2003 Volvo V70 Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
I previously reviewed this car when new and described it as a minivan in a tuxedo. The description still applies. This car is agile compared to an SUV. I experienced relatively good mileage considering its, size and now age. I averaged about 22 in mixed driving. Hwy easily exceeded 30 mpg. The car is versatile which is whet the "V" stands for in the name plate for the model. Which means easy to load lots of room. Great small family car 4 or less. I liked it when I bought it new and I still like the car after six years that tell you something. It has 140K on odo. so lets talk about how it held up. Major maintenance on the car now has included: 1. A.C compressor failure at 90K, I live in Florida AC is on almost all the time 2. Gear Shift locked at 80k would not move, car was towed shifter replaced no way to release it. 3. Normal tire and brake replacement when tires rotated got about 35K out of a set of Michelen Primacy MXV, when I did not rotate it needed new fronts for same tire at 20K. 4. Replaced the "timing belt at 100k as recommended. (expensive over 1K), has to be replaced at 120K if buying high mileage car make sure it is replaced if not total engine failure. 5. Replaced CV boots 6. Replaced Front control arms rubber wore out and deteriorated 7. Replaced Front engine mounts 2x's, rubber wore out, needs them again 8. Just replaced "spring seats" on the strut mounts, rubber deteriorated 9. Kept to the maintenance schedule for coolant, spark plugs, brake fluid, engine coolant, air filter and a/c filter. 10. Zero engine problems, zero belt or hoses in the engine bay problems. 11. zero transmission problems, now she is showing her age but competent. 12. Replaced a lot of lights, front high beams, low beams several times, tail lights all replaced a few times when they wore out, license plate marker lights, dome lights dashboard interior no replacements needed. The interior held up remarkably well in this car leather seats no tears looks good, like a well used leather jacket. No fade on the dash or seats or headliner all in very good shape. All the switch gear, radio. light switched etc.. work perfectly well. This car has never had any electrical gremlins. My take: If i had a gripe it is that all the rubber in the suspension deteriorated and needed replacement. If you are buying one of these, have your mechanic put it on a lift before you buy it and check the engine mounts, front struts on the bottom, and the independent links in the front all these have rubber bushings that have worn out during my ownership under normal hwy use. Volvo as a Mfg. should change from rubber to a synthetic polymer for use in the front end suspension here in the south the rubber just crumbles away. You can get synthetic replacement from IPD volvo after-market retailer online. Its a great car . . . runs great starts always good ion the interstate has a high top speed, will keep going well into triple digits when other cars limiters kick in and performs as advertised.
VS
Critical Review
Transmissions are very weak, when they go (and they will) expect to pay over 6k to get a new one. There are no good ones out there in parts yards, that's the major reason they end up there. Constant electrical problems, very frequent check engine lights. Throttle bodies are know to be junk, Volvo originally was forced to replace them for free up to 100k, after that expect to pay 2k plus programming. Not your typical Volvo, either go back to pre01 v70's (old Style) or jump way ahead to around 07 when they finally stopped selling these cars new with the above flaws.
2003 V70 Reviews
Showing 8 of 302 reviews.
Wow what a beast, 2001 V70 Base non turbo, everything still working, yea it is slow, but cruising at 70 is a joy. Keep up with the oil changes, easy to work on and I am no mechanic, if you have an issue look it up on YouTube. No rust just unreal, going to Florida and I am taking the Volvo, the base motor non turbo uses 87 octane, and highway gas mileage is 28, 29, 30 MPG. If you have a young / new driver, put them in one of these to learn how to drive, no car is safer, built like a truck.
Power, quick, cargo room
Turning radius of a semi
I just bought it used about 5 months ago! The only negative for me is the turning radius. 3 point turns turn into 6 point turns! Turning radius of a semi! On the highway its a freight train!! Not the quickest, nor the fastest but definitely a fun car! My malinois “Yari” approves the cargo area dog cage.
practical, sporty, spacious, beautiful, safe,
large turning radius, back seat leg room
This vehicle is the definition of practicality and 'a car of all trades'. It's a joy to drive, spacious, comfortable and ergonomic, beautiful inside and out, and is insanely practical. I have moved entire couches with the rear seats folded flat and the back hatch completely closed. It is at 142k miles and 15 years old now and I did have to replace a few things as it aged, (suspension components, radiator) but the engine and transmission are solid, and it has never left me stranded.
