[Johnny Mullet]

Volvo Station wagon of any model (V70, 850, 960, 240, etc) and mated with a standard trans, you have a safe, reliable, and efficient vehicle. Even the 2wd autos get 27 MPG and these cars are roomier than a small, crappy built, rust bucket, SUV.

I have been a mechanic for many years and Volvo cars also do not rust away (except older 240 models) like the crap we buy here. I have never even seen a rusty brake or fuel line on a Volvo.

Later Subarus are all junk in my professional opinion. Our back page of our Pennsylvania State Inspection reports all rejections or failed vehicles and more than half are Subaru models. The Legacy and Outback are the worst. The rear suspension cradles rot away in 4-6 years or less and so do the expensive cat convertors depending on where you live.

I worked at a Ford dealer for several years. The Escape is a great little SUV and I would take a peppy 2.3L 2 wheel drive with a 5 speed any day! The older Escape had a few issues, but pretty much are reliable.

Just my 2 cents.