1998 Volvo XC70 2.4 std from North America

Summary:

Solid and capable

Faults:

Only normal wear maintenance items. Replaced all brakes, two rotors. Replaced all shocks (I'm fussy about suspension) with Bilstein Touring shocks - highly recommended. Replaced the rear hatch cover fasteners (a typical problem with these cars) with a IPD kit. No rattles.

General Comments:

This car replaced a 1990 740 I handed down to my son. The car is comfortable, like a Volvo. It gets relatively good mileage, about 24 MPG on the highway. Being a wagon, it is a bit noisy, much more so than the sedan. Handling with the new shocks is great. Tracks very well on the highway. Great brakes. The standard (non-turbo) engine is plenty powerful for most people, much better than the old 740. Turning circle is not nearly as tight as the 740, however.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2005

1998 Volvo XC70 from North America

Summary:

Too bad Volvo's reputation for safety isn't matched by it's reliability

Faults:

While under warranty, I had it in for o-rings, and some other odd, but rather miscellaneous items. It was in several times, however.

Since the warranty ended at 50,000, several more things have happened.

Two sets of front and rear brakes; one set of rotors on the rear at 90,000 miles.

Stabilizer bar links were replaced at about 80,000 miles.

Odd shuddering has occurred from the beginning while idling, accelerating, decelerating, or just maintaining speed. The dealer could find nothing wrong despite several attempts before the warranty was up.

Both side front bearings were replaced at 65,000 miles.

Entire steering column was replaced for $1200 at 93,000 miles. The same loud noise and awful vibration while steering are still present.

Top and bottom engine mounts have been replaced.

I have spent $5000 in repairs and scheduled maintenance in the past 8 months (75,000 to 93,000 miles).

General Comments:

This is easily the most comfortable car I have ever driven and is ergonomically stellar. However, the unreliability, expense, and oddball repairs I have had are making me ditch the car about 4 years before I wanted to.

I'm not sure I could ever purchase a Volvo again in good conscience.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st June, 2004

11th Jan 2005, 07:26

I am in complete agreement with the review! My 1998 Volvo XC70 experience has been similar. Most recently - Brake replacements, a transmission part which cracked and needed replacing, replacement of the air filter on the emissions system $800, temperature sensor replacement and more. My car has 85,600 miles on it and since we paid off the car one and a half years ago, it has cost about $350 a month to maintain (including regular oil changes and checkups).

These events are in addition to the recalls and many smaller, under and not under warranty, repairs we have had done.

I too, feel incredibly safe in my car. It handles beautifully and is very comfortable. The only design flaw is the when it rains and you open the front doors, water pours in on you from water flowing down from the roof (a design flaw in how the water runs off off the roof rack. This would not be as big a problem if the seats were all leather, but in our model, the leather package only came with a combination canvas/leather seat covering. The canvas is completely water stained and will probably affect the resale value as it cannot be cleaned.

In all, we are looking for a new car and it will not be a Volvo!

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