Consumer Reports currently recommends TWO models of Volvo as new cars, none as used cars and has a number of years/models on it's "Used Cars to Avoid" list.

This month CR tested the S60 and ranked it #15 of 15 "Upscale Sedans". (#1 was the new Acura TL, #2 the BMW 330i, etc.) In fact, they still do recommend the S60, it does well in crash tests and the reliability isn't too bad.

My '98 V70 has 133,000 miles and it still uses no oil, the clutch is original and the transmission shifts like new. That was the good news. Problems have included almost everything that has electrons flowing through it, like switches, lightbulbs, power locks, the ignition switch, ABS module, plus the AC evaporator, thermostat, heater core, three sets of sway bar end links, a couple of ball joints, and I'm on my fourth cabin temperature sensor, second stereo and even my second steering wheel (!) People may say "you need to maintain a Volvo" and/or drive it gently and that's true as far as the engine, transmission and clutch are concerned, but WTF can you possibly do to preserve your ABS module???

After 2 Saabs, a Volvo and a Porsche I'm now "going Japanese" with Honda/Acura. Volvo's seats are fantastic and the car is fast, safe, lots of fun to drive and practical - I love the wagon configuration - but the amount of maintenance and repairs the car has required over 6 years is silly.

-Sammy