I was in my local bookstore earlier this evening just casually browsing, and came across the October issue of Bimmer Magazine, a publication familiar to both enthusiasts and non-Bimmerphiles. One of their lead stories for the issue was an article entitled "Safety First - Best First-BMW Buys," in which ten BMW models, ranging in age and size, are profiled and recommended for readers who would like to buy a (safe) Bimmer for their teenage driver's first car. Well, since I don't think it has been done on the Brickboard before, I've decided to write a post called "Safety First - Best First-Volvo Buys" and list ten Volvo models that I feel are best for a first-time teen driver, a take on the Bimmer article, so to speak. In no particular order, here are the cars:


1. 1990-93 240
2. 1990-95 740/940 (naturally-aspirated B230F)
3. 1995-98 960/S90/V90
4. 1995-97 850 (naturally-aspirated)
5. 1998-00 S70/V70 (naturally-aspirated)
6. 1999-02 C70 coupe (light-pressure turbo only)
7. 2001-07 S60/V70 (naturally-aspirated 2.4)
8. 2005-present S40/V50 2.4i
9. 2003-07 XC70
10. 2003-06 XC90 2.5T AWD


Note that I have left out certain models, specifically: all turbocharged cars except for the last two AWD models; 1992-94 960s because of their need for frequent timing belt changes; early 850s (1993-94) because of the fragile automatic transmissions and other maladies; any AWD car from 1998-02 due to fragile components, specifically bevel gears; any C70 with the high-pressure turbo engine (no need for a teenager to have that); and no S80s. Like the Bimmer article, I've compiled this list of Volvos, any of which would almost certainly serve a first-time driver well. I included the XC70 (Cross Country) and XC90 on the list because I know that certain teen drivers and their parents just adore SUVs.