I've always liked Volvos. I like the S60 a lot, especially with the D5 motor (actually it's the only one I drove).

I drove some V50s (diesel), because I love the look and especially the clean and zen interior. I have to say, I was deceived by it. The interior looks superb, yet the materials don't feel nearly as solid as in the Germans. It's a bit on the cheap side, even if the dash itself is made of an upscale material, the accessories, buttons feels a bit light. However, I'm quite sensitive in that aspect, so maybe it's not that dramatic.

Concerning the drive: well, trouble is, you clearly feel the Focus under it. It's reasonably comfortable, quite nimble, feels good, not too noisy.
However, you never have this upscale feeling, this premium feel you have in A4, 3er or C-Class. It's quite average to drive. In the 3 Germans, you clearly have something more.

So I would say: a good car, offering very good value for money, with a really stylish interior, but not really at the same level as the Germans. However, you're doing nothing wrong by choosing such a car!

What i like in Volvos is the comfort they offer. I might drive mine like crazy (my av. fuel consumption is now more than 16l/km, instead of the usual 9) but i never feel all those bumps of the road and those seats... Much more comfortable than my sofa. What bothers me a bit, is that they could make it more soundproof and i have some quality issues, with some parts. But to me it gives a nice feel..

But what they could really improve is the feel of the pedals and the steering wheel. I have got used to them now after all those years, but recently test drove the trio 3er, C, A4 and i see that they could be waaaaaay better.