1999 Volvo V70 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.08/5 Average
54 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Volvo makes a number of performance, safety and styling upgrades to the V70 line. All cars benefit from a new engine management system and an improved brake system that includes four-channel ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). In terms of safety, V70s now include head-protecting side airbags and dual-stage deployment for the front airbags. Stability and traction control is now standard on the T5, and all other front-drive models are equipped with traction control. On the cosmetic side, all V70s receive a new grille emblem and body-color side moldings, mirrors, door handles and bumpers.

Pros:
  • Superb comfort, plenty of safety equipment, solid construction and amazing braking ability.
Cons:
  • High price, odd control placement.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 54.00
  • money pit - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    The only good thing I can say about this car is that Ive never had a breakdown and tow. Nevertheless its been an unending series of expensive repairs involving the cooling and electrical system, including an ABS rebuild, throttle body failure, oxygen sensor replacement, and the replacement of too many to count switches and bulbs. There is no such thing as a simple oil and filter change; always some aggravating expensive repair. I feel like Im rebuilding this car as I go along, and Ive taken good care of it. Now were into college years and I cant afford to replace it. Only 94000 miles and the worst car purchase in over 40 years of ownership. Shame on volvo for peddling this junk.

  • Good overall, many small repairs - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    Got mine from my father w/ around 145k miles. Originally a rental. Drove good, handled good, could take it camping, did fine in semi-off road conditions, very comfortable seats, good MPG, somewhat cheap to fill up, roomy. Inside covering for the back hatch came off/apart frequently - had sketchy mounts. Terrible cup holders, couldnt use center compartment when in use. Lots of minor/major? repairs including belts, strut cushions, something to do w/ the heater/ac, speakers on one side stopped working, hose burst once, steering out of alignment - car "rumbled" at 75+ MPH. Over all enjoyed the car. Crashed at almost 160k miles, still going strong. Appreciate it much more now that its gone.

  • Why did you sell to Ford - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    Great wagon. On weekends I use it as my truck...plenty of power for hauling small loads of buiding and landscape material.

  • Neverending - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    Everywhere I turn, its not a huge repair, but its many little things that go all at once. The dash lights died altogether, and after doing that, the radio and climate control wouldnt light up (individually burnt bulbs). Lots of rattles, that you eventually learn to live with (welcome to the Volvo Family). Electronic seat stopped a few times.

  • 99 V 70 GLT - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    Car needed various electric window repairs, covered under certification, but had to be done 3 times to same window. Had to use warranty 4 or 5 times in from 26,000 to 90,000. The time of warranty ran out before the 100,000 miles limit.

  • Fingers crossed - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    My dad has had Volvos since I was a kid, both his 740 and 850 have 200k+ miles and only some odd repairs... not my 1999 V70. In one year we replaced left door latch, light dimmer timer, alternator, oxygen sensor, cleaned some part that got oily gunk in it, and the cam position sensor. It has taken 9 months to finally get the check engine light off. Fortunately for me my father-in-law owns a local mechanic shop and charges me parts only (still have put in $1200). My advice - if considering buying this car, drive it for 30 mins, stop for 30 mins, and drive again for 30 mins to see if anything shows up. This car is not very reliable and Im really disappointed in Volvo.

  • great wagon - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    This wagon is a solid handler. Great for trips, running to Home Depot, or Stratton Mountain. This is a fairly nimble alternative to bulky SUVs and much more sporty. It acquits itself quite nicely in snow although Im not about to offroad it. It needs fifty more horsies to be the best wagon on the planet.

  • 99 Volvo Base in CA - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    Now I traded a 2003 S40 because my family grew and the brakes were suspect. I traded for a 1999 used Volvo V70 from a Ford Dealership in June of 04 thinking that since I already had an existing relationship things would go smoothly. I am still trying to figure out the bumper to bumper sales pitch. First 6 months were good. The second 6 months Ive dropped $1,500.00 on brakes (front/rear), rotors,transmission fluid and battery replacement. $200 for a battery cable? Ive had some issues with the key staying stuck in the ignition upon shutting off the engine. I am going to make a summer trip to the East Coast and see how this vehicle responds. Stay tuned.

  • Love my 99 V70R AWD Wagon - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    Great off the line acceleration and goes well on the road when the tranny downshifts and Turbo kicks in. Granted, a car this old will have some Turbo Lag for sure, but a 1983 Porsche 911 Turbo also spools up a bit slowly. Mileage isnt outstanding around town or highway compared to new cars. Thing is, its comfortable and can haul your stuff. I love this low roofed 2 box design. The different front Fascia w/ fog lights, wheels, rear air deflector etc make it the best looking Volvo wagon. I added the factory twin or dual exhaust which the 1999 didnt come with. I tinted the windows, dark in the back, legal on front windows. I also added IPD super headlights, which work better and look real cool. The mids, tweets and subs add up to the best, most balanced stereo Ive had. Some things arent ideal...costs a lot to service...I was spending $1000/yr average for service when driving a lot. Now Im retired. Mine is different than some Ive ridden in...it is quiet w/o creaks, groans and rattles (which drive me crazy). The interior is in good shape w/o tears etc. The defroster could work better. Uses about a quart (one of 6 quarts/oil change) every 3000 miles which is more than acceptable. I have used full synthetic oil since I bought it 50,000 miles ago, changing it every 3-5000 miles. I dont want to change my car. Not to mention, as a Volvo Wagon...its invisible to the general population. I have no children and am divorced, Ive just always found the boxy design to be functional.

  • Nicest of the 12 cars Ive owned - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    My previous car was a 1988 740 GLE. I put 365,000 miles on that, sold it for 700.00, and it is STILL someones daily driver. The V70 has 186,000 on it, and Ive been driving it for 4 years. In that time the only thing Ive had to do that wouldnt be considered REGULAR USED CAR UPKEEP is have the throttle body assembly replaced (fully under warranty). Ive replaced the plugs, changed the oil regularly, replaced one tie rod, had the brakes done once and fixed one of the fog lights.(NYC driver POTHOLES) I also bought a kit for 13 bucks to secure the inside panel of the tailgate. I love this car, and plan on getting a 2006/2007 model in a couple years, prob my last before having to go electric

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