This post started with my long, odd obsession (for an American, anyway) with station wagons. Why they got such a bad rap in the US, I’m not really sure. I don’t think they were ever considered cool, even before National Lampoon’s Family Vacation sealed their fate as the ultimate uncool family hauler.
The Europeans figured out early on that the wagon was the most practical form factor, including the hatchback. That’s why they tend to have the nicest designs when it comes to C and D pillars (the 3rd and 4th pillars). Meanwhile, I think everyone else tries to trick Americans into thinking that any car that’s not a sedan or pickup truck is somehow still a sedan or pickup truck.
With the United States’ obsession with SUVs—which are just much larger station wagons, yet we still have a hard time getting a decent wagon—I think car manufacturers have gotten a little nuts with their styling. So I want to lay down some ground rules for any car with a hatch or liftgate.
My 6 Essential Pillar Rules
1. The C pillar cannot be thicker than the D pillar. For most designs, it should be hidden under glass or at least appear to be.
2. The C and D pillars must match the slope of the rear window. They should flow naturally with the glass, not fight against it.
3. Exception for the D pillar: It can be slightly thicker at the bottom than the top, but only slightly. We’re talking a gentle taper, not some chunky pillar that looks tacked on.
4. The roofline cannot drop down to meet the line while ignoring the slope of the rear window. This causes the roofline to get thick and chunky toward the back of the car—a cardinal sin.
5. The body of the car/rear door cannot abruptly angle up to meet the D pillar. Looking at you, Volvo EX30. They were so close to getting it right.
6. Study the masters: Usually BMW, VW, and Audi follow these rules. Volvo does too (mostly), and Jeep has some winners (though they have some real clunkers). Honda used to be one of the worst offenders, but they’re finally righting the ship.
My Personal Pillar Pain Points
What pained me the most was our 2012 Subaru Impreza—that D pillar drove me absolutely crazy. The Outback and Forester used to be okay, but even they’ve had their awkward moments.
I know this is probably just another one of my own odd obsessions, but I can’t be the only one who notices these things. When you see a car with pillars that flow naturally with the glass and body lines, it just looks right. When they don’t… well, it’s like fingernails on a chalkboard for anyone who cares about automotive design.
So tell me—am I alone in this pillar paranoia, or is anyone else out there with me on this?
Even that's Odd 
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