From what I can gather from my friends who drive Toyota - it's pretty much
true... They don't tend to cost as much to run as Volvo's (they are not in
the same class either - they are mainly commuter cars, and larger family
cars - of course minivans, and excellent trucks, big and small). They are
reliable, they live on standard maintenance, and unexpected repairs are not
all that common, it seems. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Toyota for say, a
girlfriend or wife who didn't know all that much about cars, just needed
something that would last, and that could be counted on... If you want an
interesting car tho, look elsewhere, as they are pretty dry.

We have an older Volvo, a 1993 960. It's been basically all regular
maintenance as well, now there are some age related repairs (rad, one leaky
brake caliper, brake pads... the usual). I'd take a leap of faith and say
it's been as reliable as I would excpect a Toyota of the same age to be
(minus the rust ;-) ).

I drive Volvo and VW - right now brands with the worst image of quality
compared to where they used to be. Volvo owners are complaining of the exact
same crap the VW owners are complaining about with their cars - wierd
electronic problems, not to the same levels as the older cars, sick and
tired of their awefull dealers.... I've had some out of pocket repairs on
the VDub (actually I think I can feel my left CV joint failing as the days
go by) but I still love the car enough that I would buy another one... Same
with the Volvo, that is, if the new ones weren't so much money :-).

Who the heck knows.  I have a 1997 850 GLT and it is as good as any car I
have ever owned - completely trouble-free.  The worst car we have ever owned
was a Toyota Corolla; it stranded us more than once, and the head cracked at
40,000 miles.  I have owned another example of each make over the years
(Volvo 245 & Toyota PU), and there isn't a strong distinction in my mind as
to quality.  We have also owned 3 Mazdas and for my money they are as good
as, or better, than Toyotas.

I'm not sure about the new stuff, but speaking of the 80's cars, Toyota
tends to be very reliable and require very little maintenance to go at least
200k. Volvos feel much more solidly built, but if you don't abuse them (or
get in accidents) they're not nessesarily any more reliable. An old Volvo
will generally require a bit more maintenence but it will also be more crash
worthy and has more amenities. I would say that both are quite similar in
overall quality though, the Volvo will just have more parts to break.

I once owned a 1987 Volvo 240 DL and currently have a 1990 Volvo 740 Turbo.
My father presently has a 1991 Volvo 240 and my mother once had a 1988
Toyota Camry LE.
Speaking only from personal experience, these three Volvos have been much
more reliable than the Camry was.  The 1988 Camry died of a blown engine and
had multiple problems throughout it's life.  The Volvos have had small,
sometimes annoying problems, but nothing terminal like the Camry.
The Camry felt tinny and insubstantial compared to the Volvos, all of which
have a hewn-from-solid feel to them.

BTW, the Camry was replaced by an Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, which had awful
build quality (shaked and rattled and had lots of bits break and fall off)
but was fairly reliable mechanically.  Thankfully, this crudbucked was
stolen and trashed.  Insurance paid her far more than the heap was worth.
She then purchased a 1997 Ford Taurus GL which also has awful build quality
and more cheap looking plastic than Wal-Mart's toy department, but has thus
far been mechanically unbroken.

I think I will stick to my Volvo.

Hi,

I have both. Totally different type of cars so personal tatse is a big
factor.

As far as reliability goes Toyota's are the best. In Australia 50% of used
car buyers go for a toyota.

But Volvos are bloody expensive out here so that will also be a factor -
price wise and spare parts cost too. Can get a 96 Camry for the same price
as a 90 Volvo.

Volvos (old ones) are more renowned for safety than reliability.  New ones
dropped a bit on safety and went more for some performance.

The toyota is much more fuel efficient and better power.
Volvo more comfortable and feels more solid and probably last longer if well
maintained and maintenance costs (lots).

rgds

Peter