The Taurus was designed as a cheap 'runaround', and lets face it no Ford has ever been built to last. Expect interior trim to rattle like hell, engines that are basically buggered after 120k, and perhaps most of all really uncomfortable seats. Don't go on long journeys.

The Volvo was always originally designed to stand upto the harsh conditions found in Sweden. Build quality is top-notch and rivals Mercedes. Legendary safety - if you die in a Volvo you can guarantee the other guy dies too! Industructable 'redblock' engines that can last over 300k without even a basic rebuild. Best ergonomic seats ever - go on a long journey and you'll know what I mean. Sure, the parts are a bit more expensive, but at least you know they'll last the equivlant service life of any Ford vehicle.

Oh yeah, any shade-tree mechanic can work on a 7xx or 9xx volvo engine. To think otherwise means you know absolutely sod all about engines.. seriously!