2001 Volvo V70 S 2.4 petrol 170bhp from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A potentially excellent car, spoiled by the

Faults:

Wheel nuts went rusty after approximately 2,000 miles. Replaced under warranty.

Alarm remote control units extremely sensitive; repaired under warranty.

Internal door trim problems; door handles are all chipping away the painted areas of the "wood" inserts.

Spurious messages relating to phantom bulb failures from the " information centre".

Poor starting and engine misfiring in damp or foggy conditions.

Luggage compartment cover jams in extended position in warm weather.

Driver's seat sagging after 18,000 miles.

Exhaust resonance at 2000 RPM.

Rattles and squeaks from the centre console and roof lining.

Plastic components in load compartment very prone to scratching and scuffing.

General Comments:

Aesthetically better than previous V70, but dubious build quality and poor durability of internal fixtures worrying.

Too much torque for the Teflon Michelin tyres Volvo UK decided to fit in order to keep costs down/ profit up! This makes driving the vehicle in wet conditions very dangerous, in particular when trying to enter a busy road from a side road. (traction control and better tyres were an on cost option, not allowed on my company vehicle!). In snow, traction is so bad it's better to just leave the car at home.

Reasonable handling, even when fully loaded except when roads are wet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st May, 2002

25th Feb 2004, 10:40

I agree with the comment about the tires. If you live in Canada, be sure to use four snow tires; otherwise you are putting yourself in grave danger when you drive on snowy and icy roads. Mike, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

2001 Volvo V70 2.4 140bhp from UK and Ireland

Summary:

For a family car, avoid an MPV or 4x4 and go for a V70

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The car is exceptionally quiet and comfortable.

Road-holding and handling provide a pleasurable driving experience.

The 140 bhp engine is more than adequate for everyday use.

The car is fairly thirsty (27-28mpg).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th January, 2002

2001 Volvo V70 Wagon from North America

Summary:

Performs well. Questionable safety

Faults:

Noticeable noise and shaking when idling, especially with the AC on. My complaint drew the dealer comment that this is inherent in a car with a 5 cylinder motor.

General Comments:

Volvo boasts about its safety yet the 2001 is less safe in many respects than previous models. The pillars are very thick and one cannot twist your head to see cars coming up on either side because Volvo put heat and air ducts into the pillars for the rear passengers.

The audio structure forces the driver to take his eye off the road to make changes and to read indicators.

The loud shaking of the cowl is distracting. Dealer says it is due to the 5 cylinder motor.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th October, 2001

29th Sep 2011, 13:03

I had a 5-cyl VW that never did that. It was silky smooth. I question your dealer's knowledge or honesty.

2001 Volvo V70 140 2.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Comfortable and robust but expensive and sluggish

Faults:

Faulty remote locking fob - buttons ultra-sensitive.

General Comments:

Very comfortable, spacious, smooth cruiser. Excellent on long motorway journeys. 5 speed automatic silky.

On other roads, performance indifferent with automatic gearbox. Needs more than 140 HP. Same engine with 170 HP costs another £1,000. Should be standard.

A huge improvement on earlier Volvo estates in terms of stiffness, silence, roadholding, brakes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2001