Volvo Opinions

In My Humble Opinion
21

Sadly, and strangely, they have, Zenster. And it’s to satisfy the American market.

Actually, I don’t know what the plan is right now. I guess getting away from Volvo’s reputation of being a boxe boring car for liberals, into something sexier. But quality is down. I kinda like the way the new SUV looks, but I wouldn’t buy one.

For a used car, and Volvo, try to find the last year they made the 850 (-97?), before turning it into the V70. The wagon, with the 2.5 liter engine is very very nice, combining the best of two worlds. I drove one, in my previous job, for a year. Never any problems with transmission or anything. Fast, drivable and reliable, while feeling safe.

It’s alway good advice to get the last year of a model line, when all problems have been taken care of.
I got the very first Pt Cruiser that rolled off the boat in Sweden. Yes, people took photos of me driving it down the street the first month. But my what a piece of crap that car is. Mind you, it was only made vailable with the tiny 2 liter engine, and automatic. And for a car that heavy… No way. I only had it for six months, and would gladly have taken the old Volvo back

22

One more thing to add. Since you’re looking at a used car, I might not recommend the Accord so highly, if you’re looking for peppiness - I have a 2003 Accord, and it has a better engine and more responsiveness than the 2002’s. If you look at the road tests of the 02 and 03 Accords in Consumer Reports, you’ll see a marked contrast in all-around quality. I don’t know if you can get a used '03 that isn’t a lemon or wasn’t nearly totaled, but should you come across one I’d recommend it.

23

Yes, the Accord is nice, but remember they are also one of the ‘hot’ cars, they get taken alot. Might not be for high crime neighborhoods.