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 21 through 30 of 54.00
  • never a volvo again - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    I bought a volvo for the first time in 99. based on reputation for safety and reliability. Although it is a very usable cargo space and comfortable ride and excellent visibility, it has been a repair nightmare. I began having very poor a/c problems finally had to replace it under warranty, and the repairs on electrical issues, interior body hardware, (shift light, window controls, seat controls on driver side, wagon hatchback door)after the warranty expired have been very costly and dont last long. I have spent way too much money on repairs, hoping to hold onto the car for at least ten years, and its been six and Im giving up d/t repairs.Reg. maintenance made no difference. Sad story.

  • Look carefully - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    Bad gas mileage, poor leather interior, poor paint job, many minor interior defects (window button sticks, interior lights do not go off when door is closed, etc.)

  • What a lemon!!! - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    My husband and I purchased the 1999 V70 XC certified preowned. The car has been in the dealer shop on average, every 2-3 months. It leaks/burns anti-freeze, has electrical issues, replaced the electronic throttle module 3xs, has had many light issues, power seats work sporadically, replaced the lock switch for gear shifter, replaced headlight switch, replaced torque mounts, gas cap issues and the list goes on. I thought Volvo was know for its reliability???

  • Great car, crappy interior. - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    This is my first Volvo. It drives and handles great. I bought with lots of maintenance recently completed including; timing chain, cam seals, head gasket, hoses and a few other things. I put new tires with a new alignment. I also installed a better stereo and reverse cam so I can see when my dogs are in the back. The only negative is that the seats are worn. I have looked at many in the 98-02 range and it seems the leather seats dont hold up well, but are comfortable. The center consol is cheaply made and moves around. Other than that the car is solid. I really enjoy driving the car and would like it to last me a few years before I get a newer used Volvo. I really love this car!

  • Best decision - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    I bought my V70 a few months ago for a really good price, and I love it. It has some minor issues like the passenger side windows only going up from the driver control, but its not a big deal. I drove it from Florida to New York, loaded with everything I own, and the trip went really well, but it stopped starting a day or two after I got home. Apparently the problem lies with spark plugs, and I have no idea how old they are, so really nothing is wrong. My handling wasnt too great on the trip but I attribute that to carrying about 700 pounds of cargo in the back. Its usually great. It runs great, and its very comfortable. It can carry a ton of stuff.

  • Volvo Troubles - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    Weve owned this car for 7 years and have spent close to $5,000 in unscheduled repairs. Our list: -Brakes and rotors-headlight switch- motor mounts-ABS module-heater core- throttle body (twice)-power window motor-dash repair-cupholder replaced- power steering seals-many headlights/tail lights. Our car is not abused and only dealer serviced. It is very expensive to operate and any visit to the service shop will cost a minimum $120 for a diagnostic. I will never buy Volvo again.

  • Enjoy driving - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    Bought this V 70 GLT with 42,000 miles on it. Needed upper engine mount replaced, turbo oil seal, front cup holder, sun roof switch bulb all warranty items. Very good handling, acceleration. Roomy and excellent quality throughout. My experience is that most folks trash their cars except for the very basics. For example the previous owners changed the oil every 7,000 miles (Volvo recommendation). Unacceptable, no more than 4,000 at the most between oil changes. Condition the leather, brush out the seams regularly, keep it protected from the sun, and the leather seats will last.

  • Volvo Does Not Get It - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    My 2nd Volvo Wagon. Surprised to find it listed as a luxury car. The tan on my leather wrapped steering wheel comes off on my hand. I drive with my right hand on the passenger seat to keep it from rattling and the car has a rough idle(dealer says idle is "normal"). The V70 has distinguished itself by racking up over $1,500 in non-routine- maintainance costs in the seven months since the warranty expired. Other components had failed under the warranty period. Now that Subaru has turbocharged the Forester and is offering a leather package, guess what my next wagon will be? Originally bought a Volvo because of the reputation for safety AND durability.

  • Love it all but the maintenance - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    I adore everything about my Volvo but the price it takes to keep it. Even the dealer admitted it is a lemon. Another reviewer hit the nail when he said "very good or awful." I got the short end of the stick on this one with weird problems (unraveling muffler gumming up exhaust, unexplained smokes inside and out...) and so may trips to the dealer, I know all the service peoples kids names. That being said, I love the way it drives, looks, feels and physically holds up, structure wise, I just picked a lemon. Would buy another one but cant gamble on picking a winner.

  • THIS CAR IS A LEMON! - 1999 Volvo V70
    By -

    This car is the biggest lemon I have ever driven. It was in Volvo service one week after I bought it for electrical issues and continued to be a major problem and financial drain the entire time I owned it. I spent $3,000 in service bills in 2003 alone! Of course Volvo covered everything under warranty. However, I should have dumped the car much sooner based upon the amount of problems I had. Horrible re- sale value. I couldnt give the car away and of course Volvo didnt want to pay anything on a trade-in because they know of the problems. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VOLVO AGAIN! I now drive a Lexus with no problems whatsoever.

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