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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  WINNS CAR - 2001 Volvo V70
  By p morgan - January 14 - 2:00 am

  3 YRS OLD AND LOTS OF STUFF HAS BEEN FIXED. THE REMOTE CONTROL DOOR LOCKS,THE POWER DRIVERS SEAT, THE PASSENGER SEAT IS A PAIN TO ADJUST, NEW FRONT STRUT, NEW RADIO & SPEAKERS, NEW CUP HOLDERS. WE HAVE TAKEN EXC. CARE OF THIS VEHICLE. THE ONLY STRONG POINT IS INTERSTATE DRIVING. THE QUALITY AND INTERIOR DESIGN IS POOR AND MY WIFE IS READY TO SELL. WE WILL NOT PURCHASE ANY MORE VOLVOS.

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  I love my Volvo, but... - 1998 Volvo V70
  By badkitty_abc - January 12 - 10:00 am

  It requires a bit too much maintenance and the O-2 sensor problem is a bit annoying. Overall, I would get another in a heartbeat.

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  Lots of Troubles - 1998 Volvo V70
  By drc - January 6 - 10:00 am

  In the first 30 months we owned this car it was in the shop 26 times. Nothing major (except a fuel leak)but lots of minors issues like burned out headlights, rear window that wont roll up and lots of times the "check engine" light came on. Now the leather is separating from the door panel on the drivers door. The troubles just will not stop with this car.

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  Engine disaster - 2000 Volvo V70
  By daclasn - January 5 - 5:13 am

  This is the 3rd Volvo I have owned, the other 2 being 240s. The car is comforable and drives great, but the engine has been a constant source of trouble. It has burned excessive oil since new..a quart every 500 miles. Volvo tested it and declared it "normal". Now that it is out of warranty, it is starting to burn valves, 3 so far and burning even more oil. The car is a disaster and Volvos plan seems to be to get owners out of warranty then refuse to do anything to back up thier product. I will never buy another Volvo. They are not what they used to be!

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  New Car! - 2002 Volvo V70
  By woodchuckscout - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2.4 model with premium package. I was worried about the reliability of the turbos after a few years of use, so I just went with the 2.4 base model. Its not very powerful, but here in LA, there arent many hills to climb.

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  excellent - 2004 Volvo V70
  By elita28 - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle.Best car purchase ever.

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  2.4L FWD auto - 2002 Volvo V70
  By wheelsstm - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine for 3 months and have put 7K miles on it with no problems so far. It feels very tight and the comfy seats are greatly appreciated. The storage nooks and crannies are a bit odd to get used to, but the squared off cargo area holds a ton of stuff. I traded in my 89 240DL that, once I quit going to the dealer for service, held up really well for 13 years. This V70 is off to a much better start, so I hope it lasts me another 13 years as well!

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  Seven Years Now - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Ed - December 15 - 2:16 am

  I have had this car since new. There were two initial issues. Both were addressed. The car has had some performance modifications by IPD so it is faster than the average V70R. Other than above I have not had any major issues with the car. It has been a pain to pass DEQ not because it has high emmissions but because the computer has a long drive time to re-register data after a battery change. For me it was nice to carry items but think you are in a pretty fast sedan otherwise. Gas mileage is not great. I should also mention that I was T boned once by a car doing and estimated 40 MPH and drove it home. Granted the steering was way out of true. After 7 years I am tired on it though.

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  Why did you sell to Ford - 1999 Volvo V70
  By rlsams - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Great wagon. On weekends I use it as my truck...plenty of power for hauling small loads of buiding and landscape material.

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  Volvo V70R a fun sleeper - 2004 Volvo V70
  By A. Hanlon - December 7 - 3:13 pm

  Fun Wagon. Quick, fast with 155 mph top end. Handles great. Functional. A great looking sleeper car. Great seats. Many a parking valet has said cool wagon, if you need a wagon this is the way to go. Automatic is not as quick as manual. Volvo should not have decreased torque. Plus its safe since its a Volvo.