http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/index.htm?id=467326

1.) Consumer Reports has a bazillion readers who fill out questionaires about problems and they say avoid the XC.

2.) Subarus have a sort of "Tupperware" feel to me. Reliable according to CR. Would pick the Forester over the Legacy with 2 kiddies.

3.) HAVE a Honda Oddity, it's not missed a beat so far, but I can't say I enjoy driving it. If you need a big box with wheels, it's a great big box with wheels.

4.) 5-series wagons aren't that common, also if you get the V8 you may not want to experience repairs once the warranty expires. Look at the clearances (or lack) in the engine bay.

5.) Swedes did without AWD between the end of the last ice age and 1997. What's wrong with a 2WD V70 or 850? (There ARE issues with all recent Volvos including the rather pricey AC evaporator and ABS module, but nothing as insurmountable as the angle gear-bevel gear issue of the XC.)

All IMHO.

-bill d cat