MetroMPG -

The string is for pulling it along because it looks like a toy, aka for a 3 year old.

(I think)

CarloSW2

I suppose that's why they have the high-falutin' name "estate cars" (in the UK anyway). EG Passat estate.

(The word "string" was missing from the initial post.)

What a coincidence that I like hatches and wagons, and I also spent a lot of time in Europe growing up. ;)

They were popular in the 70's and 80's. I think Americans just got over them the way they got over minivans, and they way they'll get over SUV's and crossovers as well.

As for myself, I was always ambivalent on hatches until I got one. Now my three favourite bodystyles are convertible (2- or 4-door), wagon (2- or 4-door), hatchback (you guessed it, 2- or 4-door), and 2-door notchback, in that order. I've never liked 4-door notchbacks, though.

As to the AMC up there...I've always kind of liked those, if for no other reason than to be different.

I have to say.... I do like 3 door hatch's. But them 5 door hatchs suck. When I went to go get rid of my 06 Civic. My first choice was a 3 door Yaris with power package and full air bags. Even tho it was a valid config on yotas web site. Gulf State Yota,,, the distributor did not bring that config in. I would have had to go to Kansas or Mo. to get the car or get a dealer trade. I was willing to spend money to mod the god awful cyclops dash. But nobody in my area could get the car I wanted. But yet they had it in the sedan. Ive learned to hate yota ,,, there disro's and dealers.

Its like 5 door hatch is a want to be station wagon, suv and mini van all in one. I keep a truck in my fleet at all times. So why a limo hatch?

My fav. car of all time was a 92 festiva... a 3 door hatch. 5 door hatch... That just isn't right....

I miss my Tercel DX....