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:

• 

  Just couldnt cut it - 2006 Volvo V70
  By William - November 2 - 10:10 pm

  Purchased pre-owned to replace XC90 which died. Low mileage example, super clean. Had to have the extra room afforded, but just couldnt handle the minor issues over the two months of ownership. Drove 6000 miles in those two months with dash and dash VIN rattle. Incredibly rough ride for a "luxury" wagon. Traded to a 4Runner and it has a smoother ride. After only two months simply had to give up and eat the depreciation. I avg 35,000 miles/yr.

• 

  Great Family Car - 2001 Volvo V70
  By tracprod - October 27 - 3:16 am

  Wouldnt recommend this non-turbo version. It is underpowered if you do a lot of travelling. Good city/short mileage car. Solid, no problems. Most room for a wagon youll find.

• 

  WHAT A LEMON! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By v70owner - October 25 - 11:23 pm

  Bought this car in Sept of 2005 with 50K miles on it. We have had nothing but problems. Full transmission replacement in 08 under warranty, locks failed, seatbelts in back all failed had to be replaced, throttle control module, battery issues. You name it, weve had it with this one. As soon as were able, we are getting rid of this car!

• 

  I REALLY love this car - 2004 Volvo V70
  By vspady - October 23 - 12:30 am

  Full-size comfort, sports car handling, safety to the nth degree, gorgeous at the curb and twice as beatiful accelerating from a dead stop. this car handles like a dream, is comfortable, while being nimble AND stable. really a great performance ride with maximum comfort and that great cop-proof volvo cache (yes, we really do fly below the radar). this is my 5th volvo, and far and away my favorite. fun, safe, comfortable, and gorgeous. no complaints on maintenance or ergonomics. all around a fantastic car.

• 

  Highway Star - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Keith - October 17 - 1:53 am

  I purchased the car from the original, private buyer at 70K; it now has 140K. It still burns no oil. Its been great. Replaced the silly rear hatch panel fastening system cheaply when it failed. (inexpensive kit.) One front wheel bearing whined until it was fixed for a couple of hundred bucks. Really, the perfect car if you like to haul stuff, and feel safe, comfortable and secure. Find a trusted mechanic to keep an eye on things (same for any car) and youll grow very attached. The engine is excellent and sturdy. Quality, comfort and fun and you can fit your stuff in it.

• 

  Swedish Dragon Wagon - 2005 Volvo V70
  By R2D2 - October 8 - 2:50 pm

  This much fun ought to be illegal. The V70R is the perfect stealth wagon. Who would expect 0-60 in the mid-5s from a station wagon? With the available aftermarket items (exhaust, sway bars, and engine computer kits), getting 350+ HP is very do-able from only 2.5 liters. The 6-speed manual and brembo brakes make this a pleasure to drive. With 04 and 05 models coming within pricing reach, now is the time to think swede.

• 

  money pit of a car - 2000 Volvo V70
  By takenbyvolvo - October 5 - 6:50 pm

  Bought the car and I have put more money into it than what it cost me. I like that it is safe, but I dont like how there are so many problems with it. I will never buy a car from Volvo again, and I am hesitant still on getting a car that is so expensive to repair. Sure it is great in the snow, but that is only like four weeks out of the year that I need it for that. Gas mileage is like a pick up truck and it is so finicky, everything seems to go wrong.

• 

  Great looks+highway comfort/performanc - 2001 Volvo V70
  By howardc64 - October 4 - 8:20 pm

  Wife traded a minivan for this and loves it. This car has 2 personalities >= 70mph on highway is awsome. Comfortable, good power + mileage (28-29) City driving is sluggish and poor mileage (17-19). Lack low end torque so the car lacks pickup. Manual shifting stick or autostick allows the driver to correct of mismatched auto shift + RPM torque setting. Poor turing radius. For our style of driving, well go with the 2.5T next time. Reliability has been ok. Both headlight + various position/brake lights burned out once. The bulbs are cheap and very easy to replace. Front light lens assembly is a single unit (glass) and cost $300 for parts when chipped. Get ipds plastic lens protector.

• 

  Solid security, bad seats, headrests - 2000 Volvo V70
  By Viola - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Okay, so I opted for the most incredibly safe car for my family. Miami has the worst drivers so there was no option in my mind. On the other hand,I must put up with that ridiculously redesigned solid headrest that juts my head and neck forward. I have had to build up the seat with pillows and supports just to NOT go the the physical therapist! The sound system is minimal but I can hum a happy tune whenever I am thankful after viewing or being in an accident.

• 

  T5 Fun - 2001 Volvo V70
  By strat1 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Its been great owning this car. Weve loved its versatilty, solid feel, performance and comfort. Its been very reliable, perfect to this point. We drove the BMW 528 befor buying this and noticed that the it felt better than our 960 sedan, however, when we drove the T5 it felt as good and was a heck of alot faster for $9,00 grand less but that included $1,000 loyalty bonus at the time.