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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  The most reliable car Ive ever owned. - 2003 Volvo V70
  By ginia - May 14 - 7:43 am

  What an auto! Have regular maintenance performed, put in gas, and away you go. Replacing the sport type tires was expensive but other than that, there has not been one equipment failure or maintenance problem in almost 7 years. People who dont know Volvos think the wagon is new and are careful not to slam car doors into it. It gets 25 mpg in town and 31 on the highway - better than my 2009 S80.

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  Excellence in a performacne wagon - 2004 Volvo V70
  By v70rNJ - May 14 - 2:00 am

  After 3900 miles, with summer and winter tires, car is broken in and mpg is right up there as advertised. Excellent acceleration in all 6 gears (at least below 100 mph - I havent had it up into triple digit land). Seats are outstanding providing you dont need to lose weight, they are firmly bolstered. Sport mode 4C is excellent, comfort good for long hails on the interstates or if you have back seat passengers. Braking, overall handling dry, wet, crosswinds, all excellent.

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  Still going strong - 2000 Volvo V70
  By matkat - May 13 - 4:26 am

  Bought used at 123k miles and now with 139k, this has been a great car. It is very solid, drives great, and for me has been very reliable. Ive spent a total of $155 over the past 15 months on repairs. I would not hesitate to drive this 9 year old car cross country today. We had a snowstorm this year and the car was incredible. High praise from someone whos lived on Rabbit Ears Pass, CO. It was not pampered by the previous owner but the interior still looks almost new. So the complaints about cheap interiors just dont ring true. Its exterior design has held up well and unless you know Volvos it does not look nine. There is no rust, period.

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  What a lemon!!! - 1999 Volvo V70
  By letdown_volvo_owner - April 28 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I purchased the 1999 V70 XC certified preowned. The car has been in the dealer shop on average, every 2-3 months. It leaks/burns anti-freeze, has electrical issues, replaced the electronic throttle module 3xs, has had many light issues, power seats work sporadically, replaced the lock switch for gear shifter, replaced headlight switch, replaced torque mounts, gas cap issues and the list goes on. I thought Volvo was know for its reliability???

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  Shock and Awe. - 2001 Volvo V70
  By skipb - April 27 - 9:30 pm

  This car has ruined our brand loyalty to Volvo (having previously owned and been very happy with an 84 DL wagon, an 84 GL sedan, an 88 740 wagon, a 93 850 sedan, and a 97 850R sedan), and as a result we probably will not be buying another. We have already spent well over 5K replacing items that should never need replacing (the radiator, 4 or 5 control modules, etc.), and now we are facing a 5K transmission replacement at 94K miles. The dealer is sympatheic, as is Volvo of America, but is otherwise totally unresponsive. Its a shame, but its time for us to explore another brand.

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  Mixed Bag - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Captclam - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is an engineering marvel as far as the fit, finish and drive are concerned. Before buying ensure there are no oil leaks a the oil return line is often trouble. The part online is $90 ($120 at dealer), and an easy do it yourself. The traction control module is notorously flaky. Test by slamming on breaks and then gas on gravel or sand before buying. If the TRACS or ABS lights come on, run. Part alone is $800, though you can trade your old one in online and get a rebuilt one for about $150 (see www.swedespeed.com forum). Check out Internet Volvo forums before heading in for repair as many high $ repairs are actually a $40 sensor gone bad.

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  Great car, crappy interior. - 1999 Volvo V70
  By Matthew - April 13 - 2:38 am

  This is my first Volvo. It drives and handles great. I bought with lots of maintenance recently completed including; timing chain, cam seals, head gasket, hoses and a few other things. I put new tires with a new alignment. I also installed a better stereo and reverse cam so I can see when my dogs are in the back. The only negative is that the seats are worn. I have looked at many in the 98-02 range and it seems the leather seats dont hold up well, but are comfortable. The center consol is cheaply made and moves around. Other than that the car is solid. I really enjoy driving the car and would like it to last me a few years before I get a newer used Volvo. I really love this car!

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  no more volvos for me - 2000 Volvo V70
  By mls_intex - March 17 - 8:23 am

  A friend showed me this site and wow how insightful! Guess Im not alone with my endless Volvo problems; AC, throttle body control unit (which left my wife stranded), AC again, faulty air flow unit, (that took 4 trips to the dealer to fix) broken, CV joints, strut mounts @ 82k, numerous little things that have broken through normal use; cup holders both front and back, windows controls -every one has gone out -save the drivers unit, the list goes on... It also burns through tires (my wife drives it 80% of the time and she is a conservative driver) going through a set of yokohamas in half the warranted life (60k). Im told that we are part of the Volvo 200 club -Every visit to the shop =$200!

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  Worst big-ticket purchase of my life - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Paul in Bethesda - March 16 - 10:00 am

  What a disappointment. Terrible ride -- you feel every bump. Loud interior. Awful electronics: blown lights, faulty electronic key. Ignition problems. Broken gas tank sensor. Steering column leaked fluid. Altinator failed. WORST RELIABILITY OF ANY CAR IVE EVER OWNED - - AND I ONCE OWNED A FORD. Terrible in- dash stereo for the price. And Martens Volvo is terrible, too. Were already looking for a replacement.

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  subtle, sophisticated, and fun - 2008 Volvo V70
  By judith - March 9 - 8:16 pm

  Swapped for an E320 -- 1" shorter and cavernous in the back, which I dont notice while I am having so much fun in these wonderful front seats, wheeling a surprisingly sporty but beautiful driver cabin. Drives like a high-end sport sedan.