What's wrong with a wagon?

The crossover-happy US seems to dislike station wagons, though they are popular in other countries. A few automakers are looking to bring back the wagon love.

While wagons are popular in many parts of the world, consumers in the U.S. seem to dislike wagons. Instead, crossovers seem to be the more popular choice, but why? Today's question is: why wouldn't you buy a wagon?

Crossovers are often hailed for their "car-like" driving qualities--but what's more car-like than a car? Yet, for some reason consumers are more interested in crossovers than station wagons. Thankfully, some auto makers are still selling wagons in the U.S. marketplace.

Audi is currently launching its new 2013 Allroad here in the U.S. But Audi isn't calling it a wagon. Instead it is marketing it similar to the Subaru Outback and the new 2013 XV Crosstrek, not a full crossover, but not a station wagon. With puffed up fender flares, skid plates, and decent ground clearance, the Allroad can tackle the dusty trail while hauling all your gear. Audi actually dropped the A4 Avant in favor of the new Allroad for the U.S. market.

If you want an American station wagon you'll have to head to your Cadillac dealership and take a look at the 2013 CTS Sport Wagon. Wearing Cadillac's Art & Science design language like a tight fitting dress, the CTS Sport Wagon features sharp angles and terrific style. While the 3.6-liter V-6 is powerful, there's also a fire-breathing supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 producing 556 horsepower available in the CTS-V Sport Wagon.

Both of the above wagons are fine examples of vehicles that are more than fit for duty when it comes to hauling the kids to soccer practice when compared to many compact crossovers. They feature enough cargo room to fit all the soccer balls and juice boxes, while still getting sedan-like fuel economy.