Faults:

This model does not have a limited slip differential as my previous models had. Limited slip is almost a necessity in the northern part of the continent for winter travel.

General Comments:

This car is extremely solid, has excellent control and its comfort is a bonus.

Faults:

The automatic transmission up-shift controller was replaced at 50,000 miles. The cost was low.

The plastic radiator neck cracked at 75,000 miles. The cost was low.

General Comments:

The car (945TG - Turbo Wagon) has lived up to my expectations, which were quite high given the relative cost when purchased.

The car has always started and performed as required. It has never left us stranded.

The turbo engine has over 150,000 miles and is still running strong. There are no fluid leaks of any type.

Due to a simple design the regular maintenance items are easy to perform.

Faults:

Cruise control has not worked since I've had the car.

Radio stopped working one cold winter morning. It won't find or stay on a tuned station. The tape player still works fine. I've also had to replace both rear speakers.

Recently it has started to electronically switch into low gear by itself.

Had a very low impact collision at less than 5MPH. Both air bags blew up. The cover to the passenger side air bag smashed the front window. The front seat belts would no longer extend themselves and had to be replaced. This was not a fun experience. The impact did not even scrape the dirt off the front bumper!

Fabric on drivers seat has worn a hole on the door side. The car is low and it is almost impossible to get in without rubbing your body, (my butt), along the outside edge.

Car is sluggish going up hills with a full load of passengers.

General Comments:

Ride is very smooth and comfortable.

Faults:

As told to me by the previous and original owner (he is my next door neighbor) :

Ground wire not secured properly causing the battery to die. Dealer was not able to locate the problem. Owner is by trade an electrician and discovered the faulty ground. Owner proved his point to the dealer resulting in the dealer replacing the battery for free.

Timing belt broke at around 100,000 miles. Owner should have had this taken care of before it snapped. A different dealer serviced the car for the timing belt and all is well.

General Comments:

I am in the process of purchasing this car at this time. I am writing this because I took this car for a test drive and what I discovered might help someone else in their decision making process to purchase this model.

The test drive consisted of cruising through 3 states. It lasted for several hours and I logged about 150 miles. I put this car in many traffic situations from 60 mph to stop and go beltway traffic for miles. I traveled country back roads and city streets. In my travels, I felt at all times like I was sitting at home in my favorite chair listening to the stereo.

This model handles very well. It gives enough road feed back to keep you connected, but soaks up the miles while you drive. Steering is as if on rails. Wiggle the steering wheel a little at 55 and one can see how busy the car is maintaining its course.

Parking this vehicle is easy. Negotiating slim lanes in a parking garage and turning sharp corners was a breeze. This car appears to be narrow in a parking space. This helps other cars to not bang the sides with their doors. On the street is a different sensation as it maintains the presence of the space it occupies. It seems that others driving around me seem to give more respect than I am accustomed to when I need to change a lane.

Gas consumption was low enough. For 8 years I normally drive a Camry with a 2.0, fuel injection and automatic. It sips gas. Comparing the gas usage of the Volvo was on the same roads I travel with the Camry.

Also like to make a brief mention that I understand now why you see so many Volvos in Bolivia. That is one mountainous country.. very rugged. Volvo trucks are everywhere pulling those mountains. This little 2.4 4 cylinder gives me the same sensation as it climbs hills. The 4 speed automatic transmission has good shift points for all types of driving situations.

Not knocking Toyota (I have three, a Tercel, Camry and a Tacoma 4x4) but my first impression of the Volvo in the first miles was "refined" driving. Remember now, this is a 9 year old car with 142000 miles that popped my Toyota bubble.

I only have one complaint sort of. No coffee cup holders. I guess the Swedes are not allowed to drink and drive.