"All in all I would not let reliability be a factor against purchasing this vehicle."

Why not!

If someone were considering the purchase of a car which got 3 miles to the gallon, would you simply say, "All in all I would not let gas mileage be a factor against purchasing this vehicle."

That's ridiculous!

FACT: the Volvo 850 has a below average reliability record (Consumer Reports annual car buying guide).

You may have been one of the lucky ones who have not had the reams and reams of maintenance issues that the most of us have had. But to me, the consumer reports ratings say it all about 850 reliability--it is simply, factually, below average.

Take that below average rating and multiply it by the VERY high cost of parts and repair, and you have a recipe for a poor buying decision.