I've heard, was subcontracted to build the Volvo computer circuit boards etc. Anyone else heard this? I've seen electrical parts imprinted everywhere from Japan to the Balkans. Also, in the R&T special on the 850, I read the Volvo wiring harnesses are assembled by the disabled, including I'm sure including the developmentally disabled.

After 2 Saabs and a Porsche I went into this with open eyes, I love the Volvo's combination of handling and performance and practicality but honestly I'm just getting too old to screw around with all this electrical stuff. MB, Audi, VW Saab, Jaguar and BMW are just as bad if not worse, so I'm not singling out Volvo for particular blame.

If Honda-Acura offered a station wagon version of the Accord-TL with the V6 and six speed manual, I'd buy it tomorrow. But they don't.

About 1/2 of OP's complaints seemed to revolve around being smoked by his friend's BMW 318i. I can assure him that a T5M will suck the doors off a 318i.

Order the "Soccer Mom" package with the 168hp engine, couple it with the slushbox and then blame Volvo because it's slow! Geesh! If you don't want a slow car, don't order the low hp motor!

-Punxsutawney Phil

"Duct tape is like The Force, it has a dark side, a light side and it holds the Universe together."