The styling of the Estate Wagon is definitely a throwback to the hefty land cruisers that predated the 1973 energy crisis. Simultaneously elegant, functional and substantive, this is the vehicle you would buy if you owned a ranch or a construction company.The slanted, wind-deflecting front hood and dramatically angled windshield of our Dark Cherry Metallic test vehicle revealed the extent of Buick's aerodynamic impulses: The roof-support pillars blended in with the front doors, which yielded a cleaner line and visual continuity. The sunroof was so expansive, it looked like it belonged on a railroad observation car. The luggage rack was solid but compact.
Another nod to bygone days was the copious amount of chrome that adomed the Estate Wagon-from the beefy bumpers and assertive side moldings to the ubiquitous door trim and inset door handles. One area of compromise, however, was the front grille, which was chrome-colored plastic.
Popping the hood was relatively easy, but when it was up, the tops of the headlights were exposed to allow an unimpeded view of the headlight wiring and other innards. Perhaps this access facilitates repair work, but a vehicle so well-appointed cries out for cosmetic headlight covers. The Inside Story
Entry into our Estate Wagon's cavernous front-seat area was aided by conveniently mounted leather straps that helped us close the wide doors. Easing into the wagon's plush leather/vinyl seats was akin to settling into a favorite leather chair. The six-way power seats could be operated even after the key was removed from the ignition.
Befitting such a comfort-oriented layout, all of the necessary power assists were ergonomically displayed on the driver's-door armrest-sparing the knuckle-scraping annoyance of reaching under the seat for such switches.
The analog-numbered dashboard was easy to read. We also appreciated the armrest-mounted lights that, when the doors were open at night, illuminated the ground below and alerted oncoming traffic to our open doors.
The pullout ashtray/coin tray/ cupholder unit jiggled a bit much for our taste, with about 3/4-inch of play. The cupholder in particular was so unsteady that had we tried to secure a cup of coffee there, we were sure we would have ended up with a puddle of hot liquid on the carpet.
The leather-rich seating was roomy enough for six adults. Even though Buick says the Roadmaster will carry eight, the rear-facing third seat is probably best reserved for kids.) Both the third and second seats folded down, providing 92.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The tailgate could open two different ways: down, to enable easy loading of large and heavy objects, or to the side like a car door for easy passenger entry and exit.
The Estate Wagon's child-safety lock ensured that the rear hatch could be opened only from the outside-an inconvenience if the rear seat was occupied by impatient adults, but a potential lifesaver if the aft occupants were curious children.
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