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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  bye Volvo - 1998 Volvo V70
  By little_blaine - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1998 for almost $40000 including a third row seat, taxes etc. Im about to trade it in for $5000 (if Im lucky). The repairs that this car has needed are incredible - leaks from everywhere, shot turbocharger, A/C, broker power locks, busted ABS, "Check Engine" light on constantly, failed inspection multiple times, burns lights, brakes and tires very quickly. The car is luxurious and rides well, and handles excellently in bad weather. However, given all the problems, I would never buy a volvo again.

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  Buy extended warantee - 2001 Volvo V70
  By esw62 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a severe dissapointment. I know most people write bad reviews so take this for what it is worth. We have had numerous problems with this car. Gremlin electrical problems, electrical motors in windows, trunk and door locks, I have replace at least 6 signal lights and head lamps twice. Sway bar bushing replaced, $275. Emission system is showing error codes and is soon to need work. Replaced temp stat and temp control. Engine is looking like it may need some major work.

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  money pit - 1999 Volvo V70
  By tomcon - July 12 - 12:23 pm

  The only good thing I can say about this car is that Ive never had a breakdown and tow. Nevertheless its been an unending series of expensive repairs involving the cooling and electrical system, including an ABS rebuild, throttle body failure, oxygen sensor replacement, and the replacement of too many to count switches and bulbs. There is no such thing as a simple oil and filter change; always some aggravating expensive repair. I feel like Im rebuilding this car as I go along, and Ive taken good care of it. Now were into college years and I cant afford to replace it. Only 94000 miles and the worst car purchase in over 40 years of ownership. Shame on volvo for peddling this junk.

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  Buying Trouble - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Mr. & Mrs. K - July 5 - 9:50 pm

  With a family, household and business to run, we encounter enough trouble and stress without having to pay a premium car price for more. Please save yourself time, money and mental health and buy some other car. Weve had two software updates covered by the recall (I say covered by the recall in that we did not have to pay for the software update, but no one reimbursed us for time, trouble, babysitters, etc). Weve spent $1000 on the abs module and more in just the 2.5 years weve owned the car. Were going today to trade it in on something else. Ive had cars that cost half the price of the Volvo that ran much better and provided much fewer headaches.

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  Never buy Volvo again - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Horrible - May 5 - 10:06 pm

  This car has had twice as many problems in three years than all of the other cars I have owned combined. Sticky valve,tires rubbing (which Volvo says is normal),squels in rain,brakes squel,transmission hesitation, numerous software fixes..... Volvo service is horrible. You have to prove over and over to them that there is a problem but they just dont want to do warranty work. The turning radius is just slightly better than an air craft carrier. The horsepower numbers for the automatic are not even close to advertised. I regret ever taking a chance on this vehicle and I will never buy Volvo again.

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  Disappointed in our 2001 XC - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Shasta - March 12 - 8:26 am

  What a disappointment! Our volvo xc was my dream car but weve had nothing but problems with it and were still experiencing problems. At first the problems were minor and under warranty, so it wasnt any big deal. But we have an extended warranty but it wouldnt cover the $1000 throttle that went out. Our volvo dealership indicates that its common for the throttle to go out and this was at less than 60K miles. We wont buy another one and Im hoping to get rid of this one before anything else goes wrong! These are too overpriced for all the maintenance that is required.

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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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  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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  Volvo Needs to do Better - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Dave - November 18 - 11:56 am

  Weve owned the car since new,50k total miles. Weve had about a dozen of the electrical problems like others describe, all taken care of under warranty. Some topics I havent seen mentioned: Volvo has dropped the ball re several areas of active safety. Theres poor visibility out the rear of the car, even worse at night due to the dim backup lights. The dash reflects badly in the windshield. The response of the electronic throttle is different in forward vs reverse, its disconcerting. The HID headlights (have used them on loaner cars)are terrible, standard ones are quite good. On the other hand, our dealer Mitchell in CT is excellent and actually fairly reasonable in price.

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  never again! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By nomorevolvos - November 4 - 4:26 pm

  I thought Volvos were better cars. You know, Sweden has harsh weather and terrain, so the vehicles produced there should be appropriately durable. maybe they have that public health care thing for cars also. yes, add me to the list of casualties. I bought my V70 XC last year and have had nothing but problems. Transmission was jerky so I took it to the dealer, only to have it reflashed with no improvement. While there, they discovered bad trans and engine mounts, leaking angle drive and several broken suspension components. This is in addition to the $2000 scheduled maintenance, adding up to almost what I paid for this vehicle. The service and repair history I requested was 34 pages!