Any wagons that get good MPG?

[FIREseeker]

For some weird weird I LOVE wagons. They handle like a car yet they are roomy and practical.

Anyway, all the wagons I see get surprisingly bad fuel mileage. Does anyone know of a model that actually does well? Maybe I'll have to go w/ an econobox thing like a Honda Fit or Ford Fiesta..

[Jluke]

Subaru?? maybe the crosstrek? though most are AWD

[John Doe]

Horse-drawn wagons get like an infinite number of miles to the gallon.

[FIREseeker]

I just sat in a friend's new Ford Fiesta last night. Comfortable car given the size! And he said it gets 36 mpg highway. That's not phenomenal but it's pretty respectable.

I don't think there are any wagons that get decent MPG. I'll have to find me a hot hatch.

[John Doe]

Yeah, in all seriousness, wagons are heavier and less aerodynamic than hatchbacks, so they'll always end up guzzling more gas.

[autoxer]

I'm also a big fan of wagons. Currently driving a Jetta sportwagen 2.5S with a 5 speed. With 170hp, it isn't completely lethargic. My long term average is 25mpg, but I do get 30 - 34mpg on the highway. I considered the diesel version, but I don't drive enough for it to pay off. I would take an older passat wagon if I could find one with a manual transmission.

[sandrark]

Since this is the frugal forum, I assume you mean used?

I owned a Saturn wagon that got 35mpg+ - the plastic body panels are much lighter weight than metal. LOVED that wagon!

But beware: the early '93-'95 SW2s had issues with oil usage and bad piston/valve assemblies.

Post '95, the parts changed and the consumption was better...

[ua_guy]

What size vehicle are you ultimately looking for? I think a Fiesta could probably fit in the back of a Jetta.

Also not sure what your criteria are for fuel mileage. 36mpg is very good.

[asoloans]

I go with a real toyota or german made jeep