2000 Volvo V70 SE 2.5L 5 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Volvo needs to improve quality

Faults:

Front ball joints and tie rods need replacement after 60,000 Kms.

The transmission has always shifted roughly. Dealer downloaded new firmware to rectify, but this only lasted for a few months. Rough shifting is back.

Steering groans when locked. Has been "fixed" numerous times but always returns.

Fake wood trim (plastic) on dash and centre console cracked within months. Volvo says this is a non warranty item, and wanted an astronomical amount to replace (CAD $700).

Suspension not up to par, terrible ride on bumpy roads. Rattling and squeaking. This car should not be showing its age so quickly.

Paint on bumpers peels off too easily. Volvo needs a better application process.

General Comments:

Excellent utility - tons of room for hauling stuff.

Very comfortable leather seats.

I like the many safety features. If I have to be in an accident, this is the car. Feels like a tank.

Performance (acelleration, handling and braking) are adequate considering the small engine size and intended use as a family station wagon it is fine.

I really want to like this car, the dealer and service are excellent, and the design is good, but the numerous problems and quality issues make it difficult for me to buy another Volvo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th August, 2004

2nd Jul 2005, 18:01

Over the past twenty years, I have owned three Volvos. My first was a 340DL which just kept going and was heart broken to scrap it due to rust. My second was a 360GLE which was another good motor apart from the rust. My present one, is a 440Si which I have owned for four years. This 440 has never leter me down and I hope to keep it, although I will never love it as much as my old 1983 340DL.

I have to say in resent years, Volvo have woken up in regards to aerodynamic designs and have waved good bye to their boring and boxy image. I suppose boring and reliable is better than glamorous and unreliable. Who wants a car that although looks good, costs a fortune and then falls to bits? This has led me to believe that Volvo are now or have been more focused on making designs on par with rival models, thus paying less attention to quality and reliability. And as for all these electronics, are they really necessary? Older cars did okay without them. Electonic gadgets are just another money making way for the manufacturers. I prefer old cars. Although I was a dedicated follower of Volvo, even if cost of parts were stupidly overpriced, they don`t make them as good as they use to. Volvo is owned by Ford, therefore what you get is basically a glorified Mondeo with average Ford build quality and at a higher Volvo price. I have to say, a lot of persuasion would be needed to tempt me to buy a new Volvo now. I long for my old beige 340DL.

2000 Volvo V70 T5 2.3 High-pressure turbo from North America

Summary:

An excellent European sports wagon

Faults:

Nothing too serious, except for a few light bulb failures in the past four years - typical of Volvo.

General Comments:

The V70's performance has always impressed us. Its acceleration time from 80km/h to 100 km/h is especially staggering. Passing on highways is easy, and at middle to high-revolutions (when the high pressure turbo's on), power is just raging like a beast. Its heavy weight makes it a bit weary to drive in normal city settings, but the powerful engine makes long trips very rewarding.

Ride comfort is excellent largely due to the comfortable seats and roomy interior. Ergonomics are generally satisfying and the wagon's convenience/versatility is extraordinary.

The only complaint I have is the reliability of Volvo's electrical systems, as we had a few light bulb failures in the past.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st May, 2004

19th Apr 2010, 11:00

I have a New Zealand new (not a second hand import) Volvo V70 T5 and it had the classic ETM issue. The importer/distributor Archibald and Shorter, after 3 months of emails, replaced it for free.

Other than that, sometimes the computers are too smart, and I recently had "ABS System Service Required" come up on the dash... turned out the battery was finished, so I bought a new one.

My advice: find an auto electrician with a Bosch testing unit who knows what he is doing and make friends. He will save you heaps on the dealers!

Other than that, a GREAT car. I love pulling up next to Subaru's and then wooshing off... they never try to drag me because I look so "family", and by the time they realize there is a fast car, they can only look at the large tailpipe and go "Volvo, what's a Volvo?"