My SEL = Luxury + Business

I traded my F150 in for a more sensible automobile, one that was great for the kids, good on gas mileage, and would impress clients. I nailed it! I love the car, but it has had it's problems.

The in-dash 6CD player plays CDs and MP3s. However, I didn't close the MP3 disk when I burned it. As a result, it put the stereo into a loop, throwing out all CDs as non-readable. I actually had to 'reboot' the car by disconnecting the battery to get it working again. There's also an 'Aux' button on the stereo... but no one at myford500.com can find any integrated plug to connect an Aux device... weird. I can control all from the steering wheel. On the other side are simple standard controls for the cruise control.

I'm a big guy and moving from a truck was tough with all the room I had. My legs rub on the right and the left sides, I wish the leg space was wider for the driver. I also wish the steering wheel could be adjusted to and from the driver as well as tilted.

You can't fit a garment onto the garment hanger...unless you use a wire hanger. This may be the 'mafia' sedan of choice soon - I think you could fit 8 bodies in the trunk. And the glow-in-the-dark escape lever will come in handy for folks who'd like to escape.

I love the console design, the leather is very plush - not slick like in my truck. It rides high and very nice, takes corners fantastic and has a lot of power. I purchased the AWD model, merlot exterior, gray interior with faux mahogany accents.

The V6 has a ton of power and the traction control really kicks in when you are cornering at a good clip. For a mid-size car, it feels like I'm in a sport car not a 4-door sedan. The Volvo frame helps it ride firm and comfortable. 4-wheel disc brakes stop you on a dime. Dual air controls provide the driver and passenger with large, conveniently placed buttons. The folks in the back seat could have used a control.

So far, I'm running 18.6 MPG - mostly city with some highway. The 'smart console' allows me to track mileage, miles to empty, trip miles, miles to oil change, and a ton of other information notes. The dash has an indicator for everything, I especially like that there's even an indicator that the cruise control is engaged.

I've heard some folks describe this as a boring car... I find it anything but. Finally, an American automobile manufacturer has put a sedan on the market on par or exceeding European 4-door sedans. If this is boring, so are Audi, Volvo, and Saab.