My lifetime of car brand ownership:
Triumph TR 4
Volvo 122S
Cadillac ambulance (tow vehicle)
*Triumph TR4A
Volvo 122s
Ford 700
Cadillac hearse (tow vehicle)
*Volvo 122s
*Volvo 122s
Dodge 100
Toyota Corolla
Datsun diesel pickup
Dodge 150
Ford 250
Mercedes 240 D
*Mercedes 300d
*Chev 2500HD
*Mitsubishi Expo
*Ford LN8000
(* means I still own the car, in some state of operability)

Based on that list, I'd say the winner in the value-for-dollar contest is either the Mitsubishi or the Datsun. The Volvo was the most likeable and best to look at, and the 300 would be my choice to either drive across country or to hit a telephone pole with.