2004 Volvo V70 2.5T review from North America

Radio unexpectedly changes channel

Driver seat (leather) wearing. The finish is rubbing off.

The drivers seat; A more perfect torture device may exist, but I doubt it. Unlike my previous Volvo's, with their supportive comfortable perches, this seat seems to take every opportunity to make me uncomfortable. I find myself fiddling constantly with the power controls in search of an elusive comfortable seat combination. Amazingly, I find the passenger seat very comfortable.

The Key: What a devilishly clever little knee-capping device. Sticking straight out from the steering column it sits precariously, and threateningly in front of and adjacent to my knee. It leaves me no space to put my leg except hard up against the insanely over-sized center binnacle. Not exactly a sample of good ergonomic design.

The Steering: What was Volvo thinking of when designing this vehicle. Truck or Tractor? I cannot decide which. But this vague, heavy and cumbersome steering mechanism does not even hint at, nor is their even a pretense, of steering a car. If you want to have some sense of the road through the steering wheel, pass on this car.

The Ride: Well, mostly comfortable, until one encounters a slightly uneven surface pavement. Heaving, weaving, and bobbing all over the road are not manners that I would ascribe to a premium automobile approaching $50k (Cdn). But I can't blame the suspension components entirely, the insensitive steering seems to have some blame in this cacophony of uncontrolled body motions.

The Radio/CD: Nice little piece. For a Hyundai. Shrill, cheap, unconventional and simply not tolerable. I don't turn it on anymore. I bring a Walkman.

The Engine/Performance: More suited for a tractor, I guess. Sure, it pulls furiously from a stop. But when running at low speed, it jerks, surges, or hesitates (not necessarily in that order). It either starts off with the wheels squealing, with even the slightest touch of the gas pedal. Or it waits interminably for the transmission to catch up. It can NEVER seem to find just the right gear for the intended engine requirement.

I really loved my '99 V70. Which was why I chose an '04 V70. Sorry, not again. The '99 didn't ride all that great, but at least it was controlled, nimble and a pleasure to drive, and had a GREAT drivers seat. Even our S40 was somewhat of a disappointment. But I don't blame Volvo completely as the S40's DNA was tainted with some Japanese origination. Which I was aware of when purchased. But, then I am not complaining about that car. Though, repairs to the braking system nearly broke the bank.