Do you drive a Subarau Forester or Ford Escape?

[crazycanuck]

Hey,

We're looking into purchasing a new vehicle as ours isn't going to make it another 6months..We might just be joining the 21st century with our new car!!! :eek: YAY!!

If you have a Forester or Escape, please tell me your thoughts. Also, do you drive a manual?

tanks

[songlady]

'03 Subaru Forester here. It's an automatic. It's the perfect size for me, I love that I can put the back seats down and throw the bike in the back and go. It's been very reliable (knock on wood) and handles Rochester winters very well. I will definitely be buying another when the time comes.

[7rider]

I drive an '01 Escape. I can drive a stick, but my Escape has an automatic.
It's been a pretty good vehicle - perfectly sized for my needs, very versatile, takes a lot of abuse from me. I carry all kinds of crap with it - bikes, kayaks, skis, bales of hay, whatever..... I have the V6 - I've heard bad things about the reliability 4-cylinder. I can't speak to the 4-cyl hybrid. With no roof rack and cruise control, I can get about 25 mpg on a long highway trip.

I hate the local Ford dealers (crooks!), my Ford dealers up in MA were better. Other than that...I just do regular maintenance - had a few unexpected repairs along the way - and it's been pluggin' along just fine. Great vehicle.

That said...I am looking to replace within a year or so (maybe), and a Forester is on the short-list. So, I'm curious to see what responses you get! :p

[snapdragen]

2002 Forester here - I love my Suby. No problems with it at all. The AWD does affect gas mileage - I get anywhere from 17 mph (lead foot, in town driving) to 25 mph (freeway driving) If I pay attention to how I drive my mileage goes up :rolleyes:

[emily_in_nc]

I had a 2001 Forester. Probably just bad luck, but the transmission gave out in just four years (admittedly, I drive a lot -- had about 100K miles on it). The dealership would only replace the transmission at a cost of $4K, not repair it. I ended up trading it in on a Honda Element and have been very happy with the change. The Forester is really small in the cargo area, even with the seats down. And has carpet everywhere (which we stained with bike grease). The Element is carpet free and holds several bikes upright (with the back seats removed) in the back, instead of on their sides. Even the front seats are farther apart and roomier, much more comfy for traveling. My DH always complained about how tiny the Forester was. It's fine for commuting, but not for long trips (which we take a lot of).

So, I know most people love their Subarus, but I am one of the few who didn't have a good experience with Subaru or Foresters in particular, and won't buy another. I had VERY high hopes for it and admired the company, but got unlucky. :(

Emily

[NJBikeGal]

I have an '05 Escape. I love it. It was exactly what I wanted in terms of size, gas mileage (although that was when gas was $1+ cheaper!), and looks. We've had zero problems with it and I still love that car everytime I get in it. The seats fold down so that the back end is open and flat, it can take a roof rack (I use a little step stool for easy access).

My car is an automatic, although our other vehicle is a stick.

[VeloVT]

When I bought my Subaru (2001 -- getting a bit long in the tooth I guess), I looked at both Outback and Forester. I initially wanted a Forester because I thought it was better looking, but the Outback handled much better, had **more** cargo space (in that year, anyway), and had every bit as much ground clearance (not that I take it off road but it's helpful in the snow!). I was surprised that the Outback had more cargo space, but it was really the handling that won me over.

I have a standard, because I like driving stick. Honestly it hasn't been as reliable as one might have expected. There were a few transmission issues in the first year (all covered under warranty, and some actually associated with recalls), and I had to replace the clutch at like 20,000 miles (and I **swear** I don't ride it).

But it's great in snow and I can get a whole lotta stuff inside, including two road bikes when necessary. (Though I highly recommend Yakima roof racks...).

[tc1]

Our workgroup just had a Ford Escape hybrid to test drive. Everyone loved it. A huge amount of legroom, even better than a minivan.

