2001 Volvo XC70 AWD review from North America

I bought this car knowing it had problems. The problems are directly related to poor maintenance and service practices on the part of the previous two owners, and some poor designing on Volvo's part.

Consider before buying an XC70 that there are design flaws, temperamental poorly built short life parts and lots of electronics issues.

Also be aware that Volvo NA has many hidden warranty extensions up to 200,000 miles.

My XC70 transmission (automatic) shifting was erratic when driving in bumper to bumper traffic (a constant in urban environs). The A/T slammed into and out of lower gears (1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd gear).

Heat and old dirty fluid were the culprit in this case. Volvo suggests the tranny fluid, ever! JUST nonsense. If you own an XC70, change the transmission fluid semi-annually...and add a tranny cooler if you know how to do it.

This transmission is not designed to be driven in semi-tropics. I replaced the transmission fluid with Mobil 3309 AT fluid @ $8.00 per quart in lieu of having the dealer flush the tranny and replace the fluid at $450.00. I also added a 5"X 12" transmission fluid cooler ($26.00) in front of the radiator in lieu of adding a Volvo transmission fluid cooler for $1200 (parts only). The Volvo's automatic transmission operating temperature specification is 90 degrees F. OK if you live in Alaska, but it doesn't work in Texas.

I replaced the camshaft and crankshaft bearings, the fuel pump and O2 sensors and a bunch of other stuff before it became my daily driver.

If you can't fix a car yourself, don't buy an XC70. If you can fix a car, buy one, it's really a great quick, comfortable, road hugging machine and lots of fun to drive.

There's something magical about this car. I love it, but I need to work 2 shifts to earn enough to keep her in good shape