Functional as a utility vehicle
260000 miles, but well maintained- no a/c
Looks good - one window locked out, no a/c, good utility vehicle
Comfortable, good design, convenience features
Climate control can be confusing to operate
After wanting a Volvo for years I finally broke down and purchased a 2005 Volvo V70 2.4. I love the wagons, and when I had the opportunity to purchase one from a trustworthy Volvo mechanic, I did not let it pass me by. Everything about this car has exceeded my expectations. Even with the base engine, it still has enough power. The car is easy to maneuver through city traffic. Very comfortable, I drive roughly 2,500 miles a month and never am I uncomfortable. I feel extremely safe behind the wheel, it feels like a sturdy car and I dont feel the wind pull me as I drive along the highway. I have only experienced one winter so far wth the Volvo, there were no problems and it handled very well in the snow. I love the cargo space, as a college student it makes it easy to transport all my stuff. I love how the seats fold flat, my previous vehicle would not allow me to lay the seats flat which was extremely annoying. Many convenience features including rain-sensing wiper blades and defrosting side view mirrors. Gas mileage has been averaging between 27-29 MPG. In the 6 months I have owned it so far I have only had two minor problems with the car: the thermostat had to be replaced and I had to replace the starter (not bad for a 12 year old car). My only complaint is that the climate system can be confusing to operate, sometimes the blower will not allow you to turn it off. Bought the vehicle with high mileage but Im not worried. Already looking into the XC60 for my next vehicle. Volvo sold me on their motto: Volvo for life!
Space, handling, speed, braking, elegance
More frequent repairs than other models.
This is a review of the 2004 V70 R. Ive owned mine since it had 16 miles on the odometer, and now its at 95000 in 2017. (It sat at the airport all week for a bunch of years.) I havent bought another car yet because I cant find anything that beats this thing. It does have some weaknesses, but I absolutely love this car I can stuff my wretchedly muddy 29-inch-wheeled, XL-size mountain bike in the back (on the fitted vinyl cover) when I need to, or two giant 50-gallon trash barrels and all the other stuff I need to take to the dump on the weekend. When it doesnt need to haul stuff it is my sporty car, with relatively fat 235/45 Pilot Super Sport summer tires, huge and amazing real Brembo mult-piston brakes, 300 horsepower engine, AWD, super nice steering, and even a 6-speed manual transmission. Sooooo much fun to drive! Check that the angle gear housing isnt leaking. (Its 3500 if it is.) Expect the wheel front wheel bearings to be need replacing every 40K. Theyre weak. Replace the engine mount elastomers every 40K. So smooth with fresh ones. Change the synthetic oil frequently, and yes use synthetic because the turbo really cooks it. My fuel pump failed at around 75K, nearly stranding me. My fuel level sensor failed, requiring a whole new 1000 dollars tank repair. In the rain the brake pads would hydroplane for 1/4 second on hard braking, so I swapped for cross-drilled rotors. My HU-850 radio died. I never cared, but after 4 years or so my family got me a new used one. That ones not completely stable either, but the cars more fun to listen to anyway. Mines been dealer-serviced since birth, and I have no complaints, but it does need twice as many repairs than my other 2 Volvos (1998 850 GL, and 2009 XC90 R-Design). I consider that a fair tradeoff for a car that was never designed for the stress of being as sporty as it is. Oh -- The wheel wells didnt get redesigned, so Volvo just put in stops to prevent the extra wide wheels from rubbing when turned. As a result, the turning radius is larger than that of a Chevy Suburban. Parking requires skill. Caveat emptor.
Fun, fast and utile
Could be nicer interior.
Love to drive this car but it still works great as a station wagon around town. Handling on back roads is a joy with the awd and ccc suspension working superbly. Interior is comfortable and seats are great but the quality of the other furnishings is mostly disappointing. Too much plastic which occasionally comes off and cannot be repaired. To date the only mechanical failure has been the recent demise of the A/C bearing requiring a replacement of the pump which was not cheap.
safety, quality drive, reliable
more expensive to maintain than domestic car
Its a car, so not perfect by any means however this car has never let us down as long as we did the maintenance regularly and followed up on the mechanics suggestions. Heater and Ac blow a little loud, but that is a mute point. We like the handle and drive experience of our old volvo better than our sisters new subaru. We have had an overall positive experience (even up to 23m/g) with all guages, windows, sunroof all in working order even after our 17 year old son drove it for a year. Id say ours has been pretty bomber.
