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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  Well designed family wagon - 2007 Volvo V70
  By Michael - October 29 - 10:23 am

  V2.4L provides enough power for daily use. Ride is quiet and steering provides excellent handling. Excellent suspension. Good combination of engine and automatic transmission. Integrated child booster seat may not be comfortable for long distances since legs touch the edge of the seat. Leather interior will require a protective sheet for the baby seat.

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  Practical Fun, with emphasis on the FUN - 2006 Volvo V70
  By MountainBiker - October 18 - 11:56 am

  I have had the V70R for 5 months now and what a blast to drive. This is a great all around car. Its interior is well done an presents a great image for driving clients around. Its handling makes you feel like a kid again and the storage space is as good or better than many SUVs. I moved to this car from a SUV and wont go back! Just as safe and a whole lot more fun going from A to B. The dealer approach seems to be a theme with Volvo. This is the second Volvo I leased from Volvo of Lisle and they could not have been easier to deal with, before and after my purchase. I give the dealer a 10 out of 10, especially when compared with previous dealer experiences.

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  re review - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Jim L - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I posted above in a different name and have found that I really LOVE this wagon more and more every day. Yes, I did have to do a slight mod on the seat for my back and the headlights (high beams) are still poor but overall this wagon is a blast to drive and has been 100% reliable now with nearly 5K on it. Wonderful cruiser, I make excuses to drive it, and am driving it much faster than I should be as at speed, its just wonderful.(and very usful in all catagories) Jim

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  Fun to drive and super versatile - 2001 Volvo V70
  By jbberge - September 24 - 6:16 pm

  I have driven this car in snow, rain, ice, and the deserts of AZ and nothing has slowed it down. I even drove it up a running river (not very deep) on a camping trip once. It holds my mtn bike if I fold the seats down, and Ive slept in it a few times too. Yeah, its a bit expensive to service and I think its a little funny looking but I couldnt be much happier with a wagon! Just be sure to stay up on your maintenance because its way cheaper than repairing something once it breaks.

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  I love my VOLVO! - 2002 Volvo V70
  By KxVx - September 9 - 1:36 am

  I purchased my Volvo because I was familiar with the reliably of the brand, as my first car was a 240 DL. Ive been very happy with it, and it gets great gas mileage for a car with such get-up-and-go.

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  great family car - 1998 Volvo V70
  By td90 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought the v70 GLT used several months ago with 55k miles, and are very pleased with the car. Very solid construction, no rattles or squeeks. Good acceleration, crisp handling, and great brakes. With routine maintenance, should be good for 200K+ miles, just like the 740 we had.

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  the Swedish icon - 2000 Volvo V70
  By herman_wiegman - July 21 - 10:52 pm

  Volvo has offered many generations of mid-sized station wagons. Only Subaru has been able to challenge the great value offered by the Swedish marque. The 2000 Volvo V70 wagon was the last year for the P80 chassis and it came with a great 5-cylinder engine in either normally aspirated or turbo format. The SE model was very popular and continues to satisfy many families as it ages gracefully compared with its competition.

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  98 Volvo - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Tim - June 19 - 5:30 pm

  This is my first hands on experience with V70 XC. I have heard and read a lot about its safety, comfort and reliability, but once you drive one, its a different experience. It is not as speedy and powerful as a mustang or as luxury as Lexus, but safe enough for those long trips or unexpected weather changes. Very easy to handle and safe with cornering. Its heavy enough to notice a smooth ride with out that road noise you would hear in most of the cars. I think I will keep this one for a while or trade it in for a newer one.

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  Serves many different needs comfortably - 2005 Volvo V70
  By Vince - June 4 - 6:36 am

  This is our second Volvo and weve been pleased with both. More nimble handling than expected with the 17" wheels, lots of cargo space, comfortable to sit in and drive. Im 64" and dont feel cramped. Great car for the children with integrated booster seats and third seat. Good fuel mileage -- average 27.5 combining highway, city, over hill and dale. Mechanically very sound. When started, engine revs to about 1500 rpm for about 10 seconds before decreasing to normal idle of about 700 rpm -- told this was to warm engine faster to improve emissions.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volvo V70
  By domino2004 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  What a great car ! We had a 2002 Passat Wagon GLX 4 Motion and I was looking for more performance. We found the Volvo V70R, which meets every expectation for high performance vehicle in a wagon at good price. Buy it