Volvo S70 Owner Ratings & Reviews

Write a Review
4.1
Overall
28 Reviews

1998 Volvo S70 - A GREAT CAR!

Linda
Portland, Texas
Overall
5.0
Value
5.0
Performance
3.0
Style
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Fuel Economy
4.0
Reliability
5.0
This 1998 Volvo S70 is a beautiful machine. It still looks great as we have kept it in fine condition. People cannot believe it is 18 years old. The paint is still white and clean looking. The engine runs well as my husband has continually done the proper maintenance. The car takes off easily and quickly, going up the Harbor Bridge without any problem. The build quality has been sound and sturdy. The safety measures that Volvo took when they made this car was the best. I feel comfortable and very safe in this handsome car.
Story
I tutor now since I have retired. A sister of one of my students is in high school. When I let her drive it with me and her mom one day. She was so delighted and loved how it drove. When we got home, she told her older brother that "Mrs. Linda's car is really fun to drive! It took corners so well." She and her brothers (of various ages) think I drive the "coolest car!" A great recommend... (more)
Pros
This 1998 Volvo S70 has been a most reliable vehicle. It starts up easily and runs so smoothly, hugging the road from day one. After 18 years, it still feels tight and spry. I have driven this car for work and always felt I would be safe in it as the safety features are top notch. There are front airbags as well as side airbags, even in a car 18 years old. Volvo was ahead of just about all car manufacturers as far as safety goes. The strength of the body is also a plus for being in freeway traffic. I just feel so safe in it. I still have the original air conditioner/compressor with... (more)
Cons
The negativity for this car seems to be around the age of the car: the seats have lost their padding with age as it has deteriorated so the metal bars under the upholstery can be felt. But that is really not a true negative point as the car has been used and has many miles. The many sensors that cars must have today seems to go out often, making it time for changes a lot. The sensors are good for keeping the engine running well, but they seem to dysfunction and then cost so much for "just" a sensor.

1998 Volvo S70 - Enjoyable driving experience.

S70 Owner
Bartow, Florida
Overall
4.0
Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Style
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Fuel Economy
4.0
Reliability
5.0
I really enjoy this car. It accelerates very quickly, and it's just a real joy to drive. There are lots of features on this model, too. Sunroof works seamlessly, as its auto-mechanically operated, and the other power options all work as one would expect them to. The body aesthetics are well conceived, and the rear spoiler option is a subtle, yet very welcome addition to this model type. Drivetrain feels strong and durable, and the ride quality is very sufficient for a car in this category. I also like that this particular model allows the user to change the shifting experience per the need at the time. Later models within this S70 model do not allow anything except for W or "winter mode" to be configured by the user. I like having the option to control that myself. It has slightly abov... (more)
Story
On the way home from buying the car, a car pulled out in front of me in such a way as to severely impede my highway driving speed. As I looked to the side before moving in the other lane, a car was coming up a fair distance away, so I made the lane switch thinking a little more punch to the accelerator would be needed. Let's just say it was a bit too much. Although controlled and a great exper... (more)
Pros
Acceleration, handling, user controlled shift style, turbo, good gas mileage, bulletproof drivetrain, Airbags all around the car, great driving experience.
Cons
Repair costs are a little higher than domestically bought cars, some options seem unnecessary (wipers on the headlights). ABS / check engine lights known to show many false positives.

1998 Volvo S70 - I love this car!

SF
Bellevue, Washington
Overall
4.0
Value
5.0
Performance
4.0
Style
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Fuel Economy
4.0
Reliability
5.0
What a great offering from our Swedish friends. I love the Volvo S70 with a passion - this is by far the best car I have ever owned. Excellent acceleration because of the 5 cylinder engine, famed Swedish safety and reliability, a super comfortable drivers' seat and very high quality leather seating all around. A really "new" look that doesn't make it stand out like a sore thumb in a parking lot full of late-model cars. This one is truly an oldie but a goodie. Not to mention that its pretty simple for any half-decent Volvo mechanic to work on because its a '98 and doesn't require expensive computer equipment to diagnose any issues - not that you can expect any with this one. Very reliable and always a joy to drive, friends with late-model Japanese cars hop in and ask me where it came fr... (more)
Story
I would travel weekly over 200 miles each way to spend time with a close friend in this thing, and even after a 3 hour trip I never wanted to get out! Its just that comfortable - you'll be glued in that seat and just wanting to rack up the miles.
Pros
Its acceleration and comfort at travelling at highway speeds - she loves to run, and ~85 mph is the sweet spot for this thing on the highway. The excellent, tasteful and stylish interior, the tough paint that it came with from the factory (still looks beautiful after a wash and wax even at 18 years old), and the ease of maintenance. Not to mention the chic Volvo design and the fact that its just sort of "ageless" - it fits right in any parking lot, even the ones with all the new Audis and such.
Cons
The dome lighting controls are a bit weird and take some getting used to, but you eventually appreciate them as just a Swedish design quirk. Sometimes the turbo will leak a little oil, but that can get taken care of fairly affordably at any decent Volvo mechanic.

Other Volvo Vehicles