1998 Volvo S70 GLT review from North America

Radio control went out within first 3 months.

Oil leak at 20,000 miles.

Engine check light virtually monthly (long ago stopped having it checked). Dealer admits this is ongoing problem.

Driver interior door lining started coming unglued at approx 20,000 miles (in SoCal with moderate temps). Passenger door lining did same at approx 45,000 miles, but could not get to dealer until 52,000 and dealer refused to fix under warranty even with history.

Intermittent hesitation that no dealer or independent shop has been able to correct.

Overall, trim peels easily, again readily admitted by dealer.

Headlights and tail lights constantly going out and needing replaced.

Electric door locks always sticking, starting at approx 60,000 miles. Particularly frustrating since only the driver door has a key lock. Must reach in to all other doors from driver door to open.

Interior switch for Headlamps literally fell apart in my hand. Fixed under a recall.

Shimmy in front end started at 35,000 miles. At first thought due to tires. Continues to occur on all sets of tires and again neither dealer nor other service has been able to correct.

Car is very comfortable and handles well, except for the constant shimmy in front end that no one has been able to correct.

Looks good, but regarding reliability is the worst car I have ever owned (my first bought in 1979), which is even worst due to the extremely high cost of repair for Volvos compared too many other manufacturers.

A dealer tried explaining away the trim coming unglued being due to the car built more "ecologically friendly" than other cars, so areas such as glue are made to decompose faster and may be less effective. Thank you very much, but my first concern is performance, with ecology being important, but secondary.

My Ford Explorer came with higher end features, such as key-less door entry, lights that automatically turn off after 5 minutes if car is off, etc.

Bottom line, although we love the looks, and the handling with the exception of the front end shimmy, I will NEVER buy another Volvo.