2002 Volvo V70 review from North America

Nothing has gone wrong with this car.

I traded in my '89 240 for a new V70 base model. This car has the most comfortable car seats I've ever parked my butt on. The suspension keeps car poised at all times, and the brakes stop shorter than any other car on the road.

I've read where others are less than thrilled with their V70's, but I think Volvo has addressed most of the problems with this car.

I intentionally bought the base model to avoid the turbo upgrade to the engine, so mine is a front wheel drive only. I think this is the way to go with this car. I drove it through some really bad weather this winter with no problems, and acceleration is OK, but not like a turbo kick in the pants.

Despite its small outside dimensions, this car hauls a ton of stuff.

My only quibble is with the automatic. The logic function seems too fuzzy, and shifts are not predictable. It really hunts on hills. I may be too picky, my 240 had the indestructible 5 speed manual.