The used cars to avoid list is compiled by Consumer Reports. Volvo's quality problems began to surface well before the Ford aquisition. It seems 1999 was the first year in a long time that Consumer Reports pulled Volvo off their recomended cars list after buyers of 1998s reported too many problems. Since then several models have made it to the famaous Used Cars to Avoid list. My theory is that as Volvo prepared its car division for sale they took measures to boost profitability as to gain the best possible sale price. Its not Fords fault, but I cannot imagine Volvo gaining any quality skills from Ford. Adios Volvo.