1998 Volvo S70 GLT review from North America
"A quality wolf in sheep's clothing"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
One of the tail light bulbs burns out frequently.
Top motor mount broke at around 90K miles. (Cheap fix)
General comments?
After owning and enjoying two Mercedes, I decided to give Volvo a try. I drive a lot. I spend too much time behind the wheel, and really get to know these cars.
The Volvo S70 has been a great car. Good value on the used car market. Good looking car, and amazingly comfortable. I find the car to be roomier and more comfortable than the new Volvos.
The car outperforms the Mercedes and BMWs that I have driven. It's such a subdued looking car, with the safety image, that nobody expects to get their doors blown off by a Volvo! As I did on the Mercedes, I tossed the Michelins, and had Dunlop performance tires installed. The performance improvement is dramatic. At 105K miles, the shocks could use replacing, and the front rotors and pads will be replaced.
The interior and exterior have held up flawlessly. From the paint to the leather, all components are highest quality. I take good care of mine, and it looks no different from new. Why do these cars cost so much less that the other European cars???
One word of warning: be critical in picking your dealership for repair. I have had the very best experience at some, and the very worst experience at others.
Overall, this has been one of the best cars I have owned. I have no regrets and would buy again.
Recommended reviews
  | Love it - a solid car! |
| Great car and service from dealers and independent mechanics, but didn't live up to the Volvo name |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4 Tirbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 30000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 105000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
| Date of Entry | 2nd April, 2003 |