Lookin' to buy one to save myself worry and money.

 

Yessir, after October 1996 all cars sold in the US must have OBD2 fault reading capability, some where slower than others to comply but any generic scanner should be able to at least pull codes via the OBD 33 function for generic but standardized code reading.. All manufactors are now required to provide data to any independent reapir shop or owner ie..... P0xx etc.
Manufactor specific codes and other functions like erasing, adaptations, live data readings etc, may not be available depending the unit you buy.. pay more get more functions...My Vag-Com software provided most functions but live data was not available as it is model and system manufactor specific but google Volvo scan tools/sofware and see whats out there.
Descriptions of a given fault code "all OBD standardized (somewhat) are available when googled...
Hope this helps...Cheers.

 

Helps a lot. Thanks!