Overview & Reviews

The Volvo V70 is the latest in a long line of safe and practical midsize wagons from the venerable Swedish company. The V70 has become progressively more stylish and luxurious through the years, while maintaining its superior reputation for safety. Featuring the cargo room of an SUV along with the secure handling and (until recently) the fuel economy of a sedan, the Volvo V70 has always had a lot to offer for families who could afford the somewhat steep price of entry.

When it first debuted, the V70 was no more than a refreshed version of the 850 wagon, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. It offered class-leading safety and spaciousness along with sprightly turbocharged engines and enough luxury to keep well-heeled buyers happy. The second-generation V70 brought revolutionary changes -- no longer a breadbox on wheels, this curvaceous model flaunted swept-back, hunkered-down styling that was unprecedented among midsize Volvo wagons. It also offered more powerful engines in addition to the expected array of safety and luxury features.

The current-generation Volvo V70 continues the positive aesthetic trend started by its predecessor, boasting eye-catching style inside and out. With the recent influx of capable midsize wagons and family-oriented crossover SUVs, however, the competition is stiffer than ever. Compared with similarly priced wagons and crossovers from other manufacturers, the current V70's performance is somewhat lacking, and fuel economy is also unimpressive. Families attracted to the V70's safety and utility may also want to consider competing models that provide these traits as well as superior power and/or efficiency.

Current Volvo V70

The Volvo V70 competes in the midsize wagon segment. Offered in only one trim level, the V70 comes standard with a decent array of premium features, including alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a power driver seat and Bluetooth. Optional accoutrements include active bi-xenon headlights, leather upholstery, satellite radio, a premium audio system, a navigation system and upscale safety features like a blind-spot warning system and adaptive cruise control with collision warning. For consumers who want a little luxury in their family wagon, the V70 will not disappoint.

While past V70s were powered by an eccentric array of five-cylinder engines, the current model is motivated by a 3.2-liter inline-6 that delivers 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The sole available transmission is a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. Although the V70 is a generally competitive car in its segment, we have some reservations about this powertrain. Acceleration and fuel economy are mediocre enough to make us question why you'd buy a V70 instead of a larger crossover SUV.

Such shortcomings would have been more forgivable in the 1990s, when Volvo justly enjoyed a peerless reputation for automotive safety. Other manufacturers have closed the gap in recent years, however, which has enabled safety-minded consumers to be more discerning about other aspects of the driving experience. Fortunately, the V70 has most of these bases covered with its luxurious and spacious cabin, smooth and supple ride, and secure if uninspiring handling. But its lackluster powertrain won't do it any favors in a segment where top safety scores have become more or less par for the course.

Used Volvo V70 Models

Introduced for 2008, the present third-generation Volvo V70 has since been blessed with additional standard and optional features, including standard Bluetooth and various optional audio upgrades.

The second-generation Volvo V70 arrived on our shores in 2001 and didn't leave until 2007. It boasted a sleeker shape and a new platform shared with the S80 sedan, as well as a striking interior layout largely borrowed from the S60 sedan. Initial trim levels were the base 2.4, 2.4T, T5 and XC. Base models were powered by the venerable naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine, while 2.4T models received a 197-hp turbocharged variant. The T5 was the most powerful version, with 247 hp.

In reviews at the time, we commented favorably about the V70's combination of style, safety and luxury. We also appreciated the available high-powered turbocharged power plants. Our main criticisms were the wagon's tight rear legroom and high price with options, though depreciation has largely mitigated this concern for used Volvo shoppers.

If you're looking for a used Volvo V70 from this generation, there are a few changes to be aware of. In 2004, the 2.4T was replaced by the 2.5T, which offered a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder that pumped out 208 hp. An all-wheel-drive V70 (separate from the SUV-styled XC trim level) was available in 2.4T trim for 2002 and 2.5T trim for 2003-'04. The XC eventually became marketed as a separate model beginning in 2004. There was also a high-performance V70 R model, which was a 300-hp all-wheel-drive wonder wagon. It was available from 2004-'07. In terms of features, Volvo made minor improvements through the model run, but no particular year is a significant standout.

The first-generation V70 traces its roots back to the midsize Volvo 850, which debuted in 1993 as the first front-wheel-drive Volvo to be offered stateside. With its advanced safety features (including side airbags from 1995 onward), capacious interior and distinctive lineup of five-cylinder engines, this endearingly boxy people mover quickly became a strong seller. Base models were powered by a 2.4-liter 168-hp naturally aspirated five-cylinder engine, while the T5 model featured a sprightly 222-hp turbocharged inline-5. The GLT received a 2.4-liter 190-hp turbocharged-5 for 1997. Family-minded enthusiasts and their young ones could enjoy world-class performance courtesy of the even more powerful T5 R (later simply "R"), a 240-hp rocket sled that was one of the world's fastest wagons in its day.

The 850 wagon was revised and renamed "V70" for 1998. Apart from mildly updated front-end styling, a streamlined control layout and slightly softer suspension settings, not much had changed. All-wheel drive became an option on GLT models in 1998, and output in the T5 increased to 236 hp, while the top-performing R model was boosted to 246 hp. The base model and midlevel GLT had the same engines as before. A V70 XC version debuted for '98, sporting the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, increased ground clearance, skid plates and off-road styling cues.

