Volvo S70 Luxury

Volvo S70 Luxury 

DESCRIPTION

When 1996 was coming to an end, a new Volvo model was introduced, the Volvo S70.

The Volvo S70 was developed from the successful 850 models, which had been on the market since 1991.

The exterior of the new S70 showed softer styling than its predecessor, but still carryied a strong Volvo identity. Inside the car, the dashboard was new as was most of the interior. In the area of safety a number of improvements were made.

The Volvo S70 was produced until 2000.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-10 of 77  
[Nov 25, 2005]
Tyler
Model Reviewed: S70

Strength:

Life savers Drives great Good in this New England snow Sports mode is awesome Great accleration and breaking Great sound system

Weakness:

Hard to see out the back window but you get used to it I only had it for about 3-4 months :(

Volvo's are by far the best cars. My S70 saved my life, i was driving up to Boston when a drunk driver drifted into my lane rapidly and nailed the back of my car, this sent me into a tail spin right into a huge pole on I95. My right side of the car was completly destroyed, i hit the pole going about 50-60 mph (the main spots hit were the very end of my door to my back bumper). The car didnt break in half or anything! Right after impact my car spun around and a Lexus SUV rear ended me going about 50 only because she slammed on her breaks (because we all know-nobody does the speed limit), and several other cars just hit me, but nothing major just side-swipes. I fortunatly was wearing my seat belt and only got airbag burn and major whip lash (Volvo cant prevent this) and my arm got stuck in the door but i could pull myself out. It was quite dramatic. If i was in a Honda or Toyota i honnestly think i would be dead or badly hurt. I didnt press charges. But the volvo was great! When you drive it you can feel that it is a very solid car! It was so comfortable, drove great, and saves lives! Never had a problem with it, escept the normal things like tires and tune-ups. I'm picking up my new S70 today :)

Similar Products Used:

Volvo 240

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Apr 30, 2004]
RichK
Model Reviewed: s70

Strength:

Fun to drive, rated safer than other cars of that year Volvo's tend to be about 3 years ahead of everyone else when it comes to safety). Very comfortable seats.

Weakness:

electrical system. dealer network ( poor training, poor attitude)

Typical european car, great to drive, very solid, mechanically durable, But like most european cars the electrical system is a nightmare. If you can maintain it yourself it is not an expensive car to own .Most of the replacements parts are inexpensive from aftermarket retailers If you have to rely on the dealer or a shop the costs are very high. Because of the electrical problems and high maintance costs these cars lose value very quickly during the first 4 years thus making 4-5 year old Volvos very affordable to buy.

Similar Products Used:

2000 Toyota Sienna minivan (runs forever but doesn't give the driving pleasure that the Volvo does) 1998 Subaru Legacy ( dependable but "tinny")

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Dec 29, 2003]
mnelson505
Model Reviewed: S70 GLT

Strength:

1) Ride 2) Power 3) Handling 4) High Milage without repairs.

Weakness:

1) A/C leak 2) Window switch replacement

I purchased the Volvo S70 GLT used in the summer of 02 for my wife. I bought it with 90k miles and have 118k now. It is in very good condition. I am very satisfied with the car. It rides very nice, comfy seats, and plenty of power. I really enjoy driving it. Mechanically I have had a few problems. I drive a Toyota Camry with 240k miles so I expect high reliability out of my cars. The driver's side window controls quit working. I took it apart and could not fix it. I ended up buying the control on-line for around $100. The dealer wanted $160 for it and I am sure quite a bit to install. I have also had some problems with the A/C. I think there is a very slow R-12 leak. I just buy a can of R-12 at AutoZone once a summer and it works fine. I am sure I will have to get the dealer to fix it sometime, but dread the cost. I do all maintenance myself and have not had to take it to a shop at all. I replaced the timing belt myself which was not too bad. I cannot get the filter from AutoZone, but Napa sells it. I bought a repair book for it, which has really helped. The site is www.books4cars.com

Similar Products Used:

Not Similar, but I drive an 89 Toyota Camry.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Oct 30, 2003]
hyinkmom
Model Reviewed: Volvo S70 GLT

Strength:

Great look, good drive, real roomy, mechanically reliable.

Weakness:

Electrical issues. Those "small" repairs really add up and on a yearly basis you could look at 2-3 thousand dollars a year. The AC thing was a big deal for me, especially since it is a problem they have noticed often in that model. I would have hoped that they would have accepted that it was a defect on their part and provided some sort of financial incentive to get the problem fixed. I would not have expected them to pay all of the fees, but some would have been nice.

