I Want a New Japanese Wagon!

[Joybell]

I cannot find a roomy Japanese wagon. I now own a rusting Subaru Loyale 2WD. I would like exactly the same one but they don't make them anymore. Subaru is AWD only and therefore too expensive. I looked at the Mazda Protege5 and the Suzuki Aerio, both too small. The Toyota Matrix is a little bigger but still not big enough and is not made in Japan. Any ideas?

[Anbeduma]

As a person who originally started out their search for a big family "station-wagon" (what the heck is that?) I can tell you that you are probably not going to have much luck in your search. THere are s few small domestics not - not worth pursuing. Have you considered any of the "small" SUV's. They really are today's wagon. I can personally highly recommend the Honda CRV. Although it isn't spacious enough for our family of four plus dog, it is a good size. You CANNOT beat Honda for reliability. It is reasonably priced. I don't know if age is a concern, but my Dad is 74 and he much prefers the height - for getting in and out - than a normal vehicle. Plus, the height gives you that extra bit of confidence in visibility. Toyota, unfortunately, is not as realiable as it once was. You will not go wrong with Honda.

[clay0074]

toyota just won top 2 satisfaction by its owners also place 4 in top 10

[Joybell]

I did look at the CR-V and we seriously considered it since it is made in Japan and probably as reliable as all Hondas "used to be" when they were all made in Japan. But it looked too much like an SUV (high and blockly looking). So last week we bought a new 2003 Subaru Forester (3.8% financing for 5 years). It doesn't have as much space as my old Subaru Loyale wagon, it was $800 more expensive than a 2003 CR-V we looked at, and Subaru dealers are few and far between.....but after owning 2 Subarus for 10 years each with no big repairs, I just couldn't switch brands! Hopefully the new Forester will be just as reliable and long lasting.

[Michael]

I have a fully loaded Mazda 3 GT, AND YES, IT"S BUILT IN JAPAN. I am extremely happy with the vehicle, already 3 trips to NY and back from Montreal, the car is very responsive and forgiving at it's limits, the ride is very smooth.