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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  This Volvo is excellent - 1998 Volvo V70
  By nernin - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This V70GLT is the first sold in US, March 97. I have had one problem with this car. The dealerships have seen this car only once for an ABS sensor.

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  Exceptional Value - 2000 Volvo V70
  By beaver - April 6 - 12:26 am

  Great family car! We have hauled kids, pets, furniture, you name it and this car has weathered it all fantastically. It has so much cargo space that I even hauled a washer and dryer in it. Very comfortable on long trips. I love the turbo. This car has never let me down. I got the extended warranty to 100,000 and have hardly had to use it for repairs. Always serviced and maintained at the dealership. I love the look of this car and I feel safe driving in it.

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  Good overall, many small repairs - 1999 Volvo V70
  By SBdriver - April 4 - 1:06 pm

  Got mine from my father w/ around 145k miles. Originally a rental. Drove good, handled good, could take it camping, did fine in semi-off road conditions, very comfortable seats, good MPG, somewhat cheap to fill up, roomy. Inside covering for the back hatch came off/apart frequently - had sketchy mounts. Terrible cup holders, couldnt use center compartment when in use. Lots of minor/major? repairs including belts, strut cushions, something to do w/ the heater/ac, speakers on one side stopped working, hose burst once, steering out of alignment - car "rumbled" at 75+ MPH. Over all enjoyed the car. Crashed at almost 160k miles, still going strong. Appreciate it much more now that its gone.

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  Disappointed in our 2001 XC - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Shasta - March 12 - 8:26 am

  What a disappointment! Our volvo xc was my dream car but weve had nothing but problems with it and were still experiencing problems. At first the problems were minor and under warranty, so it wasnt any big deal. But we have an extended warranty but it wouldnt cover the $1000 throttle that went out. Our volvo dealership indicates that its common for the throttle to go out and this was at less than 60K miles. We wont buy another one and Im hoping to get rid of this one before anything else goes wrong! These are too overpriced for all the maintenance that is required.

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  first volvo minor problems - 2001 Volvo V70
  By hjk15087 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  First volvo ever owned, bought it for safety and comfort, performance pretty good, would like to see more storage space for front cabin. had some minor issues with the remote entry was fixed under warranty, great service dept at Turner Volvo. had to replace several light bulbs the past few months. have owned vehicle for three years, thinking up upgrading to XC90 for more space for the family. the tire noise has become very noisy at highway speeds.

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  Fabulous! - 2004 Volvo V70
  By KB, Bethesda MD - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Leased this Silver R, automatic, in August, 03 as my 99 T5 lease was coming due, after looking at Avant Wagon, Toureg, and lots of others. Had All-Season tires put on as a condition of lease and the car is fantastic. It sticks to the road in all weather and at all speeds. Never any wheel spin -- it just digs in and goes like a bat out of hell. 15k so far and no service issues.

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  A Nice Used Wagon, Shop Carefully. - 1998 Volvo V70
  By JawzX - February 13 - 6:36 am

  I bought this car from a private seller who had all service records since new, so I knew what I was getting into, which was a very well maintained, if high-miles car. It had a large amount of work done to it prior to my purchase, including the Infamous prop-shaft replacement (still needs a torque-tube bushing and rear shocks), so I knew I wouldnt have to worry about that for another 150K miles... The car is very comfortable, performs reasonably, handles well, holds a huge amount of stuff, is great in the snow, parts prices for repair are high. I have no bad things to say about the interior materials or fit of the car, but mine was assembled in Belgium, maybe that makes a difference?

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  v70 the family freindly s60 from volvo - 2006 Volvo V70
  By Michael - February 11 - 8:26 am

  I like the v70 its a great family car, my younger chidren have a great view when out "low" window sills. In base form it is a cruising vehicle but peppy enough. Its has over-competent handling for a family car compared to an suv or minivan - it will carve an off ramp suprisingly well- but hardly any one who drives one knows that. The v70 is subtle in its refinement which really shines in the mundane like running errands around town. It will keep up with and pass suvs with 3xs the horse power if you feel so inclined but prefers to quietly glide about - It is not u Dads pontiac grand safari - it is a mercedes within 9/10ths of that vehicle at a 20K discount.

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  1998 Volvo V70XC - 1998 Volvo V70
  By petee - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Good vehicle all around. Braking system poor design. Rear wear out at 17000mi, fronts last forever.

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  My First Volvo Wagon - 2005 Volvo V70
  By Kyang - January 30 - 4:30 am

  My Volvo V70 2.5T was delivered with two weatherstrips deformed and a noisy V- belt. They all gor fixed under warranty. The engine vibration is felt at idle and under accelaration. I think it is common for 5 cylinder engine (the Audi 5000 has the similar vibration). Once the engine is at cruising speed (~2000 rpm), it is quiet. The dealer service is excellence. It probably will be expensive after the warranty expires. The only anoying thing is the idle time before shut down the engine after a long drive (to prolong the turbo chargers life).