The car is beautiful, I will give it that.The style is sleek and we bought it in perfect condition with low miles.And then it started....First the air went out, which apparently is a common problem with this model and the one previous to it.This repair was $1500, but we paid it happily since we loved the car so much.By the way, this repair was done within three weeks of owning the car and was not covered under any warranty.YIPPEE!The switch to move the driver seat back and forth does not work properly, but the preprogramed buttons do, so that is not an issue worth fixing at the time.(The switches do work when you are not sitting down.)The manual states that if something is blocking the sensors in the seat that it will not move, so I am convinced that the sensors are probably faulty.I have had to replace a brake light, which is not a big deal, and I was happy that there is an indicator light which lets you know you have a light out.I noticed right away that the driver side window switch seemed a little sticky and it was not an issue until today.I was at a drive-thru coffee stand and could not get my window down.It kept making a clicking sound, like it was trying to work, but nothing was happening.I then realized that the other windows and the sunroof were not working as well.I picked up my cell phone then and there and immedietly called the Volvo dealer to schedule an appointment to come in, which is a week from today.I am happy to say that my husband is rather handy in the repair department, so hopefully he can figure out the problem before my visit.I feel that I am drasitically overcharged at the Volvo dealership repair department, therefore, any repairs my hubby can do are great.We have had to repair the speakers several times.The wiring they have done is real shotty.The rear speakers were making an annoying crackling sound, which my husband repaired easily, and now he will need to repair the front speakers, which stop working often.I now only keep the rear speakers on because it is so annoying to hear the front speakers going in and out.I have noticed a few annoying rattling sounds since they fixed my AC, mostly when it is excessively warm.The headlight switch broke, but depending on when your car was made, it may be covered under recall, ours was not.As you can see, I have not had any mechanical problems or anything that would put me in danger of being stranded on the side of the road with my children, and I am pleased about that. I think my biggest gripe is the Volvo service department. They overcharge, keep your car too long, and you can never get an appointment in a timely manner. The service shop in our town is the only one in the area, which I find to be an indicator that they need to open another one, but that is just me.

Similar Products Used:

1969 Mercedes 280S-Would buy this car again in a heartbeat. Built like a rock, huge, and beautiful!

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jun 22, 2003]
Craig
Model Reviewed: S70 GL

Strength:

Brakes that 'classic' Volvo Turning Radius Transmission shifts logically Fuel Economy ( I have 168hp 2.4l L-5 ) Power Heated Leather seats are perfect Headrest actually supports your head!!!!!! This car drives and corners very nice.

Weakness:

I wish they put better shocks so the front end doesn't feel like it's about to bottom out. I will install Bilstiens soon, those CURE the problem. Economy mode on transmission gets worse gas mileage than on Sport mode?! I've had to reglue the door panel attachments, after I had to take them off to replace the broken door stop. Those broken welds you read about are due to the owners not replacing the broken door stops!!! Suspension picks up stupid bumbs and vibrations, again, due to cheap shocks.

I bought the car based on traditional Volvo reliability. It is also the last of the 'brick' styling which I personally like. I think the car is well thought out and I definately got what I paid for. It was used of course and with 62,000 miles, it looked as if it were brand new. I came to this website to find out what others thought of their S70 and had some concerns. I did ask dealer questions regarding recalls and typical repairs and they seemed pretty straight-forward. Because this car was 'Certified Used' it came with an extended warranty that covers the powertrain and some other important stuff. There were a few upgrades to the electrical system. This is really a good basic car that does it's job very well. The salesman tho, refused me a test drive when I was first looking for the S70 to buy, when I showed up a few months later really needing a car, I politely reminded him again if I could test drive. I never got to, but got the car anyway. I thought that was rude.

