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:

• 

  Ditto - 1998 Volvo V70
  By gerry100 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Weve had almost all of the problems described in the above posts, plus the one year only emissions airpump, warped rear rotors and tire consumption. Its very disappointing in a $36K car. We actually want to love this car because when everything is working its a wonderful, safe comfortable car. If Volvo had actually stepped up and taken responsibility for their design and quality mistakes instead of trying to gouge us customers from the 90s boom they may have developed some loyalty. As it is, theyve created a growing demand for Subarus.

• 

  Most expensive car I have ever owned - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Barney - September 4 - 11:03 am

  Front end is weak. Constantly requires repair and replacement of tie- rod-ends, ball joints, constant velocity boots, etc. You name it, its been replaced, multiple times. Power window motors, go through them like candy. Transmission was replaced with 1 mile left in warranty. Transmission is going again but it lasted 150,000 miles. Rattles, boy does it ever. But, it hasnt rusted out and the engine is still strong after 188,000 miles. Again, I cannot tell you how much this thing has cost to maintain but its got to be close to the purchase price. Most comfortable seats of any vehicle I have owned.

• 

  No Problems whatsoever, EVER! - 1999 Volvo V70
  By Two328 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The car the lasts forever, and appearently it has. People buy luxury cars like this one, and think that, since they are expensive, that you can treat them like crap and trash them. Some people are just too hard on their cars. We bought are 99 V70 wagon and have had no problems whatsoever. We have treated it well and it has treated us well. I also do believe that sometime, people do just happen to get a bad car, but not everybody. Our car is a great car, great value, still turning heads, very "Classic" looking and extremily comfortable. And if your going to buy a nice car like this, dont be cheep and buy a non- leather car, it just doesnt make since!

• 

  My First Wagon and Loving It!!!! - 2002 Volvo V70
  By SavannahRunner - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Get the Turbo Get the Turbo Get the Turbo!!!!! I am 33 and was not ready for a "family car", but my younger brother just bought his second Volvo and convinced me to check them out. I drove the non turbo and the turbo model - did I mention Get The Turbo? I would suggest driving both models to see for yourself. I also got the upgraded 17" wheels. They look great, handle awesome, and give it the sport wagon look (But on rough roads can be a little harsh). So far I have had it for a month and still have a smile everytime I drive it. I am hoping for a long and supportive relationship with Volvo.

• 

  Buy this car if you like throwing money in the trash - 2001 Volvo V70
  By heather50 - August 21 - 3:35 am

  Everything has systematically broken down, cracked, snapped off or ripped on this car. My mechanic even shakes his head at the ridiculously poor quality of this vehicle. I spent well over 10,000 on mechanical repairs in the last 6 years, always thinking that each trip to the mechanic would be the last.....Ha! In addition to that expense- the following have happened: glove compartment hinge broken, electrical door locks and windows dont always work, panel by drive shaft cracked, side view mirror adjuster broken off, most speakers are not working, locking system on back hatch doesnt always close, vent panel for defrost fell off, and more burnt out head and tail lights than imaginable.

• 

  My next car will be another XC70! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By GMLovesVolvo - August 20 - 1:46 pm

  I had heard about other bad experiences with Volvo but really wanted this wagon instead of an SUV. I have had no problems in over a year (except for headlights which every time my dealership has replaced within 5 minutes and given me for free). This car drives like a dream in the city and is awesome on long car trips. I do not get the kind of mileage the reviews say (18 city, 25 hwy) I average 21.7 in the city and over 26 on the highway! Way to go Volvo!

• 

  First Impressions - 2005 Volvo V70
  By kamala95 - August 16 - 8:40 am

  I only have 300 miles on my 2004 V70 2.4. Thus far I have no complaints. I only gave this car 9 points in my review, as I am not not comfortable giving anything 10s the whole way through. This is a much better vehicle than I had expected. Even the base engine (auto tranny BTW), handles very well for us. Carrying 5 people, it seems to move pretty well too. I have not had any problems with acceleration. The V70s fit and finish are top notch. The climate control and air filtration system work superbly. There seems to be more rear passenger room than we had in our 1999 Ford Explorer, with comparable usable cargo area. While shopping for this model, we also looked at the Dodge Magnum and Volkswagen Passat Wagon TDI seriously, and I have no regrets. This is a very well put together vehicle.

• 

  The Gold Standard for wagons - 2009 Volvo V70
  By MSmith - August 1 - 6:50 pm

  Love it. Nobody does it better when it comes to wagons.

• 

  Fun to drive with room for family - 1999 Volvo V70
  By edevries3 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 99 V70 GLT since new. We have had very few problems with it. It does seem to burn through headlights and brakes quickly but other than that it has been very reliable and a blast to drive. We love our Wagon!! I am looking forward to buying a new one someday!

• 

  Three shortcomings on 2004 Volvo V70 - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Florida tennisplayer - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My Volvo V70s worst, and potentially dangerous feature, is the tilt of the windshield. The top of the windshield is reflected in the window, making it very, very difficult to see the road when the sun hits the windshield at a certain angle. Second worst feature is the curve of the hood which does not permit the driver to see where the car ends. The hood just disappears and you have no idea how much room there is between the front of the car (or the right hand side of the car) and a wall or other object. These two items represent very poor design. Thirdly, on several occasions the car doors locked accidentally while driving.