In its first year my S80 spent 27 days in the shop for a multitude of serious reliability, safety, and build quality problems. If you're interested in the grim details I'd be happy to share the laundry list that qualifies my car for a shrine in the automotive hall of shame.

The most serious of these problems concerns failure of the transmission, failure of the drive-by-wire throttle control, virtually every component in the front suspension, and shedding body trim parts. Many issues are design related, such as the Titanic-like turning radius; visibility to the rear quarters, power steering that runs out of assist in quick transitional maneuvers, and 'crystal radio' caliber reception.

I've driven Volvos all my life and have tolerated their foibles because I felt the cars were honest products that were filled with basic goodness. In my experience the S80 is the exception because it's shortcomings in design and build quality fall seriously short of the mark required of a legitimate player in the upscale luxury sedan segment.

Don't misunderstand me, it's not that the car is without virtue. It's a paragon of comfort, nicely styled inside and out, and a composed and competent performer with excellent brakes. I love this car which only goes to prove that love is blind because my passion ignores the reality of the ownership experience. By the same token, I couldn't in good conscience encourage another unfortunate individual to shoulder the burden that this car has been.

In this price class you can readily find outstanding performance, reliability, comfort, and safety without the pain of unfulfilled promise.