Similar Products Used:

1991 Volvo 740 turbo

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jan 26, 2003]
kevin walsh
Model Reviewed: 940 SE turbo

Strength:

Bulletproof reliability, non-interference design engine timing belt will not bend valves if it breaks. 195 ft lb TORQUE / w turbo

Weakness:

22-24 MPG,

! owner car, dealer maintained and had records in glovebox. have owned / operated 2 years. no problem, car is rock solid, have done belts,hoses, fluids replaced with mobil 1, heres the math. Paid $7000.OO / CAR HAD 84k AND MINT! Original window sticker for $34500.00 in glovebox, I now owe about 3000.00 and car still runs like new. Volvo 940 was refinement pinnacle and most solid car I have owned. (94-95 are last and best years)

Similar Products Used:

Volvo 740, VW GTI, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Volvo v70 / v90 (v90 rear drive but more complex car)

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 01, 2002]
Cabotc
Model Reviewed: S70

Strength:

Quality Safety/Style Luxury Factor Service/Support Speed/Braking Fun to drive factor Realiability

Weakness:

Brake dust accumulates quickly Front cupholders are small

I LOVE this car. Everything about my S70 is great, from its looks, to its engine. Its everything you would expect in a luxury car. The Swedish really know how to make a good car. In Sport Mode, you get rocketed onto the highway and can stop just as fast. Ice and snow are no problem. You can drive up a steep icy driveway with no worries while you sit in premium heated leather seats, listening to a CD comming out of 8 speakers. Where others cars of this class lag, the Volvo S70 soars. The BMW 540i is the competitor to the S70, and after totalling the 540i, I feel MUCH safer in the S70. I cannot give this car enough praise. Same goes for service and support. I have always had prompt and friendly service for oil changes and maintance. These cars are TANKS with superstar engines.

Similar Products Used:

2001 BMW 540i 2000 Mercedes-Benz E320 1994 Volvo 850

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Oct 05, 2002]
volvomandan
Model Reviewed: /Volvo S70 T5 R

Strength:

Power, 290 hp out of a 2.3 liter you can't beat that. Seats probably the most comfortable around after 10 hours in the car still feel great. Handling with new bilstein struts up front it handles great. This isn't your fathers volvo, thats what I like about it, it surprises people. Gas mileage 30-31 on the highway, There are a ton of aftermarket performance parts, both from Volvo and from places like IPD and other Volvo performance part places.

Weakness:

Cost can get up there when you start throwing in all the options you want. the service dept and many volvo places are very cold and somewhat unfriendly. I've waited on average hour and a half for an oil change which I made the appointment for a week in advance, interior noise.

So far I have had great luck with my 98 S70 T5. I will say that it does have a bit more interior noise then I like when you hit big bumps of pot holes but thats my only real complaint. The high pressure turbo even stock is really nice. I converted mine to an R class via the IPD sport exhaust and ECU upgrade now puts out 290 HP and 300 ft-lb tourque. This thing will scare you some times, 110 mph is no problem and you don't even know your doing it. I have the fully loaded S70 T5 with all the bells and whistles more button then you can shake a stick at, and so far they all work just fine. I have also installed the Volvo carbon fiber spark plug cover, aluminum strut brace, side marker lights and the Volvo stainless steel door threshold protector plates. The heated leather seats work great for those cold mornings. I also love the 8 speaker sound system.

Similar Products Used:

Test Drove 2001 Volvo S60 T5 1997 Volvo 850 R owned 1985 Volvo 240 DL and loved that square swedish brick. owned 1985 VW Jetta GL, wish the 2002's were made like that one. own 2000 Isuzu Troope

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Apr 27, 2002]
paul lazdins
Model Reviewed: 850 turbo

Strength:

handles the road well, especially during winter conditions. very fast w/ turbo.

Weakness:

stiff ride-feel evry seam in the road. repairs are expensive and frequent

All I have heard since purchasing this 850,has been a large sucking sound of my money going into the mechanics pocket. Although I have enjoyed driving it in between repairs, they have unfortunately overshadowed that pleasure. Let me list the highlights of the repairs: New airconditioner condensor $1000.00, rear mainseal replacement $$1000.00, Turbo charger hoses and diagnostics $1500, New fuel pump $750....

Similar Products Used:

740 volvo

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
2
[Apr 02, 2002]
Danielflading
Model Reviewed: 850 GLT Turbo

Strength:

5 cylinder 2.5 Liter 20 valve Turbo engine. smooth and powerfull.

Weakness:

I have to use Premium Gas for the required octane rating.

Although my car is a 1997 850 model it is bassically a S70. I love it it is a great car hadles superb and accelerates really nice.

Similar Products Used:

1983 244 Turbo. 1998 Ford Contour Sport V6 1988 Acura Legend 1989 Honda Accord

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
Showing 1-10 of 77  

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