I never drove a Subaru, they are for short people. When the boyfriend and I went to look at one, the salesman ignored us. When we finally got to sit in one, his head was smashed against the windshield. Subarus aren't good if you are more than about 6 feet tall.

If you want an Escape hybrid move quick, they are all going for fleet sales.

[Meaux]

I have an '07 Escape. I love it. I really do. My in-laws have an '04 or '05 Escape, no major problems with it yet, and they drive the living daylights out of that car.

[crazycanuck]

Thank you for your input! We are being lent one(an escape) for a day so i shall give you our thoughts on fri!

Next week we might borrow a Forester & decided...

We actually were looking @ Holdens but the Crewman wasn't exactly what we wanted...:(

Vroom..

Update-The Escape's wonderful to drive! I can see over the steering wheel!!! The only downside is it doesn't fit a mtn bike in the back..poo..

Ian had a thought whilst walking Yukon...He wants to look into a Holden Commodore..We'd have no worries with room!!! We'll check it out..

[7rider]

Hmmm...
Holden's aren't available in the States.
Are they sold here under a different name?
Got a link to them?

p.s. Our Escape has a receiver hitch and we have a Thule T2 rack (http://www.thuleracks.com/product.asp?dept_id=8&sku=916)on the back for the mountain (and road) bikes.

[crazycanuck]

I have no clue :( All i know is Holdens are v nice cars!!

I know they're sold as Vauxhaull in the UK, are Vauxhaull's sold in the US???

Another issue with Subaru's is they're one of the most popular vehicles to steal in Australia...

We started off looking @ Holdens and I think we might just have another look.

Thanks!

[7rider]

Vauxhall is part of GM (General Motors) UK division.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vauxhall_Motors
Holden is the Aussie version.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holden

Ahhhh, Google is a wonderful thing! : )

[IFjane]

subliminal message.....Honda Element......Honda Element........;)

[tulip]

My stepmother recently bought a new Outback to replace her old one that had gotten totaled in a wreck. We drove the Forester but found the Outback to be much more comfortable.

Can't comment on the Escape. I drive a VW Rabbit, but then, I'm partial to small cars.

[mkidd]

We had 2 Outbacks at one point and found they were much roomier and handled very well in the snow--and better than Forresters as well.

But we also has small issues mechanical with both. Overall we were disapointed given how much we had heard people go on about the longevity or reliability. I can't say I'd be looking to buy another.

[elk]

my 02 Forester is my favorite car ever... but I would never buy a Ford...so can;t compare.

we also have a Honda Element...we can easily fit our 2 bikes in the back on those great rubber floors.

ANother one to think about is the Rav4 by Toyota...

[crazycanuck]

RAV4 :eek::eek: I'm not going to post what my other half and many others think about that vehicle :rolleyes:;)

We've decided the next time we speak to a dealer about a vehicle, (our bike is coming along and it's the first thing we'll measure) the bike has to fit in the back laying down..

Vroom

[elk]

well jeepers....we had one before the Element and it was incredibly reliable and deceivingly roomy...

[7rider]

Well, we all have our biases - unfounded or not. DH won't ever consider a Toyota and I won't ever get a GM. :rolleyes: Fortunately [sic] there are a zillion other options out there to consider.
I think if you are buying a vehicle that will need to carry bicycles, then you should by all means bring your bikes with you and try loading them.

[emily_in_nc]

We've decided the next time we speak to a dealer about a vehicle, (our bike is coming along and it's the first thing we'll measure) the bike has to fit in the back laying down..

We were able to fit two road bikes lying down in the back of our '01 Forester, but they had to be stacked atop one another (use an old quilt or cardboard in between). But, that was ALL that would fit. With both bikes back there, it was very hard to take much else (like on a trip), not to mention a pet carrying case, a large cooler, etc. etc. Thus, the Element.

Emily

[crazycanuck]

Weelll..guess what i just figured out..:o The Honda element isn't sold in Australia :o www.honda.com.au

There's a rather nice looking HOnda CRV though..

