looks ok, rims are ok, exhaust sounds decent, loudish, is very smooth at 130mph

lighting, too high off the ground, have low beams burnt out several times, when going over bumps makes dumb noises, slow acceleration, interior is too boxy

the lighting is very annoying...often times check engine light comes on but dealer lies to me and says its no problem and just turn the gas cap three circles around...tried fixed the problem but the check engine light came on when we got back home. rear lights turn off many times by itself, i have to open and close the trunk to turn them on. rims are too small, exhaust not big enough. The engine is weak, and is slow to respond to the foot on the pedal. paid tooooooo much for a car like this. could have bought a integra type R instead. only get this car if you're into dealing with problems with your car.

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330xi 2000, lexus ls 400 1996, benz E320 4matic 2000...nothing compared to either of these

Roomy interior, large trunck, very comfortable seats, nice ride, quick acceleration.

Noisy, feels cheaply made when going over bumbs, rattles, lights burn out frequently.

When I retired my used 1986 BMW L7 in 1998, looked for a car in the $30K range since I wouldn't spend $50+ for another. Leased the S70 based on Volvo's reputation for reliability and safety. For a car priced in this range, don't feel it's worth the money. Car rattles and makes other strange noises when hitting bumbs, have had constant problems with directional signal failure. Don't plan to buy when lease is up. Don't plan to get another Volvo either.

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BMW L7

Smooth, powerful, comfortable seats, fun to drive, spacious, good stereo, fun to own, holds up well after many miles.

Although I have had very limited problems since I bought it about 35,000 miles ago when 69,500 miles were on the odometer, I would say a few things went wrong that really shouldn't have been designed that way. The main thing is the lower front spoiler has had to be replaced twice. You have to park it away from all curbs, otherwise, you'll likely have to pay $110 to have the damaged spoiler replaced. Have to tell everyone who drives it that. It is also noisey because the windows and plastic bits rattle.

Overall, my Volvo has been the best car I've owned. It is the most spacious and fun to drive. I bought both the Nissan and Acura new, so they had fewer squeaks and rattles at first, although the Nissan got the rattles after aboug 35,000 miles. I tend to go fast in my cars, accelerating hard and braking hard. With the Volvo, the non-regular service items have been: two vaccum hoses (about $15), a turbo hose ($35), and am on my third front spoiler. Other than that, it's been a great car. Right now I have 104k on it and it runs smoothly, starts right up. I have all regular maintenance done, including oil changes per 3,000 or less, and transmission changes per year or whenever fluid starts to smell burnt. Have changed it before that. I know other people have trouble with their Volvos so I consider myself lucky. I got this particular one because the previous owner had all maintenace records and had all maintenance done at specified intervals. Overall, it's been my favorite car, hands down.

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`88 Chevy Corsica, `94 Dodge Shadow, `93 Nissan Altima, `95 Acura Integra GS-R

It has lots of room for passengers, and a very spacious trunk. Nice trip information.

Electrical, and Machanical problems.

We bought this car thinking it was good for safety and Machanical reputation, although I am satisfied with the safety of this car but I am not happy with the Machanical problems. The problems started with this car just after 2 months since we bought the car. First a sensor light started going off on the car. My wife was driving the car the brakes failed when she was driving on the Freeway she barely made it alive, dealer had to tow the car and kept the car for about 3 weeks because a sensor failed and they had to wait for the part to arrive from Sweden. Second when you use the turn signal it would blink like there's no tomorrow, the gear shift light failed. Then we noticed that a headlight sensor went off because the left head light was off and it was on again after a week on its own. Then while washing the car I notices that there black spots on the alloy wheels. This car is not worth the money, and I can't wait to get rid of this peace of JUNK.

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VW Golf

Great ride. Powerful engine. Firm suspension. Precise handling. This is a great highway car.

Spongy brakes. Noisy for a luxury car. Transmission not smooth enough to handle turbo lag.Terrible gas consumption.

This would be a great car if I could keep it away from the dealer. I had an incredible number of (small) problems. All were covered by the warranty, but I had to spend WAY more time than I want at the dealer. Radio problems (3 visits before they changed the amp), electric door-lock (2 visits, no motor the first time), windshield liquid jets (twice), jammed radio antenea, jammed power windows, etc. I've had a squeaky wheel for the past three months and even if parts were changed, the problem is still there. The dealer is polite and they may be trying their best, but I'm getting fed up with the car. The worst part is that I found out that other Volvo owners are experiencing similar problems (one co-worker said they were "cosmetic" problems) but don't seem to mind.

My lease ends in September and I won't get another Volvo. Not now. Not ever. I am going back to a Japanese car, most probably an Acura 3.2 TL Type S.

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This my first luxury car. Drove small Acuras for many years.

