B&W Name Change Theory

Bower & Wilkins sounds more uppity than B&W. Good marketing.

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.

Now that we are on cars, and what we listen to in them... I have NO sound machine in my car except the engine.
I DRIVE... not while away my time between destinations. Driving IS a destination!!!!
It WAS more interesting when I was doing 20/30 over the speed limit (boo hoo.. me got 29 over ticket... no more fast times for a year or so...)
now I drive at the speed limit and cackle at the anger of the jerks honking at me to speed up!!! instead I just go SLOWER.

Cmon guys let it go, doesnt anyone listen to music? If you like it buy it, if you dont laugh at those who do but for gods sake move on man!

Snofun3. I'm not looking for the final word, I hope you read and understand where I'm coming from on this well diverted topic, and then respond.

I know nothing about the Ford- Volvo of today.

As stated in my original post, my opinion regarded my 1986 Volvo which was purchased 21 years ago and LONG since sold.

This decision was because my son had just been born and I wanted something more substantial than a Honda Civic to wrap around him in Dallas traffic.

Again, owing to the fact that Honda had gotten to where people were willing to pay $1000.00 down, just to be on a list and hope for a car was simply too much for me to bear, especially considering the difference in "substance" between the two cars and the price difference.

My copied and pasted comments were about the original Volvo company, their very reasonably priced 240 series and the good performing 740 Turbo with stunning warranty, when Volvo were trying to earn a spot in the US auto market.

I am "out of the 80’s," in fact I have moved back to USA cars, been driving them for the last 9 years because they are trying to win back customers, having built such bad product for so many years.

I would prefer a Mercedes or BMW wagon, and stopped looking at Volvo (long ago) when rear wheel drive went away. Volvo is not returning to rear wheel drive and I don't have the income to pay for BMW or Mercedes.

I think both of us are arguing points but I'm not sure we're on the same topic or disagreeing.

P.S. I still think B&W or Bowers and Wilkins (if they prefer being called that now) is capable of building a much more musical and linear audio system for automobiles than Bose.

That's what started this diversion, and it was a sincere opinion. I have B&W speakers in my HT system and think the world of them. Especially considering their price point and compact dimensions.