2002 Volvo XC Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Volvo's V70 XC offers space and safety in addition to snow-busting capability.

Pros

Versatile all-wheel drive, superb comfort, plenty of safety equipment, solid construction, amazing braking ability.

Cons

High price, lacks the true off-road capability of an SUV, odd control placement.

What's New for 2002

Like the rest of its platform mates (S60, S80 and V70), the V70 XC (the Cross Country) will get Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA), enhanced traction control performance and improved throttle management, resulting in quicker response in everyday driving situations. Integrated child booster cushions, previously optional, have been added to the standard features list. Other new features include a DVD-based navigation system, an upgraded premium audio system, xenon headlamps and deep-tinted windows. Cypress Green Metallic is now an exterior color choice. A limited-edition model aimed at sailing enthusiasts, the Ocean Race Cross Country, will offer leather upholstery, exclusive Ocean Blue exterior paint, silver body molding, special exterior badging, an additional rear skid plate and unique floor mats.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Future problems....

Written by: Gina on 09/21/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	5
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	5

Vehicle

2002 Volvo XC AWD 4dr Wagon (2.4L 5cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

So here's my experience in a nut shell... On a USED 02 XC70. The car is now 7 years old. 90,000k miles. No accidents. Routinely serviced. I'm the second owner. Was great for the first year, then the problems came one after another. So far, It's violently vibrated and made all sorts of noises. I've replaced both differentials ($3500 total), and axles ($600)... So far. Now, after much anticipation and dread, I believe my tranny is finally giving out too! It's clunking when downshifting, and surging at low speeds. Oh! Also, it makes this quiet, but noticeable annoying ticking noise (similar to a loose heat shield) that my mechanic hasn't been able diagnose yet. Luckily it's paid off. Really, I love this car even after all the problems it's given me, but I think I'm going to buy an older (1998 or more) one next time.

Favorite Features

It's a nice looking, comfortable, safe car to drive... Unless it falls apart on the freeway :)

Suggested Improvements

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Ok, but beware

Written by: Derrick on 07/19/2009


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	3
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	5
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	7

Well we bought the car used, impart because we were just starting our family and with volvo you think safe. Thankfully we also put out for a three year 30k warranty. Good thing we did, because had we not we would have ended up putting over $5000 into the thing. Would not recommend buying used!! These cars were not built to go even 150K, we are just hoping to nurse it till we are no longer upside down and can dump the thing.

Heated seats and window washer very nice in Alaska. Space, seating, cargo. Very nice MPG for such a powerful/big car.

Huge depreciation even when bought used, very costly repairs, no one but the dealer will touch it. While the rental car with any repair is nice, it is too much like getting a lollipop after having your leg sawed off. Doesn't really ease the pain.

Good Used car

Written by: Bruce on 05/25/2009


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	7
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	8

I bought an Ocean Race. We have seen alot of front-end work. Ball joints, springs, struts, cv axles - had to be replaced. Fit & Finish is decent. Engine timing belt, coolant sensor, plugs, and transmission must be maintained. Right angle gear - watch the oil and seals -- Expensive to replace!!! We need a good car for family of four. Volvo seems to imply Big $ at mechanic shops. Do all the work myself, save maintenance $. New xc70 are over-priced..

Sunroof, heated seats, ride, and visibility are great. I like the split back seats.

- improved front end control arms - lower labor cost at dealerships - put true skid plate on car - plastic on front-end sunfades - need to die the plastic...

Great Car. Expensive to Maintain

Written by: M N Jones on 02/22/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

The XC70 is a strong performer and a very comfortable riding vehicle. Everyone who sits in the car comments on how comfortable the seats are. I've driven the car in blizzard like conditions and the car handled the roads with ease. The AWD system in the vehicle is second to none. The only issues I have with the car are the maintenance costs. There are a lot of quirky little things that seem to go wrong with the vehicle or need to be maintained.

All wheel drive, cargo capacity, embedded booster seats, & fuel economy. I can get up to 26mpg on the highway.

Maintenance costs.

Fell Apart

Written by: JohnD on 01/05/2009


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	3
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	8

Until two months ago, I'd agree with the other posts - great car, despite price, some quality issues, and constant new tires. Then we hit 75,000 miles and the car fell apart. New suspension. New transmission. New power steering rack. New fuel pump. New fuel sensors (stalled on interstate twice!). Went to Consumer Reports and saw the bad news - as this car ages, the reliability ratings get blacker and blacker, and we haven't even gotten to the "drive train" and "electrical system" black-dot problems. I loved this car and now can't drive it across town without worrying that the wheels will fall off.

Very comfortable, quiet, nice handling for a car its size, great alternative to an SUV, and of course very safe.

Make reliable cars again.

2002 Volvo XC Consumer Ratings & Reviews