2006 Volvo V70 R (Photo: Volvo)

College going male's view: A pretty wagon with a plethora of standard equipment such as 4-piston Brembo brakes, a continuously variable valve timing, dual-zone climate control, trip computer, and power everything. What takes the edge off the R model is the pricing. If you order the Premium Package with moonroof and surround sound stereo to better hear my tunes at www.simple-thoughts.net plus a few other features such as heated seats you are well into Mercedes territory. Really not my type of vehicle, but it definitely attracts those ladies with an eye for the elegant. I didn't like the lack of proper place for my left leg when driving and the awkward placement of the window controls so far back on the door panels.

Family conference: The market for a fast Volvo wagon is a tiny indeed, but if speed, looks, and room are your criteria the R model is worth a test drive. As for all high performance machinery such as this, check the prices for maintenance and insurance before you buy. If you don't need as much room and still want a hot station wagon check out the V50, Volvos newest wagon. For a list of all vehicle websites go to www.reacheverychild.com and click on business.