I live in Texas near Mexico and have travelled in Mexico extensively in my Volvo. I actually just had my 940 painted in Mexico last month in Nuevo Leon. I'd go without any hesitation. The ability to speak Spanish helps immensely, particularly the further away from the US border you get and the more rural area you go to. If you can't speak Spanish, at least become familiar with basic travel Spanish and pronunciations. I can't imagine not speaking Spanish fluently if I found myself in a sticky situation. It really helps a lot

I've never been on the Pacific side of Mexico on a road trip so I can't vouch for that area, but I've been down in some very rural places. I've gone down the Gulf Coast into the Yucatan and Caribbean Coast. The worst think I've encountered that I couldn't handle myself was a flat tire. I mounted the spare and had it fixed at a gas station. I carry a basic complement of tools and parts just in case.

Volvos in Mexico:

They're not common, especially outside of metropolitan areas. Monterrey and Mexico City are the only places I've ever seen more than one Volvo. Most Volvo dealers in Mexico are European dealers who "also" carry Volvo but they're not really common anywhere. Nissan, Ford, and Volkswagen are the most common cars and are basically universal.

There are, however, a lot of Volvo Buses but that's irrelevant to us.

Fueling:

Their grades of gas are different...if you have a US Spec car, get the highest grade of fuel called "Premium". The lower grade, "Magna," is regular 85-87 depending on elevation but supposedly has higher sulfur. No, they do NOT have leaded fuel anymore. Pemex is the only gas station in Mexico and full service is mandatory nationwide...every gas station they can provide at least a basic degree of check of the car.

Service availability:

Many gas stations also offer a mechanic/service center on site, much like used to be commonplace in the United States. They can provide basic service, tires, hoses, etc. Aside from those, there are plenty of competent mechanics who can help you if you run into trouble. Even in the smallest towns, you'll find someone who can work on a car for you in exchange for cash. US-spec cars are commonplace in Mexico, so don't feel like you're driving something completely alien to them. They see everything at one point or another and a RWD Volvo will pose no challenge. Mexican people are highly adept at dealing with vehicles in disrepair so be not afraid.

Parts Availability:

There are auto parts stores just like the United States and they can get parts for nearly everything. "Auto Todo" is a big auto parts chain down there that's owned by NAPA. They can find parts for US Spec vehicles for the basic stuff. Lots of other places sell car parts.

If you can't get a critical part:

Get yourself a good Mexican mechanic to rig something up to get you home.

FCP Ships internationally and will send to you if you're an established US customer. If you get hung in Mexico and need a part and cannot find it, you can have them ship to you down in Mexico, wherever you're at...prepare to pay for shipping. I've never had to go that route, but it's there if you need assurances that you'll be able to get a part if need be.

To find authorize service centers:

http://www.volvocars.com/mx/footer/pages/dealer-locator.aspx

Carry with you:

Mexican Insurance (US car insurance is invalid in Mexico, available on US side before crossing)
Cash - Mexican Pesos...Guaranteed acceptance everywhere
Basic Toolset
Belts/Hoses
Duct Tape
First Aid Kit
Coolant, Oil, Fire Extinguisher
Water, food, blankets in case you're stranded
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A bottle of oil and some basic tools in the trunk. The highway is calling. Always remember the difference between durability and reliability. Embrace the old Volvo in your driveway. She's eager to please and, with a little TLC (and a few headaches), sh