Car Rankings: Affordable Full Size Wagons

Ranking of fullsize wagons, generally priced under $30,000. Subaru Outback, Mazda MAZDA6 Wagon, Volvo V50 and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.

Dodge Magnum Image
  • MSRP: $23,420 - $38,105
  • Invoice: $21,843 - $35,495
  • MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy

#1
2008 Dodge Magnum

The 2008 Magnum ranks highly because reviewers love its powerful (but optional) V8 engines and its aggressively retro exterior styling. However, they dislike the base model's underpowered ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.6
Performance:7.7
Exterior:9.1
Interior:8.1
Safety:NA
Reliability:4.0
Subaru Outback Image
  • MSRP: $21,995 - $34,195
  • Invoice: $20,720 - $31,712
  • MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy

#1
2008 Subaru Outback

The 2008 Outback receives a very good ranking for its plentiful power, impressive off-road capability and reassuring crash test results. But the Outback can't match the fuel ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.6
Performance:7.5
Exterior:8.3
Interior:7.5
Safety:9.8
Reliability:8.0
Saab 9-3 Wagon Image
  • MSRP: $29,250 - $36,250
  • Invoice: $27,729 - $34,365
  • MPG: 19 City / 29 Hwy

#3
2008 Saab 9-3 Wagon

The 9-3 SportCombi receives a good ranking because it is comfortable, distinct, and possesses an all-wheel drive system. However, its cabin quality is not up to the ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.2
Performance:8.0
Exterior:NA
Interior:7.0
Safety:8.4
Reliability:6.0
Kia Rondo Image
  • MSRP: $16,395 - $20,195
  • Invoice: $15,625 - $18,895
  • MPG: 21 (2007) City / 29 (2007) Hwy

#4
2008 Kia Rondo

The 2008 Rondo delivers a safe, affordable and spacious ride on a budget, but can't match the sportier performance or resale value of others in its class.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.0
Performance:7.5
Exterior:5.8
Interior:7.8
Safety:9.7
Reliability:6.0
Volvo V50 Image
  • MSRP: $26,815 - $31,565
  • Invoice: $25,206 - $29,671
  • MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy

#4
2008 Volvo V50

The 2008 V50 is fun to drive and has modern Scandinavian styling, even if passenger and cargo room is a little tight.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.0
Performance:7.5
Exterior:9.0
Interior:8.1
Safety:NA
Reliability:4.0
Volkswagen Passat Wagon Image
  • MSRP: $25,200 - $39,200
  • Invoice: $23,479 - $36,669
  • MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy

#6
2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon

The 2008 Passat Wagon offers comfort and utility in an appealing package. In addition to two powerful engine options and superb handling, the new Passat Wagon comfortably ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.7
Performance:7.9
Exterior:8.2
Interior:7.7
Safety:NA
Reliability:4.0

Unranked: Affordable Full Size Wagons

Our rankings are based on analysis of third party reviews. Sometimes, we are unable to find enough reviews to publish a definitive ranking. Please check back later, as we are constantly updating our reviews.

Ford Taurus X Image

2008 Ford Taurus X

MSRP: $26,855 - $32,425 | Invoice: $24,785 - $29,798 | MPG: 16 City / 24 Hwy