Top 5 Wagons for 2009 Just Announced by NADAguides.com

COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 1, 2008 - As 2009 cars, trucks, vans and SUVs hit showrooms across the U.S., the editors at NADAguides.com, a leading vehicle pricing and information website, today announced their top 5 wagons for 2009.

"Forget what you think you know about the 'family truckster' of the '70s and '80s," said Don Christy, Jr., president and CEO of NADAguides.com. "Many of today's wagons offer modern styling, plenty of power under the hood and excellent handling. What remains timeless, however, is the flexibility a wagon offers when it comes to hauling passengers and cargo."

Following are the NADAguides.com top 5 wagon picks for 2009, in descending order.

5. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E Class 6.3L AMG Wagon

If you can afford the $86,000+ price tag, NADAguides.com editors say the 2009 Mercedes E63 AMG Wagon offers "thrill-a-minute driving with beautiful styling thrown in." It boasts a 507 hp 6.3L V8 that generates 465 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 7 paddle-shifted automatic transmission, a sport suspension for improved handling and optional seating for seven.

4. 2009 BMW 5-Series Sport Wagon 535xi

It's hard to believe the 2009 BMW 535xi Touring is a wagon, but it is and, according to the editors at NADAguides.com, "every bit what a BMW should be." The AWD-equipped, 300 hp-enabled, twin turbo-charged inline 6-cylinder-powered luxury car offers more than 58 cubic feet of space when the back seats are folded -- larger than some mid-sized SUVs.

3. 2009 Saab 9-3 Aero AWD Wagon

When they say engineered from jets, they mean it. The 2009 Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombi Wagon has a 280 hp 2.0L turbocharged V6 and optional AWD. In this category, people might opt for a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes badge, but they'd be missing out on something special, according to NADAguides.com. "This is a great looking wagon with a laundry list of standard equipment."

2. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen 2.0L TDI

If you're looking for a new station wagon that will run forever and gets great gas mileage (it's a diesel with EPA estimates in the 29 City/40 Highway range), the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen is for you. According to NADAguides.com, this wagon has the "top-notch interior build quality of a traditional German car" and a sub-$25K price tag, which only seals the deal.

1. 2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 GT

The editors at NADAguides.com chose the 2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Grand Touring as its top 2009 wagon pick for its fun and sporty styling, spacious interior -- enough to haul friends, family, groceries and golf clubs in one shot -- and racy turbocharged inline 4-cyl that generates 263 hp under the hood. "The MAZDASPEED3 GT easily jumps off the line and away from its sub-$25K competition. Who knew hip and practical could exist under one roof?"