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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  Frequent Breakdown - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Less than happy - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned the 2001 V70 T5, I loved the feel and performance but as the car approached the end of warranty period, break-downs became more and more frequent. So I thought I would give Volvo a second chance. I got a 2004. I have less than 1000 miles on my 2004 and it is in the shop with a major problem. Unless you have a butler that can spend his time driving back and forth to get maintenance, I would choose another manufacturer.

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  Whats with the whining? Awesome Car! - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Hi Speed Kid Hauler - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Replaced 92 945T with over 226K + original turbo......this car ROCKS! Fast, luxurious, SAFE, great mileage, and hauls 2 toddlers, the two big dogs qucikly, in comfort. Factory stereo jams. OK, I had ONE bulb replaced (theyre FREE so what?). NO other problems whatsoever and I drive fast, cruise at 80 mph get 25 mpg....These other people whining about tires lasting 20K (Z rated 17 inch, what do you want, they handle great), sidewall bubbles are caused by bashing into objects with too low air pressure (try 38 psi all around), maintenance costs are cheap, Mobil 1 oil change every 5K...love our car!

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  Expensive, with dangerous design flaws - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Will Jennings - November 4 - 11:20 pm

  At 5 years and 50,000 miles, our 2001 XC70 needed: a new ignition-key tumbler ($600), a new set of rear shocks ($750), which had destroyed a 6 month old set of tires and required their replacement ($650). Lastly, its solenoid transmission design failed while we were on the highway, cutting all power in a critical, dangerous situation. Solution? $3,400 for a new transmission. Together with some minor glitch fixes also not covered by warranty, our new car has cost an avg of $1,250 per year in repairs alone. Proving, once again, you never actually own a Volvo...you just keep paying rent to your mechanic, local towers, and Volvo dealer service. Volvo Customer Care = total fraud.

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  My pod of civilization - 2002 Volvo V70
  By jdw31 - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Why do I love my Volvo V70? I love it because it is solid, safe, very comfortable, has a great sound system, and because the dealership treats me like a king when I take her in for the checkups. I used to think that spending over $25K for a car was too much, but I did it anyway, and it is worth it. This is a great car. My "road rage" has dropped by 90% at least since I bought it.

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  A great alternative to an SUV - 2008 Volvo V70
  By John - October 30 - 5:10 pm

  Ive put 6,500 miles on this car over the past 6 months and have been very pleased. It replaced a Lexus LS430 and an older Volvo V70. The ride quality is smooth and quiet. While I really enjoyed the super-quiet ride and precise handling of the Lexus, I am also enjoying the sportier driving experience of this Volvo. I much prefer this car to the roughness and sway of the SUVs I have owned. Based on the cars computer readout, fuel mileage is considerably better than the EPA numbers (30 - 32 MPG at 60 MPH). Build quality seems good with no significant problems so far.

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  So Much for the Dream - 1998 Volvo V70
  By bewilderedbear - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car as a demo and have been plagued with the notorious CEL. Have put 1000s in repairs after warranty and still no resolve. Car sits useless in the driveway on the brink of repo (no great loss cant afford to fix any more) I dont think it would be much of a stretch to say most all fuel system has been replaced as well as emmissions to the tune of 1000s of $s. Dealerships are impossible and state that they or Volvo will DO NOTHING) This car is a lemon in every sense, eats brakes and tires and the owner up in service. So much for our dream car that we would have for 100k miles.

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  What a daily dream!! - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Raccareddie - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded my 2000 V70 for the v70R I had admired for some time. I have put 4K on the car and love to drive it everywhere. I need some tuner sound and Ill really be in heaven.

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  Who Needs an SUV - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Gary K - October 16 - 2:10 am

  I bought my 2004 V70 to replace an Explorer which was a second car, when after a bad accident in another car I realized I would have suffered serious injury or worse in my SUV. What a great car! Very stylish, very fast (my other cars are Jag and BMW coupes) and this no sacrifice in the performance department, especially for a wagon. But, its so comfortable to drive and gets great gas mileage 17/28 compared to 9/14 for my Explorer. I cant imagine why anyone who doesnt absolutely NEED the extreme size of an SUV (hear that all you soccer moms?) wouldnt get a Volvo wagon instead. Fit, finish, build quality and materials are on par with my BMW. Love this car! Id never have another SUV

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  Volvo XC mets expectations - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Al97 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this car for a year and half. It is a competent car. The extended Volvo warrenty seems useless though as nothing seems to be covered under it when you really get into it. There have been seveal small electrical problems that seem surprising and unecessary like the emergency flasher reley failing (not covered and $75 ) replacement. The cabin lights only work sparadically when you opent he door. Our 10 year old Mercedes wagon has had far fewer problems, and has been all over the world with us. Our 1986 240 wagon was more reliable than the XC but neither ever stranded us by the roadside.

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  Quality is disappointing - 2002 Volvo V70
  By virginia_dad - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this car for nearly two years and would not buy another. Have had a series of electrical problems -- bulbs constantly shorting out, headlights failing -- and other assorted problems. Service has been mediocre and overpriced. Sport tires are expensive and loud -- not a quiet ride at all. Weve owned Volvos for 10 years now and recently bought an Acura MDX as our "family car" and have been much happier with the quality and performance