I'm def not going to stack our bikes on top of eachother. Ian would give me a :eek: look if i even suggested it!

[KnottedYet]

I took my dog with me when we went test driving for our first new car.

If he didn't fit happily, I didn't consider the car. The dealerships were surprisingly cool about it. Guess I wasn't the first to bring something along that just *had* to fit in the new car.

(ended up getting Subaru #3... had a 1986, a 1996, and my first brand new car a 2005) My Imp holds one bike in the back with the seat down and the front wheel off. I suppose I could stack one bike on top of another, but I have a Thule rack for when I want to carry more than one.

[auntiebobo]

Love my '05 Forester. I can get my bike in the back no problem but do have a nice hitch mount rack that moves out of the way when I need to transport more than one bike. (The heated leather seats are fabulous!)

Before the Forester I had a '98 CRV that was also great. The nice thing about the CRV is the spare tire on the back and you can get a spare tire mount rack for those - less hassle and cheaper than a hitch mount, if you don't need to transport multiple bikes very often.

Have fun! A new car whatever you end up with is always exciting!

[7rider]

(ended up getting Subaru #3... had a 1986, a 1996, and my first brand new car a 2005) My Imp holds one bike in the back with the seat down and the front wheel off. I suppose I could stack one bike on top of another, but I have a Thule rack for when I want to carry more than one.

DH has an '02 Impreza WRX. Depending on the bike (wheelbase), he can carry 1 bike on its side with the front wheel on. For 2 bikes, we take the Escape with the hitch rack.
The CRV's are very nice (the new ones seem almost TOO nice to sully with dirty bikes and kayaks and such!). A neighbor of mine has an '04 CRV that holds 2 bikes upright, front tire removed and braced against the back of the front seat (rear seats folded flat). It works out great, and he can pack other things in around the upright bike.

[crazycanuck]

We took Ian's mtn bike with us car hunting yesterday & came to the following conclustions..

We don't want an Escape or a Forester because his Scott won't fit lying down. Also, they didn't pass the iggy lying down test. If ian can't lay completely flat in the back of the vehicle to sleep, we don't want it.

We looked at a few more cars & came to the conlusion that our next vehicle might be a Nissan X-trail. We'll keep looking but we won't buy anything until we return from our May trip.

[LBTC]

We don't want an Escape or a Forester because his Scott won't fit lying down. Also, they didn't pass the iggy lying down test. If ian can't lay completely flat in the back of the vehicle to sleep, we don't want it.

Ah! DH thinks the Holden will work for this, or another wagon or van. The X-Trail will likely not be much different in this regard from the Ford Escape!

Hey, if you wait until after your May trip, you can see what our wagon is like! :p

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[crazycanuck]

Hmmm T..what kind of wagon do you kids have? We can let the boys discuss vehicles over a few bevviess..haaa haaaa..

[Raindrop]

I've had two Outbacks in the past (a 1996 and a 2001), and the first was awesome, the second a dog. I also had Thule bike racks that fit both...and then I bought my current 2006 Forester. Unfortunately, the bike racks didn't fit it, but since my DH rarely rides and since I usually start my rides from home, I haven't worried about a bike rack yet.

I'll mention that a Great Pyranees fits fine in a Forester, as does my bike.

However, I'm a Personal trainer that does in-home training and my last Outback was much roomier and easier to cart my equipment from place to place. The newer Outbacks are much smaller and don't accomodate my equipment any better than my Forester does.

I've always had standard transmissions in the past but promise the husband I'd get an automatic this time so he could drive it too. (I personally abhor automatic transmissions...but love the hubby, so he won out...this time).

So far, no problems and I think, based on gas consumption and interior room (for bikes and dogs) the Forester is the better buy. Plus...according to consumer reports, one of the safest SUVs out there!

[Tuckervill]

Your husband can't drive a stick? That's hard to believe...must be some good reason besides just not knowing how.

