The front passenger door handle in my '98 s70 is broken, or at least jammed.. a) is this the door handle, or the common latch problem? b) if it's just the handle, can it be repaired, or do I need to buy a new handle?

I will add this to my laundry list of things to when it's not -10 outside.

If someone pulled on the door handle while you were unlocking the car, it will be a dead latch mechanism.
The door handle can be removed. On the inside of the door edge is a small plastic cover at the same height as the door handle. Pry this cover off to expose 2 torx screws. Remove the 2 screws and carefully pull the handle out of the car. The handle should have been connected to a rod to actuate the door release. You might have to loosen the 2 screws that hold down the latch.

Klaus
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Volvoless. Sold the R. There is now a void...

so I do not have to remove the whole door panel to take the interior handle off.. I think I failed to mention it is the interior handle that is not working..this might change the equation.

This will require the door panel to be removed. Then you should see the connecting rod that is no longet connected to the inside door handle.

If your vinyl is starting to lift off the panel, this would be a good time to investigate recoating the panel with new vinyl.

Klaus
--
Volvoless. Sold the R. There is now a void...