Have Volvo vehicles improved since being bought by Ford?Rating 1 to 6. (1 - Yes, 6 - No)

[niloc]

The age old debate over Ford's ownership of our beloved marque. Just for curiosity, let us know your opinions with the poll. I'm sure there may be a few surprises with the outcome.

I don't think that there was anything wrong with the Volvo range before Ford took ownership. The last of the true Volvo's was the 900 series as far as I know. The only Ford components on the latest range is the chassis every thing is Volvo, so gone are the days of robustness, and good old ruggedness. My 760 turbo saloon litteraly fell of the back of a recovery truck whilst being deliverd to my local specialist after the throttle cable broke and only sufferd minimul damadge to a susspension arm. My mechanic said he would be very surprised if a Ford chassied Volvo would escape with as little damage as my true Volvo.

[Pedro Fandango]

when i brought my 480 the thing that impressed me the most was all the little bits & bobs that Volvo had thought out (illumanting ignition barrel, rear wiper comes on in reverse etc) & must admit i was a little disappointed when i found most of these hadn't even been moved onto the 850. & from what i understand even more of the little touches that no-one else thinks of have gone since Ford took over. I really do think BT is going to be my last Volvo

[James A]

I have no real interest in any of the post-900 Series Volvo cars, although the current V70 is a nice car to tool around in. Bricks all the way for me!

[ascott1]

Originally Posted by gizz'y

I don't think that there was anything wrong with the Volvo range before Ford took ownership. The last of the true Volvo's was the 900 series as far as I know.

Some V70s seemed to be dreck (as noted elsewhere), wonder if that was why Volvo sold the car division, cf the ETM saga which seems to date from the late 90s. Beginning to wonder whether even the later 900s are robust enough for long-term ownership (cf 960s with plastic radiators, flakey handbrake cables, no pollen filters in the aircon, door cards that tear).

Originally Posted by gizz'y

...gone are the days of robustness, and good old ruggedness. My 760 turbo saloon litteraly fell of the back of a recovery truck whilst being deliverd to my local specialist after the throttle cable broke and only sufferd minimul damadge to a susspension arm. My mechanic said he would be very surprised if a Ford chassied Volvo would escape with as little damage as my true Volvo.

Legendary body strength but poor electronics and hard-to-get, expensive mechanical parts seem to be the story from 940s on. Even suspension arms etc seem to cost lots. Hope the VOC, or some enterprising Swedish/US suppliers, will be able to help with support as these cars get older.

[imac]

Whilst I respect the older models (had several 700's in the family previously and they were fab) I much prefer the post 95 models, having driven all.

My latest 2002/2003 S60 is a world apart from our previous 1986 760 GLE or 1990 740 GLE, the looks, ergonomics, refinement and comfort are miles ahead on a like-for-like basis.

They're not as solid, but thats due to manufacturers having to make the car pedestrian friendly etc etc. The later cars will be safer in an impact for the occupants than old models, but the older models would stand up to an impact MUCH better due to their solidness.

Personally, I'd rather live in a major accident and have a complete write off of a car, rather than lose one of my legs but still retain a working vehicle!

[gnhuk]

There are many people who now have Volvos, myself included, who would never have considered most of the older models. To survive in the current market you need to appeal to the largest market possible.

I was looking for an A4 when I ended up buying a Volvo.

[imac]

Originally Posted by gnhuk

I was looking for an A4 when I ended up buying a Volvo.

When looking for the replacement for my 850 T5, the only cars that I was considering were:-

Saab 9-3
Volvo S60
Audi A4
Jaguar X-Type

Going back 15 years, Volvo wouldn't have been in a position to compete with Jaguar!

[James_N]

Originally Posted by James A

I have no real interest in any of the post-900 Series Volvo cars, although the current V70 is a nice car to tool around in. Bricks all the way for me!

Pretty much my opinion. I love my 740 to bits, and regard it as a "proper" volvo.
Really when you think of the extra's i have on my GLE (you all know by now, heated seats, electric everything etc) for 1989, i'm betting this was pretty rare top spec car. Hell even now, not TOO many cars have heated seats apart from Audi/BM etc, so for their time, the old Volvo's were way ahead.

I cant really comment on newer Volvo's. I did have a gander round a dealers the other day, and i cant remember what model i looked in, but i was a bit dissapointed at the sea of grey plastic inside. I know most mid range cars tend to have a boring interior, and I appriciate the interior of my 740 is far from amazing, but it still strikes me as rather boring.

This is all my opinion, and not FACT. They may well of come on in leaps and bounds, i dont really know, but if i had to buy a volvo again, it would be a 740/940/850.

[740-estate-nut]

Originally Posted by VolvoT5

When looking for the replacement for my 850 T5, the only cars that I was considering were:-

Saab 9-3
Volvo S60
Audi A4
Jaguar X-Type

Going back 15 years, Volvo wouldn't have been in a position to compete with Jaguar!

Let's look at your choices.. Fifteen years ago, Volvo and Saab were Swedish, and Jaguar was one of the best british marques around.. and Audi were outstanding german cars..
Now, Saab is now a GM company, you'd be better off with a Vauxhall Vectra
The Volvo s60 and the Jaguar X-type are the same car... (Ford Mondeo)
And the Audi A4 is just another name for a VW Passat...
If you want a real good car, something that will keep you going for a good few thousand miles, invest in a 740/760 or an early 940/960... a good one... spend about 4 grand (UK sterling) and you will have many MANY happy motoring years..
I myself have a 740 estate with a 2.4 TD engine.. nearly 200k on the clock and she's still going....