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Comments
Dependability
Problems per 100 vehicles after 3 years
Lexus 163
Infiniti 174
Buick 179
Acura 196
Toyota 201
Cadillac 209
Lincoln 212
Honda 218
Mercury 240
Jaguar 247
Saab 255
BMW 262
Nissan 267
Chrysler 295
Ford 295
Audi 318
Mercedes-Benz 318
Volvo 331
Volkswagen 391
You have saved me some time to search for the data. I can make my point using your numbers.
Remember, the numbers just give the factual base, it an analysis and a conclusion that transforms the data into the information.
The way I read this list - all modern cars are very dependable and reliable. So, when I make my choice, I am basing it on other parameters - style, features, perceived social status, etc. The reliability and dependability issues become the secondary ones. With good service (and my Volvo dealer provides an excellent service), I can live with one "any" (minor or major) problem per year on average. Such number of problems per year per car does not describe any car on a list as the troublesome. When I consider a number of very sophisticated components and modules in my Volvo (it has 15 on-board computer processors, for starters), the average number of defects looks rather impressive from the first to the last car on that list.
Once again - a car with the average reliability is a very reliable car these days.
Has anyone else had this "omission?" Should I just ask my dealer to replace the handle with one wrapped in leather?
The door and bumper moldings are now body colored.
Dash revised slightly. Real wood now available with the Premium pkg.
S60 2.4 auto dropped from the lineup.
S60T5 gains 10 hp.
For $10 more per month, this is what we get on the S60 2.5T with premium and sport packages compared to a S40 2.4 with climate and premium package.
Low pressure turbo engine
Automatic transmission
17" wheels
Sun roof
Fog lights
Bi xénon headlamps
Speed sensitive steering
Trip computer
Wood trim
Air outlets to rear passengers in B pillars
Power passenger seat
Auto dimming rear view mirror
Homelink
IAQS
Rear head rest fold down feature
We prefer the outside look of the S40 but prefer the interior of the S60. Since we will be inside the car and not looking at it from outside, the choice was easy.
The Ford influence has only made Jaguars regain their image as a world class vehicle. Before Ford, it was a joke.
They have made an X-Type that while panned as a Ford Mondeo, outside of the USA is considered a damn good car. So what if it shares a platform with the Mondeo...are we not 99% similar to mice and monkeys?
The Ford influence has helped Land Rover survive and thrive and the new products such as the LR3 is said to be almost too good that it may hurt the mighty Range Rover's sales.
And finally, without Ford, the new vehicles by Volvo, such as the XC90 and its V8 model, the new S40 which so far is getting higher acclaim than my S60 T5 will ever get, and all the new funds available for futher research that has now benefiteed the 500 and Freestyle, would not be possible.
Now, you may have owned a Tempo or a Zephyr in the past, which may explain your remark about Ford. But, honestly, it is time to stop the ignorance.
And after using 1997 F-150 for the textile equipment manufacturing business for 5 years I would not buy any other truck, if I ever need one again.
Booorrrriiiiinnnnggggg.
Ford has given the Swedes a kick in the pants and has given them access to new materials and capabilities.
For a marriage, its working quite well thank you.
When it comes to reliability, Volvo, with all my love and brand loyalty, is just average in this respect, and does need an outside influence to improve it.
I am not sure if you are aware, but the Ford Explorer came out with the worst roll over rating among all SUV's sold in the US this year. The report was published just last month.
The Ford influence only made things better as far as I can tell. (But I still would not buy an Explorer)
Guy
Plus,
Explorer 4WD did not tip during the roll-over test, and therefore, it's 3 stars are due to the fact that it's taller and narrower than some other.
I also remember seen 2 star ratings among SUV. So Explorer can not be the worst one, as it was mentioned.
Yeah an old Bronco is probaly worse...
Jaguar had no place to go but up, so I don't know how much anyone should be using Jaguar as a case for dramatic improvement due to superior management. I'm sure it wasn't easy, but almost anything would have been better than what they had.
And the Explorer does still have a rollover issue and the anti-roll stuff from the XC90 is going into next year's Explorer to compensate for it.
All that being said, I have been pleasantly surprised by the percentage of good things Ford (as a group) is doing.
Did you ever see the Toyota commercial where the secretary drives her boss back and fourth to work daily in her Corolla while his Mercedes is in the shop? Funny stuff.
Volvo has a reputation for longevity, but not the reliability. These are two different parameters, driven by different intrinsic characteristics.
