Well, crap. Blinking arrow of doom.

[FlyingVolvo]

My dad handed down this car to me for his 2008 Subaru Outback, the first thing he says is "I kind of miss the Volvo transmission". The Subaru up-shifts as soon as possible to maximize MPG. I've driven it, and while it is quick off the line, the transmission never feels like it's in the right gear. Our transmissions are damn tough, and need a little care from time to time, but they are smooth! I think the fluid condition is the single most important factor in their lifespan.

FWIW, I've now put a couple hundred miles on mine with the Magnefine inline filter and nothing has exploded yet. Installation was annoyingly easy and the shifting is still perfect. Even better now that I figured out the stupid brake pedal switch problem.

[da7]

Isn't it?

My family has never owned auto cars for any period of time - we've always had manuals. The 2 other autos that ARE in the family now - a 2001 Ford Escape and a 2005 Jeep Liberty (that we've owned since new and taken care of as it should have been) - both have jerky and slipping transmissions - 105K and 65K respectively (the Jeep has been doing it since as early as 50K, but hasn't blown up yet). I know several people with Honda vehicles that have had transmissions go out on them. These Aisin-Warner transmissions, though - they're awesome!

yeah I had a friend who spent $5000+ on his 2000 model Honda Accord to fix an auto transmission problem so common in that series of Hondas! And another friend also spend $5000+ on a BMW Auto Transmission... ouch....