Faults:

Radio unexpectedly changes channel

Driver seat (leather) wearing. The finish is rubbing off.

General Comments:

The drivers seat; A more perfect torture device may exist, but I doubt it. Unlike my previous Volvo's, with their supportive comfortable perches, this seat seems to take every opportunity to make me uncomfortable. I find myself fiddling constantly with the power controls in search of an elusive comfortable seat combination. Amazingly, I find the passenger seat very comfortable.

The Key: What a devilishly clever little knee-capping device. Sticking straight out from the steering column it sits precariously, and threateningly in front of and adjacent to my knee. It leaves me no space to put my leg except hard up against the insanely over-sized center binnacle. Not exactly a sample of good ergonomic design.

The Steering: What was Volvo thinking of when designing this vehicle. Truck or Tractor? I cannot decide which. But this vague, heavy and cumbersome steering mechanism does not even hint at, nor is their even a pretense, of steering a car. If you want to have some sense of the road through the steering wheel, pass on this car.

The Ride: Well, mostly comfortable, until one encounters a slightly uneven surface pavement. Heaving, weaving, and bobbing all over the road are not manners that I would ascribe to a premium automobile approaching $50k (Cdn). But I can't blame the suspension components entirely, the insensitive steering seems to have some blame in this cacophony of uncontrolled body motions.

The Radio/CD: Nice little piece. For a Hyundai. Shrill, cheap, unconventional and simply not tolerable. I don't turn it on anymore. I bring a Walkman.

The Engine/Performance: More suited for a tractor, I guess. Sure, it pulls furiously from a stop. But when running at low speed, it jerks, surges, or hesitates (not necessarily in that order). It either starts off with the wheels squealing, with even the slightest touch of the gas pedal. Or it waits interminably for the transmission to catch up. It can NEVER seem to find just the right gear for the intended engine requirement.

I really loved my '99 V70. Which was why I chose an '04 V70. Sorry, not again. The '99 didn't ride all that great, but at least it was controlled, nimble and a pleasure to drive, and had a GREAT drivers seat. Even our S40 was somewhat of a disappointment. But I don't blame Volvo completely as the S40's DNA was tainted with some Japanese origination. Which I was aware of when purchased. But, then I am not complaining about that car. Though, repairs to the braking system nearly broke the bank.

Faults:

My 2004 Volvo Cross Country (XC70) is obviously very new and as yet I do not have any complaints about any of the systems (i.e., transmissions, engine, electrical).

However, I have found a significant problem with excessive windshield glare. My interior is taupe and therefore the dashboard is somewhat lighter. Thus, the dashboard is reflected up into the windshield, especially when driving into the sun. Oftentimes visibility is greatly reduced. There are even times when I am "blinded" with visibility being very poor.

Frankly, I am surprised that Volvo hasn't caught this. I assume that they test drive their vehicles in real-life situations (i.e., in sunny conditions).

Volvo is known for safety -- and yet, they have missed this "glaring" problem!

I'm wondering if any other owners have been bothered by windshield glare in the V70 or XC70?

I contacted Volvo regarding this problem and after several weeks received a brief form letter stating that Volvo cannot change the design of the windshield since it has been developed within their "safety standards". Apparently, good visibility is not a safety criteria as far as Volvo is concerned.

General Comments:

That being said, I do like how the XC70 handles.

It has exceptional Turbo pick-up.

Comfortable seats.