Faults:

It eats light bulbs.

Timing belt is expected at 105,000 miles.

General Comments:

It is safe, comfortable and reliable. My wife loves the way it sits up a little higher. The wagon's storage access is great for professionals with lots of materials, and soccer Moms alike!

I love its effortless ability in the foot-high snow of New England on a steep incline. The AWD is something with which I will not part.

I bought my XC70 "certified" used from the dealer. I recommend that; however, the car, garaged, has been terrific. I realize that unhappy owners are more likely perhaps to post things about their experiences. However, this happy owner would buy a 2001 model in 2010 without hesitation. The timing belt is $600-$800 at 105,000 miles, however. Be ready for that with any XC70, and some small noises in the suspension that are not too costly to fix.

Faults:

I bought this car knowing it had problems. The problems are directly related to poor maintenance and service practices on the part of the previous two owners, and some poor designing on Volvo's part.

Consider before buying an XC70 that there are design flaws, temperamental poorly built short life parts and lots of electronics issues.

Also be aware that Volvo NA has many hidden warranty extensions up to 200,000 miles.

My XC70 transmission (automatic) shifting was erratic when driving in bumper to bumper traffic (a constant in urban environs). The A/T slammed into and out of lower gears (1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd gear).

Heat and old dirty fluid were the culprit in this case. Volvo suggests the tranny fluid, ever! JUST nonsense. If you own an XC70, change the transmission fluid semi-annually...and add a tranny cooler if you know how to do it.

This transmission is not designed to be driven in semi-tropics. I replaced the transmission fluid with Mobil 3309 AT fluid @ $8.00 per quart in lieu of having the dealer flush the tranny and replace the fluid at $450.00. I also added a 5"X 12" transmission fluid cooler ($26.00) in front of the radiator in lieu of adding a Volvo transmission fluid cooler for $1200 (parts only). The Volvo's automatic transmission operating temperature specification is 90 degrees F. OK if you live in Alaska, but it doesn't work in Texas.

I replaced the camshaft and crankshaft bearings, the fuel pump and O2 sensors and a bunch of other stuff before it became my daily driver.

If you can't fix a car yourself, don't buy an XC70. If you can fix a car, buy one, it's really a great quick, comfortable, road hugging machine and lots of fun to drive.

General Comments:

There's something magical about this car. I love it, but I need to work 2 shifts to earn enough to keep her in good shape

Faults:

Electrical problems; the sun roof doesn't open, nor does the heat & A/C. Sometimes it comes on when there is no key in the car.

Now the interior lights come on only when the door opens, but when it closes I can't turn them on?

Someone tell me what you think I should do; go to the dealer or someone who deals with car computers?

General Comments:

I like the car, it keeps my kids safe.

From what I'm gathering, the car has some computer or electric problems.