B&W Name Change Theory

I see Bose and Volvo on the same level. Terribly overrated, and bought by people who believe the advertising, without knowing much about the subject.

Volvo's safety "advances" are typically Mercedes patents that Mercedes chooses not to enforce. Beside that, most Japanese cars surpass Volvo's in most areas.

I remember an Audi ad from long ago, with a nondescript car making lots of noise and all kinds of things happening when it hit something. Then comes the Audi that smoothly just goes around the same object.

Look at Volvo resale value - even Bose's is better - there's a message there.

So - I don't want a Volvo with or without Bose, or Bose with or without Volvo.

One final note - all those super-smart people who buy Volvo's and put all the college decals in the back window to impress someone. The fact that they can't see out the back window anymore - doesn't that send anothert message?

From a 740 to a Civic and the 740's safer. This is surprising? The Honda price went up. Look at pictures of Honda's over that period and see if maybe there's some justification, like size, equipment, etc.

The new Accord is the size of a 5 series -and starts at $20k. Seems like a reasonable value that will have people lined up again - somehow this equates to Honda's taking advantage?

What I said was many of "innovations" Volvo has been so adept at taking credit for are are Mercedes unenforced patents. You can find them in Civics today too. Subaru's have 5 star crash ratings etc.

Many of the Japanese cars have safety ratings better than Volvo. Check Consumer Reports listings for repair and value retention. I guess you know something others who do objective analysis don't.

What's tacky is Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Rutgers, Brown, Columbia etc filling a back window so you can't see out (as I mentioned). See, there's an irony - these people are screaming out to everyone how smart they are, but they can't see out of the back window because they're advertising it. Maybe I wasn't clear?

I don't understand your Lexus dig, but assume there's a point. Lexus also make fine auto's, no? Maybe they do such mods. in your neighborghood, but not in mine, thanks anyway.

Cool and Volvo is like good sound and Bose was my point. Many of the things they're touted for are either non existant, ot ancient history.

You should buy one. They need the business. Others apparently have caught on.

Watching Volvo owners defend Volvos is almost as funny as watching Bose owner's on TV. I say "The new Accord is the size of a 5 series -and starts at $20k. ", and the response is "Civic - Funny, that looks nothing like a 5 series, maybe your confusing years. Huh? Was that difficult to follow or ….?

Look, Volvo’s are a cliché for tree huggers and academics who don’t know any better, or status seekers who can't afford Mercedes. It’s advertising hype.

OK, according to LATEST NHTA tests (not 1984 or whenever), Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and even Kia (!) score higher than Volvo as far as safety. Now safety is what Volvo is all about, RIGHT?

“Just wait until you go into a sharp curve at 80 mph and you will notice the difference between a Volvo and a Honda!” OK, from Motor trend Oct 2007 on the C30 (a minified C40)

“Volvo’s newest car is more for designers than drivers…. I don’t get the sense I’m in a fun car…it’s a shame the driving dynamics clash with the stunning looks… the engine doesn’t feel or sound refined, reminds me of a kitchen appliance… doesn’t make you want to go quickly…universally trashed was the action of the gearbox and clutch….light and imprecise, and she was being kind…possibly the worst six speed transmission on sale in the US today…numb steering and softness of the suspicion excessive body roll and lack of feeling.

80mph in a Volvo - you first. Try an Accord V6 at 80, or a Camry Sport (4 or V6) at 80 and you’ll rethink that statement quickly. Oh, and I assume you’re not including the coupe versions, or the NSX of course.

Look, you guys drank the Kool Aid – and that's OK, but next time you want to go apoplectic about Volvo's, get out of the 80’s and realize it’s time is long past. One look at resale value should make that obvious.

Stick to audio equipment guys. Automobiles are obviously not a strong point.

You're welcome to have the final word Albert.