Overview & Reviews

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.

• Superb comfort, plenty of safety equipment, solid construction and amazing braking ability.

• High price, odd control placement.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 54.00

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  Very Happy - 1999 Volvo V70
  By justme1000 - July 4 - 3:33 pm

  One thing I have come to learn about these Volvos is that either they are very very good or very very bad. I did about 4 months worth of research and highly recommend doing a carfax report on interested vehicles. It seems that they either are notorious for electrical problems or trouble free other than routine mainteneance. I absolutely love my XC and I currently get 21MPG in the City and 27 on the HWY which really surprised me and more than makes up for having to use premimum gasoline. Do your homework and you will not be disappointed.

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  Nice family car - 1999 Volvo V70
  By Aaron B - April 15 - 10:00 am

  W ebought used and naw have 49K miles. There were definitely some significant electrical problems at first, but buyers should be aware that a recall has addressed this issue (at least for me). We have also experienced the ignition problems noted by others. Otherwise, a very nice alternative to a minivan for your family automobile.

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  1999 Volvo V70 - 1999 Volvo V70
  By GMRBimmerBoy - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I now have close to 90K miles on it and it is still running pretty good. However, there are a few problems that I have run into. The electrical system is a joke. I lost count of the number of times I have had to take my car to the dealer to have a headlight/tail- light/turn signal bulb replaced or rewired. If you buy this car, be ready to take it in for service on the electrical system frequently. On some cold mornings, the engine would not start for me. I have had to keep my foot on the gas at intersections (I have a manual tranny) to keep it from stalling. That usually fades away after about 5 minutes after starting the engine. Beside those bugs, an excellent car.

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  Pretty decent car! - 1999 Volvo V70
  By jb99v70 - February 24 - 4:30 am

  Bought this car in January and its been a pleasure to own. I got it VERY cheap, and all I had to do was put new tires on it and about $700 worth of suspension work. Other than that the car has been pretty much trouble free. No break downs. Check engine light pops up about once a week. But usually goes away. Drivers door window pack isnt working right. A/C works when it wants to. One door doesnt lock and the car seems to think one door is open always. So just removed dinger and light fuses. Tailgate panel still makes noise even with new clips. A couple creaks and rattles. Gas mileage is pretty bad for a wagon. About 14 city 25 highway. But it has been a decent car for the price.

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  Running well - 1999 Volvo V70
  By driver110 - July 28 - 6:25 pm

  We purchased this V-70 over a year ago. Yup, the tail gate cover was loose, but it was easy to fix. Oxygen sensor went out, a little pricy but another easy fix. Gets 22.7 city and 28.9 hwy which increased a bit with new plugs. Overall this is a great little car, I hope to run it to 300,000 which is where my last two Fords gave up the ghost.

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  Good overall, many small repairs - 1999 Volvo V70
  By SBdriver - April 4 - 1:06 pm

  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.

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  Neverending - 1999 Volvo V70
  By Ryan - June 27 - 11:26 pm

  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.

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  99 V 70 GLT - 1999 Volvo V70
  By GA Ham - March 1 - 6:03 pm

  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.

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  Fingers crossed - 1999 Volvo V70
  By daveyvolvo - February 20 - 2:36 pm

  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.

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  Love my 99 V70R AWD Wagon - 1999 Volvo V70
  By Casey Milroy - September 9 - 11:08 pm

  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.