Overview & Reviews

Volvo's 850 wagon gets a new name, new nose, body-color trim, stronger side-impact protection, more powerful turbo engines, redesigned interior and revised suspension. All-wheel-drive versions arrive to battle luxury SUVs.

• Front and side airbags. Excellent side-impact protection. Superb seats. Solid construction. More cargo volume than many sport-utilities. Available all-wheel drive.

• Oddly placed controls. No all-speed traction control system available.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 111.00

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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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  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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  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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  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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  A Well Maintained Vehicle - 1998 Volvo V70
  By longislanddriver - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Volvo. My experience is that the V70 is more reliable that my 1989 245. I always buy a base model for price and more importantly to eliminate problems. The AC compressor and condensor was replaced the first week. I guessed Volvo probably put the wrong refrigerant in it. I used to replace the headlight bulbs but after recall never replace a build yet. Replaced air pump and recently blower fan. A good dealer is the key. I had serveral brake and noise problems but convinced dealer to kept car for a week. They replace rotors, oil pump and pan.

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  Great Family Hauler 4 the Sports Car Dad - 1998 Volvo V70
  By mikefn - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Great alternative to the mini van, especially for those who want sports car performance.

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  Disappointed with 98 V70 Wagon - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Volvo Fan - July 13 - 1:16 pm

  I have owned both the 90 240 sedan and 85 240 wagon. I still have my 85 wagon and love it even with 200,000 plus... safe, sturdy and dependable, though quite noisy. After having kids it was a natural progression to go to the V70 but after the 100000 mark it has been a big disappointment. Computer problems with unclear diagnosis, interior cosmetic problems like leather pulling away from doors, visor flopping down, interior plastic pulling away from the tailgate, rubber edging falling off the door and more. We treat the car well and gently (never slamming the doors). I have spent $2000 to maintain the car in 2004 (thats without fixing the leather interior/tailgate).Not what Volvo used to be.

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  A tank but enjoy driving it. - 1998 Volvo V70
  By jawether - May 11 - 6:20 am

  Ive put 25k on it since buying 15 months ago with 132k. Since then Ive replaced the sunroof glass due to a leak (got used one for $75), the emergency brake cables rusted, temperature sending unit went bad, spring seat on top of strut mount failed, refastened the rear hatch panel and a radio bulb burned out. Luckily, I was fortunate to do all these repairs myself except the strut work. When everything is working the car is a joy to drive. Regarding the safety factor, I feel like Im driving a vault down the road. Bottom line... do not buy a used Volvo with 100k+ unless you can either do most of the maintenance and repairs yourself, or dont mind paying ~$80-100/hr to have the work done.

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  1998 V70 Wagon - 1998 Volvo V70
  By merley - October 2 - 10:00 am

  The V70 definatly feels more sturdy than our Camry, solid like you would imagine a tank feels. Crisp handling/steering can be fatiguing on long trips because the slightest move of the wheel sends you off course. Braking is excellent with 4 wheel disc/anti-lock during the yellow light power stops Ive never had anyone stop as quikly as me. Acceleration? Im not so impressed but its better than the Camry. The seats are very comortable (but see improvement area for related comments). The leather quality seems better than average.