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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  great family car - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Eric - April 14 - 10:00 am

  We bought a certified used car from a dealer. It is a solid, well-built car, rattle free at 59,000 miles. Good acceleration, quiet cabin, good emergency handling, and great seats. More safety features than most cars.

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  Problem free - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Marin - March 16 - 4:03 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Superb for long trips. The only problem I have had is that the radio wont keep its settings. Others complain about headlight life, but mine were upgraded as part of a recall and have been trouble free. The interior has held up very well and people still complement the exterior styling. Obtain 22 mpg in mixed driving, 26+ on the highway. Replaced tires at 43,000 miles.

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  Great T5!! - 2002 Volvo V70
  By jeffandr100 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Sport trimmed seats were definitely appreciated in the T5 as the side bolsters are much better than the standard seats (just take a curve quickly in a v70 with standard seats and compare). 17" rims/tires were a very decent deal for $500 extra (compare to buying this aftermarket). Safety features much appreciated. Dynamic stability control was a must when I made this purchase, great for peace of mind in wet driving. Seemingly very stable, stiff chassis. Wife loves it.

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  XC70 - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Trophoblaster - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have owned from Mercedes to previous Volvos to Cadillacs. Winter and rain are its breakfast. Reliability has been outstanding.

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  Beware of electrical failure - 2004 Volvo V70
  By weaserman - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I love the car and it will make you feel very safe while driving. Its great in bad weather and is extremely comfortable. My only gripe with this car is funny things happen i.e light bulbs burn out once every 6 months and out of nowhere the electric door locks dont work then the high beams dont work, then out of nowhere they start to work again...freaky stuff.

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  Volvo V70R - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Jerry K - January 8 - 1:03 pm

  Overall, great car for small/growing families. Reliable, even in snow.

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  T5 review - 2003 Volvo V70
  By matncal - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Ok, its been only two weeks since Ive had this car, but I really am enjoying it. Previous car was a 00 BMW 328, so my standards are high. The interior is nicely laid out with a feel of quality and quiteness to the cabin. Like one of my friends said " its like driving a pillow". Unfortunately, the cabin is so "airtight" that when you do open the moonroof it does make a vibrating noise. One compliant: When shifting the automatic transmission, its wishy washy...you have to be sure that its really in reverse rather than neutral.

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  great wagon - 1999 Volvo V70
  By thom walsh - January 1 - 10:00 am

  This wagon is a solid handler. Great for trips, running to Home Depot, or Stratton Mountain. This is a fairly nimble alternative to bulky SUVs and much more sporty. It acquits itself quite nicely in snow although Im not about to offroad it. It needs fifty more horsies to be the best wagon on the planet.

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  "Smart" car - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Concerned Husband - January 1 - 10:00 am

  There are numerous issues with this car in our experience. For one thing, it is "needy"! The constant in-dash warnings about servicing, oil changes, bulb placement problem (no clue what that means, it comes on and then goes off periodically), check-up times, etc., are a bit maddening. The cruise control would not work for some period, we had it into the dealership twice and of course they said it was working (it wouldnt misbehave for them), finally they realized they had to replace the pressure device at the brake pedal...

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  What more could you want? - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Richard Phillips - December 24 - 2:10 am

  This is probably the best designed car I have had. Excellent ergonomics. Reliable. Lots of thought went into this car. This car is great on the highway and on dirt roads. The car has power, hugs the road during rain, and is fun to drive. After road trips, Im ready to do things. Great seats! The interior and exterior color scheme is excellent. Good to look at and functional. No sunlight reflecting off of the dashboard. Nice leather stitching and interior combinations. Great sound system. Just a good car.