My husband can't drive a stick in most cars because he can hardly operate the clutch with his extra long legs. But he does know HOW. :)

My son, who is only 25 and manages an electric supply company, said he hired two drivers for his new store the other day--and neither of them could drive a stick! These were young guys! So he's going to teach them, just so they can do their job. I think that's basic information most kids should learn.

Karen

[Raindrop]

Well, he CAN drive a stick shift. He actually had to move my Subaru..once. So, I know he's capable of it. It's just that he doesn't want to drive a stick.:rolleyes:

Now, I taught my son how to drive on a standard transmission and every car and/or truck he's had has been a standard transmission.

I'm of the opinion that everyone should at least know how to drive a stick shift, whether or not they want to or not.:)

[elk]

yeah...I learned to drive in my dad's old MG...british racing green...ahhhh...

and every car I've had since is manual...but the auto transmissions are so good now that sometimes they are even MORE fuel efficient. And sitting on the highway...inching along with a stick is getting old...:p

I might have to go for auto next time....but I've said that before.

I think they are also getting more rare (sticks)...in passenger vehicles anyway.:confused:

[ccnyc]

I have a 2004 Subaru Forester and love it. It gets about 23-26 mpg, mostly highway driving. If I put the back seat down I can lay both bikes inside with the front wheels on. I put a moving blanket between them. Also have roof racks but putting them inside is easier.

For 2009 Subaru came out with a Forester that can hold 2 bikes upright in the back with the seats down. Unfortunately, I think it's only available in Japan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRWmLe6Et3w&feature=related

[indigoiis]

Was a loyal (3 in a row over 10 years) Subaru driver until I got my Prius.

Can fit the bike (just one, though) in the back of the Prius, and the mileage rocks.

The only thing I (occasionally) miss is the awd.

[OakLeaf]

Was a loyal (3 in a row over 10 years) Subaru driver until I got my Prius.

Can fit the bike (just one, though) in the back of the Prius, and the mileage rocks.

The only thing I (occasionally) miss is the awd.

Yeah, I remember, we're twins :D

Okay, I only had two 'Rus over 9 years. And I miss the ground clearance as much as the AWD.

I've been really favorably impressed with the way the Prius handles on uneven ground and in heavy rain and moderate snow - much better than I expected from a lightweight 2WD car. I doubt it would be able to climb my driveway in deep mud or sheet ice, though, unfortunately. Buying that car was really conditional on us remaining snowbirds for the immediate future.

Oh, and I was wrong - the battery is NiMH, not lead. Still toxic, but not as bad.

[JennyPi]

I love the look of the Forester. However I do not own one.

Has anyone considered the Scion XB? Yes, that would be the "cereal box on wheels" but the newer one is a lot smoother and round. I bought an '08 and I love it. These cars are packed with goodies and style. The interiors are very modern having plastic on the doors. Cup holders everywhere! The back seats do not completely come out but they do come down in a push of a button. It also comes with a built in iPod outlet (and iPod extras), so naturally it has an mp3 player. Underneath the backseat theres a slim space all along the bottom so you don't trash your car. I haven't tried to fit 2 bikes but it definitely fits one (not in total standing up position). The gas tank is small and it's great on gas! The engine for all '08 Scions are now Toyota CAMRY engines! We all know that Toyota's run forever. That's what sold me. I would have gone the Hybrid route but it was a tiny bit out of my price range considering that I'm still in college :o Also considered a wagon, the XB has got great perks and style. I love mine.

Oh yeah. You save a lot of money when you go the Scion route. Toyota (Scion) designs are meant to appeal to the modern person (ie: modern dash, mp3 outlet, overall interior). They pack as much as they can into the car and then sell it for a reasonable price.

[crazycanuck]

THanks for all the info. Neither of these cars fit our requirements and are pondering our thoughts again..

We like the x-trail but it's too much like a soccer mom's car. We'd like something with a bit rougher image.

