1999 Volvo C70 Coupe review from North America
"Beautiful car with horrible reliability"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
An o-ring in the oiling system went bad and resulted in a lack of oil getting to the upper engine.
Anti-lock brake module started malfunctioning after 50,000 miles. Dealer stated this is extremely common on most 96+ Volvo models. This results not only in non-optimal braking, but loss of speedometer function at least half the time while I'm driving.
Radiator needed replacement at 55,000 miles.
Electronic Throttle System started to malfunction at 60,000 miles. Dealer personnel have also stated this is a very common problem on 99-01 vehicles.
There are many leaks in seals where the frame-less windows meet the rubber trim of the body. This results in extremely loud wind noise at highway speeds, as well as flooding of interior during automatic car-washes. Dealer has not been able to remedy the problem.
Radio head unit has been replaced twice because of Cd's jamming inside of it. The third one still has same the same problem.
General comments?
This is a great car if it weren't for numerous reliability concerns I've had.
Since it's a high-pressure turbocharged car, low end acceleration is dismal because of turbo-lag. But once the turbo is spooled up, car is amazingly quick for a front-wheel drive car.
Handling is also very good for a front-wheel drive luxury car.
Stereo is excellent as far as sound quality is concerned.
Seats are extremely comfortable.
Because of non-symmetrical 5 cylinder configuration, the car vibrates a lot.
Dealer service is extremely expensive.
Recommended reviews
| Expensive to buy and own, but if you have the bucks, it works well |
| Stay away from Volvo-Bad reliability |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | HPT- T5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 36000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 62000 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Intrigue |
| Date of Entry | 3rd July, 2004 |