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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  Volvo 2000 V70XC - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Kwame - June 11 - 10:00 am

  It is a great and fun car!

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  "R" as in Remarkable - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Ben Parrish - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for a little less than 3-months.During that time I have had an opportunity to get to know my "R".My first impression was,nice - styling,but what else does it do? It didnt take me long to find out!!! From its sumptious interior to its "G"Force acceleration this is one Heck of a station wagon!!! After Looking over from one-end to another,I finally got in for a test drive.That 30-minute test drive sold me on this vehicle.What began as infatuation has turned into a full fledge love affair! Each day I drive this car I like it just a little bit more!

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  surprising performance for a wagon - 2001 Volvo V70
  By spike in chicago - May 30 - 2:00 am

  the v70 2.4T is to soccer moms what patty lupone is to WB network programming: howlingly inappropriate. this is a bonafide sports sedan with extra greenhouse space where a trunk would be. The turbocharged inline 5 that Volvos been tweaking for years has reached its apex starting with the 2001 model year, and it is one of the smoothest, lag-free, and willing powerplants of its type Ive driven. Volvo also chose to place the V70 on solid footing in the corners, so handling is crisp and without excessive body roll or sag, and the ride is just dynamite, even on the potholed streets of Chicago.

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  Few comments about the v70 xc awd - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Bongo - May 16 - 2:56 am

  Luv the car. Snapped it up from a private seller. Few comments: Good: great get up and go with the turbo, cozy seats, great paint, durable car. The car growls with the reminder of "I am a 2.5L Turbo but i want to sound like a 5.5L... so shove off"! Bad: check for rust on the interior side of the retractable sun roof (bad design), somewhat of a strange leak.. oil? antifreeze? turbo? (oh oh),.

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  its a great car happy we picked it - 2006 Volvo V70
  By frankie - May 12 - 11:20 pm

  we looked at vans and other cars out nothing jumped out at us like it. we have a large family and was able to order the 3rd roll this gave us a total of 7 seat. we are happy to own it and if things keep going like it is we will never buy any other car but a volvo.

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  I love my car - 1999 Volvo V70
  By joemama - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My car is very quick! No major problems at 50,000 miles.This is my third Volvo , and although it is not as heavy duty, I would still expect to get at least 300,000 miles as I did on my last Volvo.( Car is still running fine, I gave it to a friend.)

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  Ill NEVER give this one up! - 2004 Volvo V70
  By LORinNOR - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Volvo wagon. They just keep getting better and better! This model has a much nicer ride, although you give up a little on the turning radius. Love the turbo...not just a mom car! LOL Dont buy until you try!!!

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  Car Review- Volvo - 2004 Volvo V70
  By firstmate - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car handles great in all weather conditions and is very fun to drive. Its very peppy and easy to handle. The interior is very nice and features qualities found in luxury sedans. I would highly recommend a Volvo to anyone looking for a new car. I plan to keep this for a long time.

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  V70 - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Donlmcmillan - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The v70 has everything you need in an auto for family. It offers a luxury car with most features standard without sacrificing on any safety concerns.Side impact air bags are present in all four doors as well as front impact air bags for driver and passenger in addition to air-bag curtains for the windows.

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  Most Comfortable Car Around - 2004 Volvo V70
  By DonMX5 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The Volvo V70 is by far the most comfortable car Ive owned in my 52 years of car ownership. While our Lexus in superior to all ever owned in build quality, when it comes to a road trip we always take the Volvo as one can drive long hours and still arrive feeling fresh and relaxed. I often go out to the Volvo to do my reading as the seats are more comfortable than my favorite easy chair.