[Starfish]

We like the x-trail but it's too much like a soccer mom's car. We'd like something with a bit rougher image.

<knowing nod>

I know you said the Element was out...I think something about not available where you are? I am just relating to your comment above. I had a HARD time choosing my Element over getting a truck like I used to have.

Lots of things about the Element image I had a hard time with. I even spent some time thinking of license plate frames I would have to get in order to dispel some stereotypes. But, now that I have it, it is so incredibly handy for everything I want it to do, that I know I am stuck with it. I like it.

May you find both the utility and the image you desire! LOL

[crazycanuck]

May the force be with us..

We don't have to rush quite yet..We'll wait until we get back from our overseas trip & then get into it..

[KnottedYet]

Lots of things about the Element image I had a hard time with. I even spent some time thinking of license plate frames I would have to get in order to dispel some stereotypes.

What is the Element image and stereotype?

[Starfish]

What is the Element image and stereotype?

Knot, I'm going to skirt this question, because I realize I should not have posted that. In the clear light of day this morning ( :) ) I realize I might have started a discussion that could quickly become divisive on a lot of levels, and I don't want to do that!

[Irulan]

What is the Element image and stereotype?

me three, tell us! I know about Forresters but not Elements.

[Irulan]

well, I just got this:

As I was giving my Subaru to my son, had to replace it.
Our requirements were wagon, affordable, +30 mpg, nice trim level.
Mazda 3

http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/newmazda.jpg

I honestly don't understand why anyone buying a car today would look at less than a 30 mpg vehicle. Subarus are great and all that, but until they can bring their mileage up I wouldn't consider buying another one. I hear that if you are really, really careful you can squeak about 28 out of them, but that is not most people.

[KnottedYet]

I get 32 mpg out of my Impreza, 36 on the freeway if I stay at 65 mph. (Imprezas are the little Subies with the regular engine.)

I still wanna know about stereotypes for Elements and Foresters.... anyone wanna PM me? :confused:

[Starfish]

I honestly don't understand why anyone buying a car today would look at less than a 30 mpg vehicle.

Well, my Element doesn't get great mileage...but it is the perfect mix of everything I want my vehicle to do.

- The AWD is great in the snow.
- The low height and interior dimensions make it a snap to load my bike and keep it locked inside, without removing any wheels.
- I can sleep in it fully stretched out, also with my bike locked inside with me.
- I can stand up in it (with a hunch, of course) for pee'ing (TMI? But this is very handy) in the night while camping and for changing.
- It is a GREAT tent for when I camp...which I do alone, and like being locked in.
- I moved furniture last weekend, and the taller interior made it easy for dressers, etc.
- The non-carpet interior is easy to clean and does not pick up moisture like carpet-lined cars.
- The rear power jack lets me work on my computer as long as I like when out for working-weekends.

There are just a lot of things I really like about it. So far, it just works for me. I looked at a lot of other cars, but none had this combination of what I wanted (except the Chevy Astrovan 4WD...but mileage wasn't any better, and there were other things I didn't want in the Astrovan...although those things, on their truck chassis, are amazing, affordable, and go like 300,000 miles easily...they also have cavernous space.)

[Irulan]

I get 32 mpg out of my Impreza, 36 on the freeway if I stay at 65 mph.

I still wanna know about stereotypes for Elements and Foresters.... anyone wanna PM me? :confused:


Oops, I meant for Outbacks.

[KnottedYet]

Yeah, the larger Subies are not the best at mileage. My Legacy (the big wagon, but not as sexy as a Legacy Outback) got 24 mpg or so on a good day. Then the engine kinda went toes-up and i was getting 17 mpg!!

A new engine was tooooo expensive, so I traded it in on my Impreza. But I was pretty tempted by the Element and the Scion XB. I was looking for room for the dog/kid/bikes/junk.