We have a long discussion about it 6 to 9 month ago. You can search for some of my posting on a subject.
It looks like splitting hairs, but truly, the reliability and longevity are different and not always correlated. The perfect example is condom (can I say this word?) - extremely reliable single use disposable item...
Thanks.
A Hyundai XG350 could take me where I needed to go just as easily as my S60. There are many subjective reasons we buy the cars we do. I know many wealthy people who drive plain, inexpensive cars since they view a car as a tool and can't understand why anyone would pay a lot of money for one.
Call me a snob, but unfortunately, I require a bit of exclusivity in my driving experience. That's why I'm willing to pay a premium, that others would deem ridiculous, in order to drive what I drive. I'm neither right nor wrong, just me.
With this in mind, when I see a new Ford Freestyle, 500, whatever, and know that it shares similar chassis and safety equipment that my car has, it cheapens my driving experience. Again, this doesn't make me right (or commendable)but it's something important to me.
I'm, sure the vast majority of new s40 drivers have no idea they're driving a Ford Focus or Mazda 3. Even those who might know probably don't care because they are driving a fantastic car. I just think it diminishes the subjective value of the car.
Sorry for this "tiresome" "Ford crack" but given this is a public forum, I would hope everyone's opinion is valued here.
There is a different kind of sharing in automotive world. I personally do not like, when Japanese automakers "luxury up" their commodity cars and present them under different brand name. I believe that the luxury car should be designed from the ground up for this purpose, that is why, despite of previous statement, I like Lexus 400 - 430 LS, which was developed as an upscale car to begin with.
Having this in mind, I would not worry much, if the technology that has been developed by Volvo is finding it's way to the less expensive counterparts, as it become cheaper to produce.
I have somewhat mixed feelings about S40 sharing platform (though very good one) with Ford Focus and Mazda, but
1. The platform is not much more than the body case, while the power train and the suspension appears to be very different on all three cars.
2. It was not design by Ford, but by very respected German designing firm.
3. Volvo does not portrait S40 as much of a luxury car.
Also, please remember, that most if not all the automotive technology was first developed for very expensive exotic cars, and then trickled down to the mass production, when it became more economical to manufacture.
Very unexcited car. Volvo did a good job with it. The old S40 was a decent car.
But a new platform is a lot better.
very nice.
Alpine makes Volvo's radios.
Is this true? Does the quality of steel vary from cars that share a platform? In addition if you go upmarket, ex from a Outback to a V70, is there a tangible increase in steel quality and does it translate into improved safety. If anyone has details please enlighten.
http://www.worldautosteel.org/article2_021104.html
Volvo sells nice winter tire kits, shod with Gislaved tires. I bought the 16" kit, including the steel wheels, 205-55 16 tires and Volvo hubcaps. This set up works very well in Quebec, which is about as far North East as you can go....
Is this true? Does the quality of steel vary from cars that share a platform? In addition if you go upmarket, ex from a Outback to a V70, is there a tangible increase in steel quality and does it translate into improved safety. If anyone has details please enlighten.
Volvo -devotes- searching for solice in "durability" is a fine thing. That being said, who would buy an S60 for durability? Oh yeah... we're buying 45 series soft compound tires that blow out and/or smack the rims on a mild pothole because we're so "durability" conscious? (grin).
I can see the Volvo ad now-- Buy a Volvo... we're rated worst for reliability but we're durable!
I have an old 740 that successfully lasts for 15 years and 150K miles, and I bought S80 and XC90 with expectations that they will last for 8-10 years and 150 - 200K miles each.
Also, I do not believe that general public has an image of Volvo as of superior reliable car, it's usually attributed to Toyota and Honda.
I have a lot of friends who would ask me "Doesn't Volvo require constant maintenance and adjustments?"
I always thought that Volvo's reputation is safety and longevity.
I strongly believe, that Volvo's reliability is getting better (just as all the cars) and, even it is relatively low (compare to Lexus), is GOOD ENOUGH to ensure happy ownership.
And lastly - you are not so far from truth - Volvo did have a marketing slogan not too long ago emphasizing it's longevity - Volvo for life - implying life long ownership. I like it, so as many-many others.
One way or other - it works - overall, Volvo sales grows rapidly in US and around the world.
But it is still a limited production company - and that is another thing that I like about Volvo. I do not want to drive a commodity car, even knowing, that being produced in huge quantities guaranties a superior reliability.