Len-

I can only speak from my own experience and my 96 has been less than reliable.

To its credit, seat comfort and overall driving dynamics are far superior to anything I have ever owned in the past. To its discredit, I have had problems with the rear main seal, abs control module, alternator, heater fan, blower motor, engine mounts, leaky sunroof, power steering pump leak, water pump leak, seat heaters, power antenna, various dash bulbs burning up and tons of squeaks in the dash and suspension. I have been very good about maintenance on this car, bought it at 47K with an extended warranty, Volvo certified. I now have 126K on it and woudl say I get between 2-3 oil changes out of it before it needs another $500-$1000 worth of repairs.

Maybe I am one of the few, but when I was less advanced in my career, I bought Fords because they were cheap. 2 Escorts, a Ranger and an Explorer. The 1st Escort needed a Carb after 130K, the second needed a starter at 125K, a waterpump at 150K and was sold at 200K. The ranger was a lease and was turned in after 30K, The Explorer went to 170K before I blew the tranny.

Combined, I put less money into all four of these vehicles than I have into this Volvo.