2004 Volvo XC70 5-cylinder gas, low-pressure turbo

Summary:

Nearly a great car, but lousy dealer/mfr. support

Faults:

Premature spring failure (both left-side springs have broken, due to rusting/pitting at bottom end of spring coil). Volvo variously claims this is either unusual or normal (dealer had tons of springs in stock, so they must be selling).

Crack in rear axle/differential housing mounts where the assembly bolts up to the body frame. Volvo claims they have never seen this problem and wanted over $5500 to replace rear axle housing (car has never been driven off road) ; my independent mechanic told me he has seen two other cars with similar cracks.

Recently (2010) car developed the Volvo "check engine" light problem - various emissions control components develop leaks, leading to codes that cause the light to come on. In the process of checking through the possibilities, but expect this will lead back to the dealer for "software upgrades," "air sensor plate servicing" and other non fixes.

General Comments:

Great car in many respects.

Adequate power, good comfort, decent handling (this is not an off-road vehicle!).

Great headlight system - car has the Xenon system, much better than the old halogen bulbs that burn out constantly.

Electrics are reasonably reliable - many complaints about tail light problems stem from using wrong bulbs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd February, 2011

2004 Volvo XC70

Summary:

I love it, will buy another when the wheels fall of this one, or if it gets totaled again

Faults:

I do have a couple of comments on this 2004 Volvo.

When the air control is on auto, there seems to be this noise from the actuator. It is slight, but you can hear it. A little bothersome.

Also the deadbolts have this chirping noise when they are used.

General Comments:

I love the car, very quick in the steering.

I had other Volvo's (1993, 940 wagon). My 93 940 had 327311 miles when it got totaled by a cement truck. Glad I had the vehicle when I did.

I love the XC70. It gets me around town in the winter and summer.

Other than that, the vehicle is fun to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th February, 2009

2004 Volvo XC70 2.5L turbo

Summary:

It is a very comfortable and nice riding car

Faults:

I have 14500 miles on the car in 6 months and it hasn't had any problems yet.

General Comments:

It does have a strange air pressurization if you open just one rear door window and have the others closed. It is very uncomfortable on the ears. It stops if you crack open another window or the moon roof.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th November, 2004

29th May 2007, 13:34

Many modern auto models make an uncomfortable noise when windows are opened a certain amount when driving at highway speeds. Teh noise is like a rhythmic thumping. I've noticed this in several cars, including a Jeep Liberty and Toyota Echo.

One solution to avoid this is to turn on the air, be it only fan fresh air or heated or cooled. This causes a positive pressure in the cabin and reduces or eliminates this noise problem. I would try this in your Volvo.

2004 Volvo XC70

Summary:

Terrific

General Comments:

This is my 2nd XC70 Wagon. Previous one was a 1998 which I'd traded in a BMW for.

We have homes in the city and in the Colorado Mountains. We need a car that is both performance oriented and great in the snow.

And oh yes, safe and luxurious.

The Volvo XC70 meets all of the above.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd November, 2004