My concern with the Element was that at the time it wasn't available with stick and all wheel drive. The dealer tried to convince me I'd like an automatic just fine, but nope. I was also a little worried about getting SKnot in and out of the car through the overlapping doors, and the stability of the "B" pillar. (now that he's big enough to sit in the front seat that's no longer an issue)

[Irulan]

I could get 30 mpg out of my 95 legacy on the highway, on a good day,with a tail wind.
But that car is gone now.

[OakLeaf]

Yeah, the larger Subies are not the best at mileage.

They all spec the same (or used to under the old EPA mileage ratings) - is the reality different? Both times we kept looking at the Imprezas and noticing that they got the same claimed mileage as the Legacy/Outback, so why not get the bigger capacity.

[KnottedYet]

they all have the same engine (except the big engine in the one Legacy Outback trimline, and the turbo in the WRX) but there does seem to be a difference Impreza to Legacy in actual use.

My uncle and I have each had both Legacies and Imprezas, and we've each gotten better mileage in the Imps. Maybe cuz we haul more in the Legacies, maybe cuz they're a heavier car, I dunno.

I still want the Subaru diesel boxer engine... gimme gimme!

[firenze11]

We like the x-trail but it's too much like a soccer mom's car. We'd like something with a bit rougher image.

I bought an X-Trail this year. . .the first car I've ever bought on my own. I looked at the Element, Rav, and CR-V. But I really dislike the squashed down back end. And I had heard the Element is only ok in snow. I love love love the look of Jeep Wranglers but couldn't possibly justify the awful gas mileage.

So the X-Trail gave me the boxy look I like. Good gas mileage (not great). The option to put it in AWD on snowy and slippery roads and put it in 4 wheel lock if I have to. And I can put my bike in the back without taking a wheel off (but I need help for this) and can put it in by myself with the front wheel off. I'm sure there's a better way than I do it, though.

This is an long winded way of me saying I agree it's kind of soccer mom looking. I like something that looks a bit rougher, too. But it ended up being perfect for me right now. I hope you find something that suits your needs!

[elk]

yes...BUT..the boxer engine on the Subaru has very low emissions....

[Blueberry]

I still wanna know about stereotypes for Elements and Foresters.... anyone wanna PM me? :confused:

I'd like to know too - PM is fine:) Just wondering what my car says about me:confused::eek::confused::eek:

[KnottedYet]

yes...BUT..the boxer engine on the Subaru has very low emissions....

and those horizontal cylinders are just so *cute*! (they really are cute! I have a picture of the diesel engine in a perspex mount at my desk at work.)

[Irulan]

I'd like to know too - PM is fine:) Just wondering what my car says about me:confused::eek::confused::eek:


heck, there's 25 pages of google on the subject...
http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/otherfunstuff/tp/LesbianCars.htm

[tulip]

I love the one about the Dodge Magnum! The boyz in my old 'hood in DC would be chagrined if they knew Magnum's reputation!

[Blueberry]

heck, there's 25 pages of google on the subject...
http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/otherfunstuff/tp/LesbianCars.htm

Very interesting:) Thanks for the link!

Funny - I associate most of the cars on the list with other things - being hip (Mini), being environmentally friendly (Prius), etc. Interesting to think about:)

CA

[emily_in_nc]

Yeah, I too was wondering what Starfish referred to about the Element. I've been driving mine since 2004 and don't know if I fit any "profile" or not (married, no kids, 40-something, active, athletic). I do know that when I did my original research on the Element, Honda originally positioned them as cars for 20-something males who were into camping, hiking, mountain biking, and other adventures, but quickly found that Baby Boomer couples (like DH and I) and empty nesters were buying most of them!

Emily

[firenze11]

heck, there's 25 pages of google on the subject...
http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/otherfunstuff/tp/LesbianCars.htm

Huh. Once again I learn something new everyday. I guess I feel kinda naive or something because I had no idea there were broad stereotypes about cars and sexual orientation. I only knew of the Subaru one, which I actually read about in a major newspaper up here about a year ago.

