I agree absolutely! I have my issues with Ford products over the years, I think the blame up to now in reliability rest squarely with Volvo. (I can't believe you've had that much GOOD luck with the Escorts! Which model years?)

My 1998 V70 has cost me an arm and a leg in parts, almost all in electrical, air, or body parts. I now have to replace the ABS module. I've had the remote door lock levers replaced on the drivers and rear left door twice under warranty and they have remained broken for about a year until I can figure a way to make or buy a metal replacement part to fix the design flaw.

After belonging to the Volvo religion for over twenty years (first as a mechanic and then as a safety conscious consumer), my V70 and the stories I have followed hear and in other groups have caused me to renounce my faith. Unless something fundementally changes, I'll never buy Volvo again.