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-not-all-its-crack-up-to-be - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Volvo-Mons Car - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new for my wife, she now says after 2 years she going to keep it. The door handles are ugly with fake wood with black coming. It drips oil on my garage floor also leaks transmission fluid. Drivers seat wouldnt move that was fun!!! Window on the passenger side would sometimes does not roll-up. We have replaced all the bulbs in the car at least once! Now a $34 turn signal on the side needs replacing. Now it has the brake light come on - dealer cant fix it. We have about 28k miles on it and was hoping to keep it for 10 years like all people who drive Volvos say they should last.

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  Not what they used to be - 1998 Volvo V70
  By jerseygirl - June 8 - 5:53 am

  I cant believe there are so many others that have had the same problems...power window, leaking oil, check light always coming on, brakes, tires/alignment, abs, control arm, shift console and now the engine and valves! Some problems couldnt be resolved because every service station (including the dealership) diagnosed it differently. And when the diagnosis was a recalled throttle, Volvo disagreed! Too much money into this car. We justified each repair by reminding ourselves it was a Volvo but no more because they are not what they used to be. The name no longer means anything. (Doesnt Ford own Volvo now anyway?) Ill be buying a Honda or Toyota next. Too bad Volvo isnt what they used to be.

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  My 3rd and thankfully LAST Volvo - 2000 Volvo V70
  By ds - February 20 - 12:40 am

  This car year was a lemon from the get-go and under no circumstance buy this car. Something was always wrong-at first it was the electrical system, then the headlights, then the gas cap not opening so that the entire rear interior panel had to be removed twice and on long trips. In 7 years of ownership we paid more in time and money for repairs than for the original purchase price. The seats are so uncomfortable and scrunch the driver that I had a painful hip and drove sitting on a pillow the last year of ownership. Volvo service and parts are super expensive and the Volvo dealers in my area are arrogant. It is nice not having to throw away money! Returned to Toyota-much more satisfied.

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  poor quality/reliability vehicle - 1998 Volvo V70
  By unhappyv70glt - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Purchased vehicle to get safest car for my family. Found multiple areas of poor reliability: oxygen sensors, brakes, turbo oil-line return seal- and now at 80K the ABS/Traction control computer is out ($700). Maint. costs in 7 yrs= $6500. Selling vehicle because I cant take it anymore.

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  Atrocious Reliability - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Constant Agony - October 8 - 10:00 am

  During the first 2-3 years of ownership (during warranty period), no real problems. Thereafter, it has been a nightmare. Car is constantly in the shop for repairs. The "check engine" light is almost as constant as Miss Libertys--its always on. Problems include: A/C; gauges; water pump replaced; electric windows fail to work; radio quit; and those headlights--probably replaced ten times. Think twice before you buy or buy and get rid of before the warranty period expires. Never Again.

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  99 Volvo Base in CA - 1999 Volvo V70
  By bigscrunchy - October 7 - 11:00 am

  Now I traded a 2003 S40 because my family grew and the brakes were suspect. I traded for a 1999 used Volvo V70 from a Ford Dealership in June of 04 thinking that since I already had an existing relationship things would go smoothly. I am still trying to figure out the bumper to bumper sales pitch. First 6 months were good. The second 6 months Ive dropped $1,500.00 on brakes (front/rear), rotors,transmission fluid and battery replacement. $200 for a battery cable? Ive had some issues with the key staying stuck in the ignition upon shutting off the engine. I am going to make a summer trip to the East Coast and see how this vehicle responds. Stay tuned.

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  Look carefully - 1999 Volvo V70
  By ve744 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Bad gas mileage, poor leather interior, poor paint job, many minor interior defects (window button sticks, interior lights do not go off when door is closed, etc.)

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  Keep the engine, ditch the car - 1998 Volvo V70
  By nancy c - July 30 - 1:10 pm

  The engine in this car has been pretty reliable. And the first five years of owning it were great. Since then its just been a money pit. The air conditioner has needed major repairs twice. There has seldom been a time when all four power windows functioned; fix one, another breaks. Same with the power locks. ABS very temperamental. Turns off for no reason. Now radio wont work. Inside trim on tailgate is falling off because the cheesy plastic tabs that hold it on broke. Too much money to fix. Every time it needs anything it seems like the bill is at least $1500. The 70,000 mile service was going to be close to $5000 so Im selling this car. Maybe a mechanic will buy it.

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  disappointed - 2000 Volvo V70
  By noluck - July 7 - 9:26 am

  I bought this car based on safety and, what i thought, was reliability. It had 63,000 miles on it, one owner. Pretty car, nice to drive, when it ran. The car was in the shop every month. Nothing was less than 1,000 to fix. The ETS was recalled, car completely lost power on the highway. ABS module went, power windows, wiper motors broke, suspension/shocks needed replacement, 2 starters, brakes, had hatch fixed, gas mileage poor. Overall, I owned it for 3 years and it cost me over $4,000 in repairs. Very disappointed.

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  volvo not as good as they used to be - 1998 Volvo V70
  By coachgids - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car if you have a very good dealer to fix all the things that go wrong with it. Great to drive. Got very expensive after the warranty ran out. Two of our 3 dealers have been horrible to almost incompetent. The third was great and a pleasure to deal with. Volvo North America did little to police dealerships, even after repeated problems.