and designed for comfort, making it ideal for long trips. Plus, the 245 offered great cargo space with its hatchback design. It was a sensible choice for parents who prioritized safety and reliability.
Buick Estate Wagon
The Buick Estate Wagon was the epitome of luxury in the station wagon category. With its elegant wood paneling and plush interior, it provided a comfortable ride for families. The Estate Wagon was big enough to haul everything needed for a family outing.
Equipped with a powerful V8 engine, it delivered a smooth driving experience. The spacious interior featured comfortable seating and lots of storage options. If you wanted a blend of style and functionality, the Buick Estate Wagon was the way to go.
AMC Hornet Sportabout
The AMC Hornet Sportabout was a unique entry in the wagon market. Known for its compact size and sporty feel, it catered to a younger audience. With its distinctive design, it stood out from the more traditional wagons of the time.
The Sportabout offered good fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. The hatchback design allowed for easy access to the cargo area. This wagon was all about fun and practicality.
Mercury Marquis
The Mercury Marquis was a full-sized wagon that combined comfort and style. Known for its smooth ride and spacious interior, it was perfect for families who loved road trips. The Marquis featured elegant design elements that made it feel upscale.
Under the hood, it was equipped with a powerful V8 engine, ensuring plenty of performance. The interior was spacious, with plush seating and ample storage. If you wanted to travel in style, the Mercury Marquis was a solid choice.
Toyota Corona Wagon
The Toyota Corona Wagon brought Japanese reliability to the wagon scene. Known for its fuel efficiency and practicality, it appealed to budget-minded families. Its compact size made it easy to maneuver in city traffic, while still offering ample cargo space.
The Corona Wagon featured a simple yet functional design. With a reputation for reliability, it quickly became a favorite among those looking for a dependable family vehicle. It was an affordable option that didn’t skimp on practicality.
Ford Torino Station Wagon
The Ford Torino Station Wagon was a stylish choice for families in the ’70s. With its sleek lines and sporty feel, it stood out from more traditional wagons. Families loved its spacious interior, which could accommodate everyone comfortably.
Under the hood, the Torino offered various engine options, providing good performance. It combines style and practicality, making it a great choice for family outings. The Ford Torino Station Wagon was all about making memories on the road.
Muscle Cars From the 1970s That Are Still Head Turners
The 1970s were a golden age for muscle cars, with American automakers pushing the limits of power, design, and attitude. Even today, these machines are hard to ignore. Whether it’s their throaty exhaust note or sleek, aggressive lines, these 1970s muscle cars are still sought after by car enthusiasts.
The 1970s Luxury Sedans That Were Drool Worthy
The 1970s were a golden era for luxury sedans. These cars weren’t just about getting from point A to point B; they were about turning heads and cruising in ultimate comfort. With plush interiors, smooth rides, and stylish designs, these sedans defined what it meant to drive in luxury. Check out 15 luxury sedans from the 70s that brought style and comfort to the road.
