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:

• 

  excellent choice - 2004 Volvo V70
  By zizico - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent wagon ,good gas consumption very confortable for long haul trips.Good road stability in driving

• 

  Excellent Car!!! Safety First! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Volvo V70 -Excellent - January 4 - 8:50 am

  I am surprised at reading some negative reviews. My Volvo has been great without any of the problems mentioned. Its great on gas mileage, has a reliable engine and transmission and most importantly it is safe for my kids. We have made long trips and our Volvo has been a delight. Volvo forever!

• 

  Could this car be more fun? - 2004 Volvo V70
  By EvenFaster - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Finally, we found the car that both the wife and I love! She loves the clean lines and stylish interior (especially the dash), the comfort, and the 225-Watt sound system. In addition to these, I love--of course--the performance. I commute 80-miles each day, many of these over windy mountain roads, and the ride is a blast. Knowing that Im driving a car that is both among the safest in the world, and the fastest in its price range, is a great feeling. For those of you who appreciate understatement, youd love this car. A wagon that can take a 540i- unheard of (except that mine did)! Enjoy.

• 

  A good old traditional station wagon - 2008 Volvo V70
  By Steve in Minnesota - November 29 - 6:46 am

  Interior comfort is the best feature of the V70. There is plenty of space for both passengers and cargo in a relatively compact package. The power train is generally refined. The transmission is very smooth but the engine growls a tad too loud for an almost 40,000 car. There is way too much shudder and noise when going over bumps but otherwise it feels solid. The highway ride is quiet and serene. We purchased for 25 grand as a rental return. I believe the MSRP was about 38 grand, which is a little spendy. Were getting 22-34 mpg in mixed driving. The heated seats are the best I have ever felt. Very welcome in Minnesota.

• 

  the ultimate in stealth high performance - 2005 Volvo V70
  By micron26 - November 4 - 6:50 am

  Its incredibly versatile with ample space and the 4C suspension setup, and has tremendous performance in third and fourth gear. Lag is noticeable at low RPM, particularly in first and second gear, but very few cars of any stripe can stay with this one once it gets going. It also boasts the best (support, comfort) seats Ive ever sat in (my wife concurs), and has a pleasing design inside and out. Many a BMV/MB/Audi have watched my back end disappear in the distance, and the shocked looks from SUV drivers expecting to blow my slow Volvo wagon off the road remain priceless. Also has a great NAV system and shifter. All of this refers to the MT: beware the AT (GT), its much slower.

• 

  We are now Volvo fans - 2007 Volvo V70
  By alphamobile - October 29 - 7:37 am

  Ours is a 07 model and we bought it in 10 with 32K miles. In two years I have put close to 30K miles on it. It being our first Volvo, and first Euro car for that matter of fact, its been a very pleasant car. At first we were feeling iffy about due to our fear about the notorious high cost of maintenance of Euro cars. Fortunately, in two years the only repair expense (not including regular maint.) was $150 to replace the brake vacuum pump. It certainly helps that our local Volvo dealer repair shop has very competitive pricing. The car is quite powerful and handles quite well. Some critics say its not very sporty when compared to BMW. But not everybody needs or really wants a BMW.

• 

  V70 is the best - 1999 Volvo V70
  By lincoln - October 26 - 11:13 pm

  Never a problem, has never let me down. Repairs are always less than I thought they would be. Just a great car.

• 

  Extremely reliable car! - 1999 Volvo V70
  By VolvoFan - October 16 - 6:06 am

  68K miles and still running like a top! Aside from regular schedule maintenance I havent had a single problem with this car. I just fill it up and go! It handles great, has comfy seats and has a ton of cargo room.

• 

  Exceptional Automobile - 2001 Volvo V70
  By V70Driver - October 6 - 10:00 am

  My reliable 240 was ready to be replaced, and I knew I wanted to stick with the brand. The XC looked good, my wife and I had a child on the way, and we were never interested in the whole SUV thing. (Do I even need to mention the "M" word?) It wasnt until I spoke to a friend who had a photograph of the next generation Volvo wagons that I put my purchase on hold. Talk about a dream come true. The T5 has it all - amazing looks, horsepower to spare, incredible handling and control, and it is perhaps the most comfortable car Ive ever had the pleasure of driving. Given the choice of a huge engine or XC, I went with the engine - and am very happy I did.

• 

  Drives like a sports car - 1999 Volvo V70
  By Julie - October 5 - 11:40 am

  Fantastic handling. Love how it hugs the road and turns on a dime. Can park it anywhere. Chassis sits 3 inches higher than most cars, and seats can be raised, so I almost have the height of an SUV, with none of their disadvantages.