The car I keep in the city is a 1993 V6 Camry wagon. The car I keep at home is a 2001 V70 T5 . The T5 is safer and has a much more luxury feel. The Camry is ultra reliable over 150,000 miles and is easier to just get in and drive around the city (better vision, smaller turning radius, handles bumps better with 15" wheels). Our 2001 V70 (first year of new model) has had numerous faults. It's very fun to drive; the seats are great. I keep telling myself if Toyota still sold a V6 wagon in the U.S. (they do in Australia), and if it had side airbags, I would buy it over the Volvo.

I highly applaud the V70 aesthetics. But: My Toyota wagon, in black w/gray tint and Lexus wheels, still is often the best-looking car in the lot (has to be black due to rear appearance).

If your wife is used to the reliability of a Toyota, she will not like having to make service appointments for a Volvo. You'll need a convenient service venue.

If you value safety for your wife above all, you can be complacent about the Volvo. Long as she's not stranded.