Why Volvo?

[DavidB]

(not sure where to post this so if a mod can move it?)

I would like to thank the community here for the help that I have gotten recently with my Volvo. but I remain curious, why Volvo? It seems that many members with whom I have dealt have multiple Volvos and have loved them for years. And despite my issues with the car I have been constantly impressed with it ('97 850 GLT / 140k miles); the common theme I hear from people is that Volvos are "built like tanks." Personally I plan on keeping this car for another 100k miles and putting the work into it to make that happen, but I'm curious, what is it that drives people to Volvos, and.. since I'm thinking of buying another car, should that be a Volvo?

[93Regina]

...but I remain curious, why Volvo?

Myself, I prefer RWDs from a maintenance viewpoint. B18 thru B230 equipped RWD Volvos were built with good engines, transmissions, rear axle units, and EFI units were Bosch, which are also good. If taken care of and maintained, they can last a long time.

All vehicles will need maintenance, sooner, or later. Premature component failure happens on all vehicles produced.

I've found RWD vehicles cost less to maintain than FWD units. For instance, I repacked front wheel bearings for around $12.00 last week; on FWD, one would replace hub-bearings, and then renew axle shafts and seals with a cost around $200.00 for a DIYer. More tools are required to do this on FWD, which adds more cost, and a PIA if you don't have a good impact. So, another $100.00 plus if you have a good air compressor.

If a person does not maintain their vehicle, I would suggest buying one of American's (if you live in US) most common sold vehicles. Volvo parts can be reasonable, if you are "Google Smart." An independent garage may rip you more because its a "Volvo" or import vehicle.

I make use of my 1993-245 in terms of extra rear space when hauling this/that. Both of my running 1993 Volvos (245/944) still get good fuel economy, 25-mpg plus, but I have an easy foot on the peddles (brake/gas).

These newer vehicles with electronic transmissions, and independent rear axles, I stay away from. I know of newer vehicles being junked when automatic goes. Even on a Volvo, they are not cheap to repair...all depends, but a new one, last I knew, was around 7,000 clams.

Needless to say, finding a good used vehicle tends to be far and few between these days for older vehicles, for a realistic price. I prefer to fetch one that wasn't driven in road salt as a daily driver. Once the unibody starts rusting thru around suspension mounting points, you can kiss it goodbye unless you know or someone else knows how to fabricate sheet metal....and it may not be cheap to repair.

[mrbrian200]

If 'more class less flash' is your M.O. Volvo should be right up your alley, especially if you're an OCD neat freak type that likes everything to match/mesh cleanly with nothing appearing oddly out of place or mismatched. Very few vehicles successfully accomplish this through the entire vehicle, luxury or otherwise, outside of high end makes that cost upwards of $200k or more. With the exception of a few awkward color schemes you may come across Volvo has been nailing it (at a relative budget price) for some many years now.
Since Greely came along they've gotten serious about being on the cutting edge of features and technology which had taken a back seat during the Ford/influenced P2/P3 years and appear to be gaining traction again with new car buyers.

[abscate]

I think BMW has the highest lease rate of 75%

Volvo is lowest in luxury brands at 32%

Translation: BMW...Poor people getting poorer trying to look rich

Volvo: Smart people getting richer bring smart. Some are so smart they reuse old engine oil, and raise their mpg by running the intercooler upside down

[93Regina]

Translation:

Marketing folks should have an idea why people buy/lease this/that brand/model.

FWIW:

The Jordan Motor Car Company was founded in 1916 in Cleveland, Ohio by Edward S. "Ned" Jordan, a former advertising executive from Thomas B. Jeffery Company of Kenosha, Wisconsin. The factory produced what were known as "assembled cars" until 1931, using components from other manufacturers. Jordan cars were noted more for attractive styling than for advanced engineering, although they did bring their share of innovations to the marketplace. Not surprisingly, the company's advertising was often more original than the cars themselves. Said Jordan, “Cars are too dull and drab.” He reasoned that since people dressed smartly, they were willing to drive “smart looking cars” as well.
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Jordan was also one of the first automakers to christen its model types with unique, evocative names such as the Sport Marine (with "fashionably low" 32×4-inch {81×10 cm} wheels, it was "essentially a woman's car"),[2] Tomboy, and Playboy. He originally wanted to name the car with the World War I term, “Doughboy,” but decided on the commonsensical but provocative Playboy instead.[8] In 1920, the company issued the Friendly Three coupe, with the slogan "Seats two, three if they're friendly”.
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Aug 13, 2013- A rare 1926 Jordan Playboy vintage sports car restored by Sally Jordan of Jordan Winery for her son John Jordan's birthday




Appearing in the June, 1923 edition of the Saturday Evening Post, the ad promoted the Jordan Playboy, in art by Fred Cole, driven by a cloche hat wearing flapper hunkered down behind the wheel in abstract fashion, racing a cowboy and the clouds.

SOMEWHERE west of Laramie there's a bronco-busting, steer roping girl who knows what I’m talking about. She can tell what a sassy pony, that’s a cross between greased lighting and the place where it hits, can do with eleven hundred pounds of steel and action when he's going high, wide and handsome. The truth is - the Playboy was built for her. Built for the lass whose, face is brown with the sun when the day is done of revel and romp and race. She loves the cross of the wild and the tame. There's a savor of links about that car - of laughter and lilt and light - a hint of old loves - and saddle and quirt. It’s a brawny thing - yet a graceful thing for the sweep o' the Avenue. Step into the Playboy when the hour grows dull with things gone dead and stale. Then start for the land of real living with the spirit of the lass who rides, lean and rangy, into the red horizon of a Wyoming twilight.

[93Regina]

The Jordan Playboy
Off-the-shelf parts combined with pleasing styling created a distinctively attractive automobile

[Silvershield82]

I like the transmissions and other engine parts, as well as the design of Volvo vehicles. it is also known to be one of the safest cars on the road. I also agree that marketing plays a big part for the sales, not only for Volvo but also for all car makes.

[June]

I grew up in a Buick family, but mom drove volvo for safety and reliability. I loved the big Bucks of the late 60's and 70's that dad and pretty much both sides drove. It was the thing for the moms to drive Volvo cars for the kids. I can tell you they were quite reliable cars compared to American cars then. Always safe and we're rather expensive.

That being said I would be long dead had two Volvo cars not been so safe. 1998 S90 three weeks old saved me in a head on collision with a Ford suv. In that case the woman had to be cut out of the vehicle. Then my 2002 S80 T6 launched and rolled in a field. Both wrecks I stepped out without a bruise or scratch.

Also volvo cars have that heavy hold the road feeling, nice solid bodies, interiors that are comfortable, and as always they seem to over think everything making those little extra conveniences. Like the trunk lid that opens far enough that you can never hit your head on the edge. Thats pretty much why I wouldn't drive anything else.

[cuhfs]

As mentioned above by June... 3 words... "Volvo For Life".