I guess I've always associated cars with people I know and have seen drive them. The Element owner I talked to was a very outdoorsy guy and talked up all the room his had for bikes and surf boards and dogs and stuff. I kind of associate Jeeps with the hot athletic guy I had a crush on in high school. Acura Integras were the popular girl car. My parents bought me my first car, an old Volvo, that I felt was a very dorky :) I wanted a cute, sporty, popular girl Integra :p (but it got me from A to B faithfully, just couldn't stand up to our winters)

[Starfish]

heck, there's 25 pages of google on the subject...
http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/otherfunstuff/tp/LesbianCars.htm

Well, this was not what I was referring to.

But, you can all understand why I would want to bow out of the discussion, right? If I write a list of stereotypical attributes that I didn't want the Element to say about me (in other words, if I described the stereotype I did not want to be identified with), then I have immediately implied an insult to everyone here who does have those attributes.

Do you see?

[elk]

I don't know why everyone thinks the Forester is awkwARD looking....(re the article) I LOVE my Forester; it was love at first sight in fact, because it looked so sturdy...like a good pair of brogues...solid on all 4s..
Like a cross between an old Volvo and a Jeep...

I DO admit a preference for the 1st & 2nd gen. This new one..like most new cars these days..looks like all the other new cars...Volvos don't even look like Volvos anymore...they look like freakin' Mazdas....

(not that there's anything wrong with Mazdas...Volvos aren't mazdas, that's all.)

[brok]

'08 Ford Escape - converted from driving Chevrolet all my life, and I love it. Can't comment on the Forester.

[Tuckervill]

My son just bought a Scion Xb. It is much more curvy than it used to be. A bike would fit in it, but only lying down. And there's carpet on the back of the back seat, just like the Subaru's. It would be an okay car for a cyclist, but not as utilitarian as an Element.

Karen

[Irulan]

I don't know why everyone thinks the Forester is awkwARD looking....(re the article) I LOVE my Forester; it was love at first sight in fact, because it looked so sturdy...like a good pair of brogues...solid on all 4s..
Like a cross between an old Volvo and a Jeep...

I DO admit a preference for the 1st & 2nd gen. This new one..like most new cars these days..looks like all the other new cars...Volvos don't even look like Volvos anymore...they look like freakin' Mazdas....

(not that there's anything wrong with Mazdas...Volvos aren't mazdas, that's all.)


Mazda and Volvo use the same platform.

[KnottedYet]

And Ford owns Volvo.

[Blueberry]

And Ford owns Volvo.

Yep. We love DH's 98 V70, but there will probably be no more Volvos for us. The safety isn't what it was, and they don't have the same feel anymore:mad::mad: Ford seems to have made their cars safer at the expense of the Volvo safety:mad: (I'd be happy so long as they had kept Volvos safe, but they DO NOT crash test well from what I've read).

[KnottedYet]

My step-dad stopped buying Volvos after they got bought by Ford. Now he buys Toyota.

[firenze11]

Yep. We love DH's 98 V70, but there will probably be no more Volvos for us. The safety isn't what it was, and they don't have the same feel anymore:mad::mad: Ford seems to have made their cars safer at the expense of the Volvo safety:mad: (I'd be happy so long as they had kept Volvos safe, but they DO NOT crash test well from what I've read).

Same here. I was kind of upset when I heard Ford bought Volvo. (Not that I have anything at all against Fords, my Dad has an F-250 that has served him well and is now a farm truck and I seriously considered an Escape.)

When my parents bought the Volvo I drove in high school, another family came in looking for one. They told us a story about how their son had just crashed theirs. He wrapped it around a telephone pole and came out of it alive and ok. They thought the Volvo saved his life and vowed to stay with the brand.

I considered getting another Volvo (yeah, I know I said I thought it was dorky in high school but I really did love that car) but found the reviews were pretty mediocre now. It's disappointing.