1999 Volvo C70 LT Coupe review from North America

While I like the styling, ride, and performance of my 1999 C70 I've been tormented with quality issues. As long time Honda owner these issues were really shocking. Here is a run down of my experience as the original owner. I've had to find a way to schedule over 12 repairs to the vehicle totaling more than 24 trips to and from the dealer. Each one of these requiring the coordination of transportation from a third party.

Window wind noise.

Wheel balance and alignment is really hard to get right. It pulls to the right and wears the tires unevenly at the factory caster settings. Despite having three different service centers work on it we went through three sets of tires.

Brake chatter and squeaking.

Cooling system sensor replaced.

Seats, intermittent electrical problems and too slow to get clients or kids in into the back seat in the rain.

Cracking leather at 12k miles despite using the best leather treatment every other month, asked the dealer to replace every visit to no avail, the next owner will have to get seat covers before it hits 75k miles.

Trim pieces falling off around each seat and in the header above the sun shades.

Tow hook cover fell out requiring a special order and hand painting at home.

Bolt fell out of the headliner and into my lap.

Electrical system system fried the headlights 2 times in the first 15k miles - resulted in a recall.

Stranded three times, battery twice and once when the entire dash mounted headlight switch fell out at night and had to be replaced by the dealer.

Power Steering resevoir had to be replaced when it started leaking.

Resale value is atrocious, at 46k it has lost at least 53% of its value.

Very nice looking car!

Positives.

- comfortable seats

- great styling

- high performance

- Awesome stereo

- Price with discounts.

However, we will never buy a new or used Volvo again. Our next cars will be a Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Mazda, or BMW.