Volvo S70

Price Paid:  $45000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 S70 T5

Summary:
Excellent car. A little tight in the suspension but advantages at highway speeds and cornering. Sometimes bumpy on rough city roads at low speeds. When the Turbo kicks in on the highways, you can feel the Gs it puts you back in your seat. Sometimes when you catch the timing just right, it will shoot off like a rocket. Smooth quiet ride at any speed. Not the best for city driving due to Turbo lag, that is, if you want to race down highway streets cutting in and out like a little Honda Civic, it doesn't work. Excellent breaks!

Strengths:
Exceptional Turbo Speed on Highways, VERY FAST. Most comfortable seats on any car any make or model. Ample room, more than the BMW 5 series, or most all Japanese cars. Big on the inside, small on the outside.

Weaknesses:
Some Turbo Lag in the city

Similar Products Used:
BMW 520, Saab 9-5, VW Passat

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 S70 GLT

Summary:
Just bought the car, but I love it! Dependability? Well I don't know yet, but other's I know have the 850 and no problemos. I really like driving the car, I am used to a Land Rover Discovery, so getting into a Sedan is a real bonus. The interior is great and very roomy. Did I say great acceleration? Awesome.

Strengths:
Acceleration, Interior, Quality, SAFETY, Dealership, Driveability

Weaknesses:
Picks up alot of road noise, otherwise very quiet.

Similar Products Used:
Saturn, Lumina, Taurus

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 Volvo S70 SE

Summary:
Not worth the $29,540 I paid for it. I would not recommend the Volvo S70 SE to anyone I care about.

Strengths:
Good looks both out side and inside. Very nice entertainment system and other standard features. Handles well on the high-way, but the ride is a little bumpy. Positive steering and good brakes are a plus.

Weaknesses:
Rides like a stage coach. The suspension is very stiff and does not go over bumps very well. Five cylinder engine sounds and feels more like a four cylinder engine.

Similar Products Used:
My Ford Taurus is more comfortable to drive and has a lot more power.

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 S70 Base model

Summary:
Interior noise levels from transmission, engine, and windows are entirely too high compared to other cars in this price category. Maybe this improves with the bigger engines. But it feels solid and inspires confidence on the road. I enjoy driving it. There are other safe cars out there, choose wisely, this may not be the best. Glad I am leasing.

Strengths:
Comfortable seats, feels solid on highway, good dash layout and sound system to muffle those noises, haven't had all the problems these other people have had!

Weaknesses:
Too much road noise at cruising speeds; noisy transmission and engine in lower gears. Requires 93 octane gas and synthetic oil so it's more expensive to run.

Similar Products Used:
'97 Camry 4 cyl. - Wow!! I could have had a quiet V-6!!

Price Paid:  $30000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 Volvo S70 Base

Summary:
I know that older Volvo's have quite a reputation, some good, some bad but I can only speak from the newer product line perspective. I would highly recommend a 2000 Volvo or newer for anyone. Friends that have riden in my Volvo can't believe it is a Volvo. I have a neighbor that owned an older 240 and he was very impressed following a ride in my S70. I know that Volvo has redesigned the V70, S80 and are introducing a new S60 for 2001. My wife is so impressed with our S70 that she is considering trading her minivan in for a 2001 V70. I think Volvo cars will be in our family for a long time to come.

Strengths:
The quality, safety and economical performance are great. Was very suprised at the high mileage in city driving. Atlanta traffic is worse than LA (know from experience) and that means a lot of sitting in traffic. This car has the best seats (heated in winter) that I have had the pleasure to sit in. I grew up in snow country and have never gotten used to the humid summers in the south, which means I rely on a very good air conditioning system. My S70 has an electronically controlled system that blows extremely cold air when needed and also allows for dual climate zones. The stereo is also the best of any vehicle I have owned, including a brand new Acura Legend back in the early 90's.

Weaknesses:
When the sunroof is open, it can get a little noisy.

Similar Products Used:
Acura, Toyota, Honda. The Volvo doesn't have the fit and finish of a Japanese vehicle however, the Volvo's safety features more than make up for that. I personally don't like the egg shape that just about every car manufacturer is now implementing and I find Volvo's new styling much more appealing, keeping more of a classical taste.