1998 Volvo S70 GLT review from North America

Drivers seat leather cracking badly.

Trunk locking unit replaced - $500.

Cracked ventilation hose (at 207k) - $250.

Replaced turbo "O" rings - $200.

Overall the most exceptional vehicle ever. My parents have Lexus and Toyotas that haven't even made it half as far, or are running half as well as my S70 does.

This car gets driven tons of miles, and has been incredibly reliable. In all of my 237K miles, I have never spent any of that on the side of the road. I have never gone to start that car, when it didn't greet meet me with its beautiful coarse 5cyl engine purr. That's not something many can say about their cars.

I've had the best of luck, and since this Volvo I have purchased two others. I just keep on the oil, and the maintenance of components that my dealer recommends, and that's all it takes.

I haven't had a payment on this car since 2000, so I've had a problem free car free of cost for almost 10 years now. That's awesome.

The 2.4T engine is a perfect blend. It's got significantly more power and spunk than the standard 2.4. It's also surprisingly fuel efficient. In the city I'm getting about 20 MPG, and on the highway a nice 25-26. Not bad at all, age considered.

The leather seats are the most comfortable I have ever encountered, and I have encountered many a plush leather driver seat. It's supportive, but no so cushy that you feel you're sinking like the Titanic.

In addition, the exterior quality is second to none. I have the beautiful and rare dark blue metallic. It is a very striking color. It has been outdoor parked in the same location on the driveway for all of its 12.5 years of life and it isn't fading or corroding, and the windows aren't bubbling or anything like that.

Overall this car is just perfect. I had a friend who bought a "reliable" Toyota within weeks of my buying this car. He always told me that my Volvo wouldn't last and that I should go Japanese. I'm proud to report that he got rid of that Camry two years ago after it required a new engine, tranny rebuild, plus electrical problems and he only put on a measly 130K miles. My trusty S70 is still around, and hopefully will be for much longer, because I doubt I will ever again find anything quite like it. This is something that Sweden should truly be proud of.