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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  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.

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  Afraid what the future may bring - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Glamrgyrl - October 23 - 6:06 pm

  I have had my XC for 1 year now. I just took the car in for the 60k mile and was told I also needed to replace inner tie rods, along with some other expensive repair. I noticed one other reviewer also had to replace. I find this to be ridiculous. The worst thing, my car jolts, jumps, throttles off and I had the software replacement on the recall. Last night check engine light on when I just spent $1600 last month at the shop. This is scary. I am a loyal Volvo customer, this is my 2nd wagon (last one was 12 yrs old), but I dont think I will purchase another. The throttle problem is a dangerous one as you dont know when the car is not going to respond?

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  Hauls like a mini van and fun to drive - 2005 Volvo V70
  By armchair - October 21 - 1:40 am

  We recently purchased a 2005 V70 used with only 50000km on the clock. We traded in a our 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6. Our kids were initially disappointed to see the van go, but once we started our vacation with the V70 they were very happy. Seats are way more comfortable, and with the integrated child seats they actually have more rear seat room. We like to cost of filling up compared to the minivan, about 30% better fuel economy, and we are comfortable in Volvos awesome seats, and the dual zone AC keeps up both happy in the front as we can adjust to our preferences. We recently did an 900KM long weekend trip, and every left the car far more refreshed and relaxed in the Volvo versus the minivan.

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  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.

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  Volvo98V70AWD - 1998 Volvo V70
  By DTW - October 12 - 10:00 am

  The AWD is wonderful! It will go anywhere in bad weather. Have had to make some major repairs that I did not believe would be needed on a Volvo.

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  Stranded - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Stranded Again - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I have driven more miles on the loaner than on my own car. I have owned this car for 30 days and 12 of them have been in the garage. So far the car has left me stranded twice. Then to add insult to injury they pick up the non-working car, and leave my wife and children* on the street to call our own cab and arrange our own rental car after hours on a holiday weekend. I would have to say I am dissappointed. * wife and children - For whom you bought the car, so they would be safe!

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  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.

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  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.

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  Great - 2001 Volvo V70
  By markyv - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome.

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  Dont you dare call it a station wagon! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Jdubya - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Im a Gen-Xer and feel proud to drive what many may see as "your grandpas wagon". I am here to tell you it is not! This is simply the most comfortable and safe feeling car you can buy. It looks like a muscular black panther ready to strike. Although a bit sluggish off the line, it performs well past 1st gear. This is the first car I can see never getting tired of.