DALLAS, May 15, 2002/FW/ --- For many a growing family in the 1960s and 1970s, the station wagon was the ultimate symbol of suburbia.

The station wagon of yesteryear was a boxy workhorse that just screamed married with kids. But that's changing, so don't be surprised if you hear the words "sexy" and "station wagon" in the same sentence.

Automakers are calling it the "sportwagon" the ultimate driving machine for the young, active family. Today's sports wagons are billed as stylish and even elegant.

European automakers have been making sportwagons to cater to a clientele that wants the drive of a sportscar with the versatility of an SUV -- like the new Saab.

And because they drive like a car and not like a truck, automakers are hoping these sport wagons with their versatility will make them the must-have vehicles for 2002.