Go with the Honda Odyssey. Its a great van, much more practical than the Volvo, handles well, is powerful, and has great resale value. Resale value on the Volvo is terrible.

We have owned seven Volvos since 1978 including a 1978 242gt, a 1983 240 DL wagon (auto) a 1986 240 DL wagon (manual), a 1964 P1800s, a 1988 760 Turbo Wagon (auto), and two 1998 V70 T5's (autos). The older Volvos were rock solid, dependable, easy to maintain, and lasted forever. I just sold the p1800, and I'm still driving the T5-its a great car, but probably my last volvo.

My last two car purchases were a 2001 Honda Odyssey (Navi), and a 2003 Honda Civic EX. The Honda Odyssey has been great, no problems, only routine maintenance, easy to work on, pleasure to drive, great road trip car.

When the T5 dies, I'll probably go with another Honda or Acura product.

Working on your own late model Volvo (1999 and newer) is nearly impossible without the VADIS computer equipment. Volvo designs them this way for the very purpose of preventing you from doing your own maintenance work. Beyond changing oil or filters or plugs, you are screwed and must use the dealer service department which is big bucks. You can't program a remote, or even add a cd changer without the Vadis system, plus I am sure thare are lots of other "surprises" you will find you can't do without the VADIS. I purchased an obdII reader which has helped me limp along with most problems and repairs on my V70T5, and knock on wood, the car is fairly dependable at 105,000 miles. I only had to experience the local dealer's service department once and have never been back. The local Volvo dealer won't even write up a work order unless you pay them to "diagnose" the car first, even if you know what is wrong. Parts are not cheap, although you can get some of them on line for less than "list". IPD is not cheap either, as you may know.

The electrical problems with the V70's I have owned are minor, no big deal, at least for me. Volvo issued a recall for the turn signal bulb sockets, which have now been changed, which was the only problem I encountered on the V70 electrical wise. I've also replaced the ABS module, the top engine mount, and a few vacuum elbows and vacuum lines and that's about it. I've also chipped my car with the upsolute chip-its very fast.

If you are used to the Honda, you are going to be very disappointed in the maintenance needs and costs of the Volvo.

Get yourself the Odyssey-you can't go wrong. It's a great van.