Head Room: Front 39.4 in. Rear Head Room: 38 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.2 in. Rear Leg Room: 33.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 53.5 in. Rear Shoulder Room: 53.5 in.
Front Hip Room: 50.1 in. Rear Hip Room: 52 in.
Fuel economy = Manual: 31 mpg / 34 mpg
They aren’t exactly the same, but they’re darn similar. The Fit seems to be a little bigger on the inside, in fact. Plus the fuel economy is better. Looks like I should get one when The Turtle[sup]TM[/sup] finally bites the dust.
I recently used a Chevy HHR as a rental car and was pleasantly surprised. Seems to have the cargo space you are looking for, I checked the mileage when I refilled the tank and it was in excess of 30 mpg.
Just wanted to say this 46 year-old rap-hater has always considered his Matrix to be a small wagon. We traded in a Corolla for the Matrix because of the vastly superior rear seat headroom. And since your OP requested a Corolla wagon, the Matrix built off the Corolla platform would seem a fine fit. The rear and front passenger seats all fold down for considerable storage.
But apparently you want something else…
At times I regret that we traded in our Camry wagon for a Sienna. But AFAIK, Toyota has no plans to add wagons to their line-up.
I know several folks who are pleased with their Jetta wagons. And the small Volvos are nice, tho a mite pricey.
I know you’re going to pooh-pah it as too small (since it’s similar to the Matrix and Vibe), but I loves me my Mazda Protege5. They don’t make 'em anymore - they’ve been replaced by the 3 - but I loves it, loves it, loves it. It’s not a station wagon (which I think is what you’re looking for), rather, it’s a sport wagon. Seats 5, plenty of cargo space, 60/40 split back seat that folds completely down for more cargo room when needed.
It’s got the same cabin space as the Protege sedan (which is to say it’s got Civic-like space), so while it does seat 5 adults, those in the back may be a bit cramped. The space back there is adequate, but not ample (if you know what I mean).
It gets great gas mileage - even in winter I’d get over 30 mpg, and I’m getting better now that it’s warming up. I love its looks and think it’s quite sporty. It’s not huge on the horses (only 130 hp, I think) but it’s fun to drive and responds well. I have the 5-speed.
I’m certain it’d be easy to find one used, but then again, I’m also nearly as certain that it’s not the car you’re looking for. You seem to have a different definition of compact wagon than do the other responders to this thread. That said, I love my car and will drive it until it falls apart.
The Saab 9-2 is an Impreza, sometimes called the Saabaru. The 9-5 wagon and 9-3 hatchback are Saabs, although they are now based on shared GM platforms; since GM owns Saab. With GM having sold it’s share of Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru) it’s not clear what the future of the 9-2 is.
As the proud owner of a Saab 9-2x (well, Gorgonzola is), let me say that it would be a great choice, other than that it’s more money than he wants to spend (unless you can find one at the outrageous discount prices Saab sold them for last year). It’ basically an up-scale WRX. Great car.
I also have a 9-2x, and though the car is great, it still has the same interior as a 2006+ Subaru Impreza, leather is an option, but the fittings are all standard Subaru, so it’s functional but not luxurious.
Well, there were significant upgrades over the 2005 WRX, but then the 2006 WRX got the same interior as the Saab, evening it back out. Although my understanding is that the cloth on the seats is a higher grade, and there is more insulation/soundproofing, and the carpeting is of a higher grade.
I wouldn’t call it luxurious, but I would call it good quality. The switchgear is very good, the fit and finish is very good, etc. But it’s certainly no Lexus.