Ride is nice and interior noise is low. Handling is fair.

I initially thought this would be the vehicle to get me set on a single auto maker (loyalty), but I guess I was wrong. This vehicle has had an INCREDIBLE number of problems. Although most of my problems have been minor, they are enough to keep me in the dealership all the time (they know me by name). I expected high maintenance cost when I bought th ecar but it is rediculous. Lights burn out, brakes and rotors go INCREDIBLY fast, knobs break, door locks intermittent, etc., etc., etc. Probably one of the worst aspects that someone already mentioned is the interior rattles. So much for European engineering... This baby rattles non-stop and I have had it in for adjustments several times. The rattles do vary from season to season (expansion with heat, etc). Air conditioning is now going out... I am finally fed up and going to trade this pain in the butt in...

Don't buy one...they are a maintenance and money pit...

The rating is only deserved because the car has some theoretical attributes that could make it a good car.

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None

Comfort and relability. We were looking for a european wagon when we came apon this one. Wife fell in love with the looks, I loved the quality. There are some picks, as with any used car, but in comparison with other cars that cost the same or more, the quality is great! Try having a americna made wagon of this quality, let alone hold the value like a Volvo!

Door check strap. This little thing that stops the door from swinging in the breeze BREAKs on these cars. It is an annoyance, but hardly a life threating issue. Major problem with it is only a body shop can replace it. The dealer will handle it for you, but they will just take it to a body shop in the end.

The intermittant wipers are not adjustable from the factory. I always thought that this was a stupid thing, I mean, come on!

This is a great sporty wagon that deserves a look if you are concerned with safety and quality. If you take care of the car (like the manual states!!!!) it will last for a very long time. If you abuse it, it will still last, but it will have quirks/squeaks/rattles.

I would buy another one in a heartbeat!

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Merecedes 300 TD wagon - The mercedes is a great wagon! No way around that. The Volvo rates a good second in my book.

Acceleration, Seat comfort. Great Ride

electrical system, leather interior.

With over 135,000 miles and only indifferent service, car has been great. The only major flaw was a turbo failure 3 days before warranty expiration that was replaced at the dealer. Parts are kind of pricey, but not worse than any other European car. Not too thrilled with my dealer, but I'm usually not. As a fairly competent restorer and mechanic, I get pissed off when a dealer tries to sell me extra service beyond me immediate needs. My Volvo dealer takes the "you don't need to know why, so be a good little customer, open your check book and don't ask stupid questions" route.

My opinion is that if your are expecting A Chevy-Ford experience, don't buy a European car. The upkeep is always more expensive.

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Porsche 944, many others

Decent handling, decent stereo. That's about it.

Reliability is atrocious. Extremely underpowered for a $30,000.00 car. Able to get much more car for about the same amount of money.

I bought the car new in 1998 based on Volvo's safety record. Found about 4 quarts of oil on my driveway the day after I took it home. Got the main seal replaced under warranty. On the way back home from the dealership, the "check engine" light came on. Returned to the dealer to get that fixed. The day after I brought it home, the "check engine" light came on again. Returned to the dealership. Finally got that fixed. About one month later, trunk began popping open for no apparent reason. Returned to the dealer yet again. Two weeks later, passenger side front door lock breaks. Returned to the dealership. Driver's seat has developed an annoying click and I've been told that click is caused by something that Volvo hasn't fixed yet. The dash rattles constantly, I've been through three cupholders. Oh, and I almost forgot, The seat memory has quit working twice. Keep in mind that, on top of everything else, this car goes through light bulbs like a fat lady goes through a plate of nachos.

I think I can honestly say that I will never again buy another Volvo and I can say that because I have driven every other car Volvo sells in the U.S. as a service loaner.

If you plan on buying a car in this price range, I strongly recommend one of the cars I have mentioned under "similar products."

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Lexus ES300, Chrysler 300M, Acura 3.2TL, Lincoln LS V-8. All vastly superior.

Safety features, smooth, powerful, comfortable, beautiful interior, great stereo, great handling. Dependable and a pleasure to own.

Some rattles which I need to have checked. One in dash (quiet) and one in moonroof when cover in open position. Door dings easily. Left front speaker was bad at about 20K miles, covered by warranty.

I have a '99 S70 with 24K miles, 17 months. Great car. A joy to drive. Wonderful for long road trips. I put 200K plus on my 1988 240 (still in family). Hope the S70 brings as many miles of pleasure. Wonderful dealership, Point West Volvo in Irving, Texas. I bought the S70 for safety and dependability. Test drove an Avalon, but could not stand the thought of leaving Point West to go for service when needed at a Toyota dealership. Point West spoiled me with my 240. Free Volvo to drive when yours is being serviced.

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Volvo 240. Test drove Avalon.