When did a Volvo become a status car?

[Anonymous]

Volvo is my dream car

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Among car enthusiasts, absolutely nothing about volvo indicates any type of status

I don’t think being a “car enthusiast” equates with any sort of status. The people I know who are really into cars fell into money (like inheritance or good timing with a stock offering) and/or having a midlife crisis and seeking some sort of symbol to make them feel special.

I can’t imagine getting excited over an object as basic as a car. If you spend enough of your life in a car to be an enthusiast about what you drive, then you’re probably boring.

You are correct that car enthusiasts don't care about vehicle status, that's for posers who need the badge. Car enthusiasts enjoy working on and driving cars that are more fun to own. It's the experience of owning and loving the vehicle for its history, unique character, style, handling, or power that we appreciate and seek each other out. Owning the car isn't for bragging rights, but it forms a common bond amongst enthusiasts who enjoy their car because it's nostalgic, or something you always wanted to own as a child. Just like any hobby, there are alot of people who enjoy their cars on a deeper level that isn't just transportation. Some like to race them, restore them, take them overloading and off roading. If you treat as utilitarian, then it's just an appliance which most of the population uses it for. You don't have to like it, but it's like saying Louboutin is just a pair of shoes and why would anyone buy it when you can just get a basic pair of Keds.

[Anonymous]

I guess the real question is why do you care? It sounds like you have a Mercedes and a friend just got a Volvo and is telling you how nice it is, and you want to tell her it’s not as prestigious as your car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When and how is the Volvo a status car? Somehow it’s supposed to be classier than a Mercedes?

Volvos suck. Owned by Ford, you know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People buy Mercedes because they want people to think they have more money than they do. Volvo buyers don’t care what you think. Toyota Land Cruiser buyers have more money than both.

Lol! No self respecting person would be caught dead in a toyota

Toyota Land Cruiser buyers have the highest income vs any other vehicle. It’s not just "a Toyota" like you seem to think.
That’s the point, you think real money drives a Mercedes. They don’t.

My two cars are a Land Cruiser and a Volvo.

[Anonymous]

Don’t take this the wrong way but Volvo was a status symbol within the upper crust AA community. Don’t think it’s the case anymore…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When and how is the Volvo a status car? Somehow it’s supposed to be classier than a Mercedes?

Volvos suck. Owned by Ford, you know.

Nope, not "owned by Ford."

I'd consider an XC-90 but don't think it's a "status symbol." Volvos were more of a statement in the 80's and 90's when they were boxy and quirky and Swedish-owned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It was a status car in the 1970s when I was first old enough to notice cars and talk to friends about them. So, at least that long.

That’s what I was going to say too.

This.

[Anonymous]

I never see them around NWDC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When and how is the Volvo a status car? Somehow it’s supposed to be classier than a Mercedes?

Volvos suck. Owned by Ford, you know.

Used to be. Owned by Geely now- best Chinese car you can buy in the US. They're well appointed, look nice, and cost a fortune to maintain- that's the hallmark of luxury

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When and how is the Volvo a status car? Somehow it’s supposed to be classier than a Mercedes?

Status? When I see a Volvo I think second place. Someone who settles. Follows the herd. Not an original thought. No one thinks classier than a Mercedes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People buy Mercedes because they want people to think they have more money than they do. Volvo buyers don’t care what you think. Toyota Land Cruiser buyers have more money than both.

Lol! No self respecting person would be caught dead in a toyota

Toyota Land Cruiser buyers have the highest income vs any other vehicle. It’s not just "a Toyota" like you seem to think.
That’s the point, you think real money drives a Mercedes. They don’t.

is there any source for this? In the UK, they joke about the same thing but with a Subaru legacy

[Anonymous]

Was mentioned in The Preppy Handbook, 1980.

Volvos then were low key “luxury” for Old Money types.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It was a status car in the 1970s when I was first old enough to notice cars and talk to friends about them. So, at least that long.

That’s what I was going to say too.

This.

Exactly. All the old money drove them. Op must be very young.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Among car enthusiasts, absolutely nothing about volvo indicates any type of status

I don’t think being a “car enthusiast” equates with any sort of status. The people I know who are really into cars fell into money (like inheritance or good timing with a stock offering) and/or having a midlife crisis and seeking some sort of symbol to make them feel special.

I can’t imagine getting excited over an object as basic as a car. If you spend enough of your life in a car to be an enthusiast about what you drive, then you’re probably boring.

You could rewrite this entire passage to be about being a fan of watching pro sports/being a season ticket holder. Anything that's costly but mainstream.

American guys (yes, mostly guys) have been culturally indoctrinated that they should care about cars. In defense of cars, they are marvelous and quite expensive pieces of industrial design.

Chinese parts are ubiquitous now. I'm sure they are prevalent in the subassemblies of German cars. Most global companies operate like Apple..."Designed in California".