Volvo really that great?

I don't know about now and never drove one on road but I did work at a trucking company several years ago(2001) washing truck(Yea,Crappy job!).From what I saw,they ride great.REAL great,Very ergo,Confortable.BUT.everything had that mattel feel about it.Everything inside was plastic.Like riding in the barbie doll big rig.Rocker switchs gallore vrs conventional toggles.Dash did have some creeks and rattles.Also,like other all plastic interiors these truck were falling part and didn't hold up to steering wheel holder trucker.Saw a lot with damaged switchs and cracked panels.The other trucks they had(Classic XL freight shakers with condos) felt more solid interior wise.Didn't ride AS good but I would put it better than my 4 wheeler truck.Must more interior space.Also the freightshakers just looked better than those volvos externally.No styling on the Volvos vrs the FLs.The other trucks were flat top freightliners and flat top W900s.well over a million miles and still holding strong to the steering wheel holders abuse.

 

My uncle has a volvo D engine and its been nothing but trouble. My Older Volvo has an N14 and so far (knocking on wood) has been bullet proof.

 

I have one 2004 Volvo 670 with 450 ISX 13 speed in the fleet with 725,000m. Other then replacing exhaust manifold bolts she has been bullet proof. Still the best ride. The other trucks are Century Class and FLD's. The most noise comes from the Century, since it's all plastic.

 

We have a few vn's with the D13. No troubles. I am not sure what's up with the mileage. We get about 6.5 and are running 107k pounds almost constantly.

 

I was driving three Volvos 670 and there is no comparision to two 387s period. Petes are way safer, with less setback drive straighter, smoother and are easier on my back. Volvo aerodynamic is BS existing only in advertisement. Which is plenty BS because they really need it to push their stuff. Peterbilt just created 387 and forgot, its "just" an aero truck, sideline or somethin. Yet it blows away Volvo in most of important factors. Not that I have anything against Volvo trucks (I was considering buying one, since there is either 780 or 387 when it comes to serious Aero rigs), this is very serius truck, but come on. No contest

 

I never drove one so I would say no from the looks of them.

 

I've got an 05 780. Rides great but so did my 01 Classic. ISX 450, the mpg is no better than my N14 500 in the classic.

Volvo is way too heavy on the steer. I have to run my 5TH wheel back further than I like, thus catching more wind in the gap.

The good: heaps more room in the cab than classic.
The bad: engine compartment is a mechanics worst nightmare=repairs cost more.
I would take back my Classic in a heart beat.

 

Volvo is the best truck on the road. before everybody starts yelling, here's why
1. no resale value. only a fool would buy one new. wait a few years , pick thru the litter and you will have an awesome truck for not much money.
2. everybody knows somebody that has one of these sitting in their backyard. unlimited supply of good used parts
3. frame down, same truck as every other truck out there.
4. i sit in the seat, and i look out the windshield. chrome, no matter how pretty, will not get you home, nor will it increase you revenue.
5. never had a volvo motor, but have heard a lot of bad stuff about them.
6. detroit series 60 in my 99. i pull a conestoga and average mpg is around 6.8. i typically drive 5-10 over whatever the limit is.
7. cat 3406c in my other one. 5.2 all day long.fast or slow, you pick
8. awesome ride
9. yes the have a plastic dash, so what
10. did i mention that they have no resale value. buy a good used one, maintain it like it will last forever and guess what, it will.
10.parts cost roughly the same except for the 10% buyers premium on red oval parts. tires for my 359 pete costs the same as for my 94 white gmc and , get this, for my 99 volvo vn.

now don't anybody take offense to what i have said, this is my take on things. i have found that these trucks can be bought right , kept up cheaply and will give great service. i have never bought a fleet truck so i can not speculate on that side of the equation. johnny