Faults:

The blower motor for the heat and A/C went bad.

O2 sensor went bad.

Overdrive relay went bad.

The E.C.U (brain) went bad.

Replaced most of the lenses for the lights on the car, as they cracked and broke with age.

The odometer stopped at 213k, and a few other things; the list is too long.

I have put over $5 thousand in repairs.

General Comments:

I LOVE MY VOLVO! Despite all the things I have had to fix on this car, it has been a trooper. Including me it has survived 4 college students, been rode hard, put up wet and still usually doesn't complain. My friends and I affectionately call it "The Blue Beast", and it really lives up to its name. It is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned. The heated seats are a blessing in the winter.

As for the handling, it corners like it is on rails. I was shocked when I first started driving it. It's a big body sedan that will fit in places it's hard to get some smaller car, due to the fact it turns on a dime. The brakes are amazing, they are so responsive and stop the car very effectively.

The ac leaves much to be desired, it was built for Sweden. The A/C keeps it bearable, but not as cold as I would like, still and all it's OK.

As for acceleration, it's a little sluggish, but once it gets going, watch out. The car is a little underpowered, but at the same time has no problem doing 80mph down the interstate.

Another complaint I have about it, and it's a small one, the car seems to throw hubcaps. I have 1 original and 3 replicas. Luckily they are fairly inexpensive to replace.

I love the funky, boxy style of this car too.

Faults:

Occasional rough starting.

Windshield wiper motor replaced.

Overdrive switch had to be replaced.

Exhaust pipe between two mufflers rusted and broke off at one end.

Tail lights go out constantly.

General Comments:

I love this car. It has been owned within my family since it was pulled off the lot eighteen years ago. I inherited it several years ago as a college student, and have had minimal problems. Despite the electrical quirks, it has treated my family and I extremely well!

Most problems with this car have been electrical. Overdrive switch was malfunctioning, randomly taking my car in and out of overdrive (not enjoyable when you're donig 70mph on the highway). Tail brake lights go out constantly, which I believe is due to moisture... this isn't a huge problem because they're cheap, easy to replace, and the inside break light always works.

The stock radio/tape deck stopped working a while ago, which I replaced with a Sony stereo unit.

A few other electrical sensors have been replaced to solve a mysterious problem where the car would occasionally not start. Numerous mechanics were stumped by this, but the problem seemed to go away after we replaced the sensors.

This car is roomy, classic, and is more fun to drive than expected. While it doesn't have any safety features per se, it's an absolute TANK, so I've never been worried about what would happen in an accident.

Faults:

Rear taillight has a short.

Exhaust needed to be completely replaced.

Hood latch is broken.

Moulding is falling off.

Air conditioning doesn't work.

Radio and speakers are shot-radio is falling into dash, and speakers cut in and out.

Rear wiper works intermittently.

General Comments:

This car is very reliable. It starts up every morning rain, shine, or snow, and still shifts very smoothly.

However, it has a very slow acceleration, which is scary when merging onto busy highways!

The interior is comfy, seat heaters still work fine, and heat blows HOT. Plenty of room for 5 teenagers in here, not to mention all of our cargo!

I bought this car sight unseen from a mechanic friend, and aside from replacing the exhaust, it has had only minor repairs over the last two years- mostly maintenance and new tires, battery, etc.

Perhaps the best thing about this car is that my kids find it highly embarrassing. This makes it fun to drive them around in.

I feel very safe and confident in this car and would recommend it to anyone.