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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  could have been great - 1998 Volvo V70
  By ihateeuro - December 1 - 10:00 am

  other than being in the shop every ten minutes, the cross country is a great car. if you got the wallet and dont mind loaner cars. the cross country is your car. you will get to know the service techs real well, and they are even less reliable than the car. consistently horrific service that is hard to beat. stay away from european cars. japanese is the way to go. lexus, honda, toyota all better in the long run.

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  Happy Days - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Southern Car Owner - November 19 - 6:13 am

  Today is the happiest day of our lives with our Volvo - its trade-in day. This car has been in the shop so many times - bulbs, seat motors, transmissions, electronics, power window lifts, rear hatch, batteries, alternators, voltage regulors, and most recently 1,100 climate control module. Our favorite was at 70 mph the engine fault sensor shut down the car completely - real hazard! Only good thing on this entire car is the engine which has given us the least amount of problems.

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  So much money for THIS???? - 2000 Volvo V70
  By sunprairie - July 23 - 10:00 am

  We have friends who get a new Cross Country Wagon every 2 years and swear by them, but we got a lemon. Ours had a bad fuel pump and injection system, among other things, and it took several return visits to 3 diff. dealerships, two complete breakdowns, and finally negotiations with Volvo directly to figure out the problem, and who will pay for the repair when it was just outside of the warranty. Twice the car just stopped working while driving. It shakes at high speeds and my 1996 Honda Accord had a smoother ride. I didnt buy a $40,000 car so my family and I could be stranded twice. Servicing the car is costly even with no problems.

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  Money Pit! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By pdxfamily - July 4 - 3:33 am

  Purchased this wagon just before the arrival of our 3rd child. I wanted something safe and reliable. Every 6 months were at the shop with an EXPENSIVE fix. The worst problem was the throttle body (it was eventually recalled and we were reimbursed). The car surged and stalled and you never knew when you pulled out into an intersection if the car would hesitate and threaten to stall. Each time I pay for an expensive fix, I decide to just keep the darn thing. Then, of course, another huge repair 6 months later. The most recent problem, a vibration in right front area, is apparently an axle. Last one for me - my husbands toyota costs a whopping $150/year for service/maintenance. Done with Volvo!

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  Worst driving car Ive ever owned - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Bandit1 - April 30 - 1:46 pm

  We had a 1998 S70 and loved it so much that we decided to upgrade to a 2001 V70 T5. What a mistake. I hate driving this car. The adaptive transmission never reacts the way you want it to. When you come to a stop, the transmission shifts to neutral (fuel saving feature). But when youre ready to go, you have to wait for the car to get back in gear before you start moving. Dealership has reprogrammed the transmission 3 times with no improvement. Press the accelerator and nothing happens. Press it more, and the car lurches forward. Volvo customer service told me "we sell lots of cars so it must not be a problem." LAST VOLVO ILL EVER OWN.

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  My fourth Volvo - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Marc - February 11 - 11:53 pm

  ...and my last; hello Toyota!. This car is a disaster, I had a lot of problems from the start: rear axle fell off, blew 3 injectors, catalytic converter, one headlight does not work anymore, driver door cracks, weak air conditioner even after a $2,500 repair, also quite a few false alerts from the check engine light coming on for various defective sensors, and a host of other annoying issues. The Volvo dealers have always this attitude that they are doing you a favor to attend to your car. Also forget about getting an appointment less than a week ahead. The dealer in Hyannis took 3 days to replace one injector (no courtesy car)..

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  Former Volvo Fan - 1998 Volvo V70
  By justsayno - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used V70 GLT Wagon with 60k miles and I have had nothing but problems. Car even came with all service records. Great to drive, very comfortable and lots of space. BUT car was in the shop FIVE times over an eight month period and I have paid almost $7k in repairs. I am in the process of selling. Volvo (sorry.....Ford) needs to make a more reilable car.

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  I prefer my 240 - 2001 Volvo V70
  By tkschaff - January 17 - 1:06 pm

  Weve been a Volvo family for several years, and when we saw the new body style, we knew we had to have one. Its a beautiful car, but the reliability of the newer Volvos leaves a lot to be desired. Weve had transmission problems from almost day one. Its a certified car, so that was our only saving grace. We had to have several software upgrades for the transmission, and the last time it was in, I was told that if this didnt "fix" the problem, I would be the proud owner of a new transmission on a vehicle with 65,000 miles on it. My independent mechanic told me to avoid all Volvos newer than 99 until they work out the bugs. Ill stick with my 240.

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  great features, poor reliability - 2000 Volvo V70
  By azxcr Paul - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Well, we are happy with the design and capacity, but it has been a major mechanical headache! Look closely at Volvos used car reputation before you buy one and definitely get all the maintenance records. We have had engine problems (two pcv valves, gasket oil leak, numerous errorneous check engine lites), disc brake replacement (rear), electric lock issues (master actuator replaced 2x), steering noises (lube, lube, lube), and 2 minor recalls. After much complaining, Volvo offered to take the vehicle back off lease IF we bought another NEW Volvo at dealer cost. No way!

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  Uneven Likeability - 2001 Volvo V70
  By sbe79 - January 7 - 9:20 am

  I have V70 T5 model. It has 147K on it. I have to say that I really, really like the car. I just dont enjoy the difficulties that come along with it. It drives, mostly, great. I like the way it handles. It may be a station wagon, but its still an interesting car. The leather interior is miles better than Volvo was using in the 90s. However, the transmission had to be rebuilt before I even got it off the used dealership lot. One year later, it struggles to go from 1st to 2nd gear in the morning. The drivers side control panel on the door works infrequently (so most of the time, my window wont go down and I cant lock the doors remotely). Mechanic cant find the issue.