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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  Buyer Beware!!! - 2002 Volvo V70
  By Tim - September 26 - 10:16 pm

  We bought this car with 32k miles on it in 2004. We bought a certified pre- owned Volvo which extended the warranty to 100,000 miles. It cost $1,500 extra (at least thats what the dealer said). Im glad that we got the extended warranty because we needed it approximately 12-15 times in 3 years of ownership for major repairs. Ive never had so many problems with any car that Ive ever owned. Most of the problems were related to vaious sensors on the car and the car went into sort of a limp mode on 2 or 3 occasions which reallty caused a lot of worry about getting stranded on the side of the road. We got rid of it and bought a new Toyota Sienna. Volvo is by far the worst car Ive ever owned.

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  It could have been a contender - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Family of four - September 9 - 10:00 am

  If you prefer the safety and handling of a station wagon to an SUV or a van, the V70 seems to be the ideal choice.But... Our V70 has been in the shop eight times in two years. Five bulbs have burned out, and not because of daytime running lights either, as turn signal and brake lights also burned out. The service department just states that this happens. Unfortunately, the most crashworthy car is not very safe when you are driving around out of town at night with one headlight.The remaining choices for a family are a much more expensive but well-made foreign wagon (not a jerry-rigged Ford) or a safe, boring, soggy-driving Toyota or Honda van.

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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.

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  Never Again - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Not A Happy Camper - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle used to replace a 1988 Volvo 740. We should have kept the 740! This car has spent more time in the shop than my previous 10 cars of many different makes. My problem areas have been A.C, anti lock brakes, air pump and check valve, cd player, just to name the major areas. Dont think that Volve will come to your aid after the warranty period. If you need an awd wagon,look at the Mercedes of this era. I know I am!

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  Never-ending repairs - 1998 Volvo V70
  By adampeart - June 18 - 12:30 pm

  I admit it. I fell for the comfort, space and "safety" of my 98 V70XC. I purchased the vehicle used, and everything seemed to function for the first month or two of owning it. Then the onslaught of malfunctions and glitches began. In the two years of owning this car I have had the following work done on it: 3 headlights, 2 tail-lights, 8 new tires, two alignments, CV joint replacement, ABS Control Module($700), Viscous Coupler (drivetrain issue-$1700), 2 sets of brake pads, 4 new rotors, engine mount replacement, and ETM replacement ($700). There is still a long list of comfort features that dont work, but I cant afford to fix - interior lighting, power windows/seats, etc., etc.

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  Worst Car I Ever Had - 2000 Volvo V70
  By bdbest - May 4 - 8:00 pm

  Not even used cars I ever had gave me the problems this car did. Elegant and fun to drive, all that offset by its unreliability I had to tow it at least Two Dozen times. Its a shame.

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  Worst Car I have Ever Owned!! - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Bonnie - March 30 - 3:56 pm

  This car has been a headache from the get-go. Dealer never fixed the MANY problems the first time in their shop. Had problems w/broken cup holder, electrical problems ALL the time. Had problem starting the car from day one, the dealer never fixed it after many attempts. Tranny clunked down-shifting couldnt fix that either. Rear hatch panel broke off cost $170 to fix a month later it came detached again. GET THIS, THEY TOLD ME IM SLAMMING IT TOO HARD! Then the ECS light came on and felt as if the car was going to stall. Dealer didnt tell me this was covered under a class action law suit I had to discover this myself. Then they tell me I had to replace $3,000 worth of RULING-OUT parts before

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  test driver - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Mhotopp - January 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife wants a volvo wagon, so Ive been testing them for two weeks. Leather separates from door panels, bulbs burn out, suspension and brakes wear fast, check engine warnings are common. She wants it, its our 10th anniversary,and I cant buy it. Sucks~!

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  test driver - 1998 Volvo V70
  By mhotopp - January 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife wants a volvo wagon, so Ive been testing them for two weeks. Leather separates from door panels, bulbs burn out, suspension and brakes wear fast, check engine warnings are common. She wants it, its our 10th anniversary,and I cant buy it. Sucks~!

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  never again - 2000 Volvo V70
  By never again - January 7 - 4:33 am

  We moved to Maine and thought we should have a volvo, Well, since weve owned it I have been stranded twice in BELGRADE LAKES, Maine- essentially in the middle of nowhere. Weve had electrical problems, too many tires replaced and lots of little things- the seat adjustment mechanism broke off, the in-dash lighter fell into the center console (so no MP3 hook up for me!), the lights from the radio have gone out and the cup holder broke. So annoying for the money we shelled out. Will never drive a Volvo again. Not worth the price tag.