It's worth noting that since Ford took the helm in the late '90s, Volvos have lacked the rock-solid reliability of brands like Acura and Lexus, and they can also be expensive to repair. Finding a good certified used Volvo V70 or a car that still has the factory warranty might be the best way to go.

User Reviews:

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  2001 Volvo Transmission Problem - 2001 Volvo V70
  By ararat - September 1 - 11:06 am

  Ive had 3 2001 xc 70s, now Im down to 1 and I have a 2001 V70 T5. They all have had the same problem- TRANSMISSION....I think somebody should start a lawsuit against Volvo because anyone who has a 2001 Volvo has a transmission problem. Ive tried everything to fix the problem...nothing works. The only thing that would help is buying a whole new transmission.

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  Great car, great buy! - 2006 Volvo V70
  By Iowaman - August 29 - 3:10 am

  Bought this "last year" model at considerable savings, really not much more than "non premium" cars we considered. I now understand why people buy luxury automobiles. This car is incredibly smooth, quiet, and comfortable. The leather seating is superb and the vehicle feels very solid in its construction. Cars and trucks passing by produce hardly any noise in the cabin, unlike the SUV we traded in, where we had to shout to be heard. The Volvo safety features also make it a great purchase.

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  Extremely Reliable, Extremely Safe & Fun - 2004 Volvo V70
  By MadeInJapan - August 24 - 11:16 am

  This is our 3rd Volvo and I would probably rate Performance & Fun to Drive as 10s if it wasnt for also owning a S70 that has an upgraded ECU. But this V70 is just phenomenal! No repairs! It has air bags everywhere even in the pillars so curtain airbags will inflate if youre in a side impact- very safe! We like the power off the line that this car offers and nimble steering although its a luxury car- great for tireless trips w/ the extremely comfortable seats. Upgraded to IPD swaybars & HD endlinks as well as a drop in K&N air filter. I knew these would make a difference in performance even before I bought the car...and well worth it! Also changed out the donut to a full size spare.

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  I love this car - 2000 Volvo V70
  By VolvoforMe - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd 700-series wagon. It is fast and comfotable. It has the worlds best seats, too. On dry roads, it handles like a sports car. On slippery roads, handling is predictable and confidence-inspiring. I love this car and definitely will buy another.

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  good all-around AWD vehicle - 1998 Volvo V70
  By diane99 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  if you can only have one car, this makes the most sense to me. spacious as SUV, safe in snow, handles well

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  V70 R a wolf in sheeps clothing - 2005 Volvo V70
  By sthpcfc - August 6 - 10:00 am

  What can be said that probably hasnt been said before by Volvo owners of the V70 R wagon? This car is awsome! I still cant get over the acceleration.The power kicks in so quickly and seems endless,though a touch of turbo lag from a standing start but thats easily forgotten, just as much as it is easy to forget your doing well over the speed limit. But thats what this car is all about, breaking the traditional rules of what a wagon should be in both power, comfort and most important of all safety . Forget those ugly looking SUVs whose days are numbered and look more closely at the V70 R wagon for your next purchase. Like me you will be pleasantly surprised by this car. Well done Volvo.

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  Great Automobile - 2008 Volvo V70
  By Wally - August 1 - 5:36 am

  A lot of fun to drive. Great handling. Excellent braking. Beautiful interior - very comfortable. This is my 7th Volvo and Im not disappointed. Very classy exterior styling. With freeway driving Im getting between 27 and 30.5 mpg.

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  2nd Upate on V70T5 - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Hieatt - July 26 - 6:16 pm

  It has been 2 years since my last update. Purchased my T5 out of my lease 2 years ago - car is now 5 years old with 62K miles. Thank god I purchased the VIP warranty. Took it in for the $700 60K service (!) and mentioned a knocking sound from the suspension and also a bad oil leak. They found knocking was result of broken sway bar connectors and a broken engine mount (over $700 in repairs), and the oil leak was from the engine block itself, and may require replacement of the whole engine!!! They have had car for over a week. This was after replacing a seal on the turbo return ($150 repair) on the previous service. VIP warranty good for 2 more years or 100K miles - will sell before then.

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  Great Family Car - 2003 Volvo V70
  By bkd1195 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is better than any mini van. This car is much safer. We love the built in booster seats. They are the perfect height, the seat belts dont cut into the kids necks as they did in a store bought booster. The car drives and handles great. My wife has an S60 and I feel the ride is even smoother in the V70.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Disappointed Owner - July 17 - 8:46 pm

  First European Car I have owned after 1 Honda and 3 Nissans. I am back to Japanese after this experience. Car purchased as a one year old car with 13,000 miles. Good safety features, design, and options features have been far outweighted by terrible mechanical failures, all after certified extended waranty expired. Failures included steering, electronic throttle control systems, master brake cylinder, drivers seat belt, front brake rotors, and front passenger electric window switch. Repair costs have exceeded $3,000. I have never owned a car that experienced major failures of critical drive train components. An now the car has several rattles. I would not recommend Volvo to anyone.