Faults:

Constant problems. Replaced brakes twice, battery three times, oxygen sensor, and every light bulb in this car at least twice. Car also dies under power for no reason. Volvo safety record makes me feel better when the car dies going down the freeway. Also, have had the drivers door welded three times were the strap is attached which prevents the door form opening to far.

General Comments:

I could kick myself for buying this overrated and overpriced vehicle, and that I could have purchsed a 3 series BMW for the same money.

Faults:

Air conditioning constantly stops working. It is caused by electrical problems.

The transmission runs very rough.

On the panel, the engine light, ABS light, the light bulb out light and the service light are constantly illuminated.

The coverings on all 4 doors have bubbled up and separated from the doors.

The lock on rear door will not release remotely.

The trunk lock will not release remotely.

The leather on the drivers seat has deteriorated badly.

The cup holder was flimsy and broke off long ago.

The antenna won't retract.

General Comments:

The car is nice looking and extremely comfortable. Seven years later the style is still very attractive.

The car drives beautifully and handles very well.

Volvo has suffered from terrible electrical problems for decades and it is inconceivable to me how the people who build these cars can't correct these same problems year after year. I bought this car to keep for at least 200,000 miles and at 73,000 miles, I am finally giving up. It isn't worth putting money into any more. Because the engine light is constantly illuminated, I'll never know if there is a critical engine problem. A friend with my same model and year had her engine actually blow up at 70,000 miles because the engine light was always on and she didn't know the plastic radiator had failed until it was too late. Should a near luxury car have a plastic radiator?

Faults:

Frequent changing of light bulbs

Various minor electrical problems.

Minor leak in a/c at 115,000 km.

Small leak in exhaust manifold at 170,000km.

General Comments:

Have had car since new and has been generally reliable. One exception is light bulbs. There is always at least one out, and every service visit involves bulb replacement. Sockets were replaced by a recall in 1999, but problem persists. Last visit, a new bulb burned out before arriving home. Very annoying, and ironically enough, very unsafe.

Brakes are great, but pads require replacement each 50k.

Other than that, its built like a tank, and generally drives like one too. 5 cylinder (non-turbo) engine is too small for size of car. Seats are very comfortable and the car is solidly built. Car is nearing eight years old and body, paint and leather interior are still in great shape.

After eight years this is a car I feel comfortable investing in until it hits 300km. Wouldn't describe as fun to drive, but if your looking for pure practicality and utility, it's a good choice. As with any car, regular maintenance and repairs pay off.

Faults:

I thought this was a great car when I had bought it, it seemed stylish (the styling grows on you... believe me) and Volvos were known for safety. I bought it for 19,850 US funds. I went home and I looked on IIHS and it got a 'best pick overall' for the 35mph barrier. I went to EUROncap and the car was 'almost advisable for a fourth star out of 5' The front impact got a 44% out of 100%. Pretty bad.

The gas mileage is incredibly dour. I average 18 MPG keeping it under 3,500 RPM. When filled at the gas pump, I pay around 49.30 for 2.39 a gallon.

The general-quality of the car is poor. The leather seats mostly; they are starting to peel and crack... this car is 6 years old! The radio knobs are starting to peel, although it has a good sound system. The cup-holders are very chintzy and the headrests are hard to deal with when having a french braid or ponytail.

The engine sounds like it's big and bad, but it has EXTREMELY poor pick-up. I bought a G-Timer and managed to get to 60mph in 10.8 seconds. That's slower than a Kia.

For having such a high reputation of safety, quality, and industrial technologies; I am extremely disappointed. I just ordered a new 530i.

General Comments:

Please beware of buying this vehicle. I'm not exaggerating, but just look at competition and look at its euroncap.com rating for safety. Lots of other choices.