My impression is that this will be a short-term phenomenon. Toyota has been diddling with the dynamics and build of the Subarus in no small way. They are already far less dynamic than they were a few years ago. I'd expect them to approach Toyota's driving pleasure soon, but I'd also expect the Fuji Heavy Industries culture to keep them up at the top of the longevity charts for a bit longer.
I wonder why Volvos aren't scored higher? They're definitely very reliable cars and they usually put a great focus on safety, why isn't that reflected in test scores? Underperformance?
I'd have to read Consumer Reports' reviews to be sure, but my guess is it's because Volvo really doesn't focus on handling or driver enjoyment. Their niche is safe but ponderous tanks. ;)
Their reliability score really isn't bad; it's above everybody but Toyota, Honda, and Subaru, which tend to be the most reliable brands year after year.
Oh I certainly don't question their reliability score on this graph! It's about what I expected, I'm just surprised about the test scores. Playing Gran Turismo 5 in a 240 Wagon is kinda silly but I guess affirms your assumption on handling X^D
240s can be made to handle with something approaching aplomb but they sure didn't come that way from the factory. ;)
Consumer Reports is not exactly an enthusiast magazine, but they do test acceleration, braking, and abrupt lane-change maneuvers (like one might use to swerve around an accident), so general performance does come into the picture.
That said, I really can't judge for myself. I've never driven a current-generation, post-Ford-buyout Volvo. I owned a 240 wagon and I've driven a 760 and a 940; that's about it.
The graph would be much less misleading if both axes started at zero. For one thing, the scatter of test scores would be shown to be far smaller than the graph implies.
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Their reliability score really isn't bad; it's above everybody but Toyota, Honda, and Subaru, which tend to be the most reliable brands year after year.
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Consumer Reports is not exactly an enthusiast magazine, but they do test acceleration, braking, and abrupt lane-change maneuvers (like one might use to swerve around an accident), so general performance does come into the picture.
That said, I really can't judge for myself. I've never driven a current-generation, post-Ford-buyout Volvo. I owned a 240 wagon and I've driven a 760 and a 940; that's about it.
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