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 first 6 months - 2007 Volvo V70
  By White - March 1 - 11:06 am

  What a nice car! Bought it for safety reputation. Handles well, is comfortable and holds road like its glued. Too much wind noise and low beams cut off too short. Fit and finish is first rate and car is tight, excpept for wind noise. Gets less fuel economy than other mid-sized domestic cars, which was a surprise. Get 21-23 in town and 26-29 in hilly country, so I guess thats not too bad. Guess Im getting old, but it has one tough oil filter for a shade tree mechanic! Plenty speedy with 2.5 turbo. The run flat tires had defective sensors that dealer service did not understand and were impossible to fix. Eventually replaced. I like the car alot!

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  In a class of its own! - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Balmer R - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Awd and 300hp, what a wonderful combination! This is not your average V70 or XC70. Traded my 2004 XC70 for a 2004 R and could not be any happier. The old fake wood interior finishing in the XC is replaced with real aluminum and wonderfully soft leather. Handling, even when not pushing the car to the limit, is much improved as well. Directional stability is on par with Volvos German rivals, not something I would say about the XC70. Take it for a spin... best wagon without spending >$60k for the S6 Avant.

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  Quirky transmission - 2001 Volvo V70
  By Ted - February 13 - 4:10 am

  We have owned the vehicle for about 10 months (15k miles)and the only money we spent was on front end work which is typical for this car for 100k. Every once in a while when we step on the gas pedal the RPMS jump from about 2000 to 4-5000 (30-40mph). We have the latest software updates and the Volvo mechanic could not find anything wrong. Does anybody have this problem and what did you find out about it? Overall, a good vehicle. Thanks.

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  Love My Volvo - 2002 Volvo V70
  By Volvo Saved My Life - January 29 - 9:06 am

  After my prior Volvo V70 AWD wagon was squashed by a truck that went airborne on top of it, and I lived through it, I had to have another one. I went out of state to get a rare combo, V70 with AWD (not an XC) plus the nav system. I have been extremely happy with this car, my 4th Volvo. The nav system rises up out of the dash, so you dont have to take your eyes off the road. Its great on snow and ice, with amazing braking power, its gorgeous, and it gets good gas mileage. You have to keep it in alignment, or the AWD will go through tires. Its also a little too polite about letting you know youre low on gas. Keep it aligned and gassed up and youll love this car.

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  $Love it But Leave It - 1998 Volvo V70
  By ilovemyvolvo - January 27 - 7:46 pm

  I love this car. Comfortable, safe, reliable and can get me anywhere. My $5000 purchase of a used car has probably now cost me upwards of $10,000 including repairs. Ive owned it for 5 years. Not what i was looking for in purchasing a used vehicle. Its been one thing after another- engine mounts, locks, windows, power steering leak, rear drive shaft now the air pump system. This is not a used vehicle you want to buy if you are not willing to put a lot of $$$ into it. Going back I probably would have settled for something cheaper to repair.

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  Luxary at an affordable price - 2003 Volvo V70
  By Zaro R. - January 26 - 10:00 am

  We have been pretty happy with this car. It drives well, and great fuel economy for the size. We took this car up the mountain 5 time a year, on camping trips. Last couple of years we have been towing a 2500lb pop-up camper and I sometimes when the traffic is clear, drive at 80-mph with no problem. I wished I would have bought a XC70, but this is good enough for us. The only qualm we have is the volvo maintenance cost...it is very expensive!

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  Sadly, a disappointment - 2004 Volvo V70
  By Dave - January 23 - 6:36 am

  Beautiful car. Very comfortable. Fun to drive. Unfortunately, the engine would stall periodically and unpredictably. The dealer could never fix it and ignored the techical service bulletins I found on line describing the behavior. Huge blind spots that made merging with traffic a white knuckle experience. MPG could have been better. Vehicle maintenance was outrageously expensive.

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  Great Car, but... - 1998 Volvo V70
  By markymark - January 23 - 1:06 am

  This is my 4th Volvo and it is definitely a "love/hate" relationship. When all is good, I love it. Its the most comfortable car Ive ever owned. The heated seats are sublime on a cold Colorado morning. But just too many small problems that indicate poor design and engineering. Ive replaced, engine mounts, suspension, brake rotors, check engine lights, turbo seals, and am holding my breath now that my extended warranty has expired. Ill keep it as long as it doesnt get too expensive, then Ill probably jump to an Audi or maybe a good ole dependable Subaru! Too bad for Volvo, I think we all want to stick with them, but they just seem to have lost their focus.

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  Perfect SUV Alternative; Great Quality - 2004 Volvo V70
  By mobile36602 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Incredible seat comfort, drive 10-12 hours without stiffness/fatigue. Performance excellent. Runs well on regular without pinging but using premium fuel enhances performance noticeably. Build quality superb...car delivered with zero defects, fit/finish is world class. Vehicle feels solid, safe, and very controllable in inclement weather and at high speeds. Fuel economy 19 city/24 mpg highway. Rain sensor wipers alleviate need for constant wiper speed adjustment. Best vehicle I have ever had. Great alternative for luxury car buyers who want high quality,slick styling, solidity, and comfort without the stigma of pretentiousness of a BMW or Mercedes.

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  2.4L 4-dr Wagon Automatic - 2006 Volvo V70
  By JR - January 18 - 7:13 am

  You can feel quality in the ride and for a station wagon, it handles surprisely well. The instrumentation panel is easy to read and manipulate (within easy reach.)The gauges are visually appealing. My previous car had Bose stereo, the Volvo, although not Bose, it can be argued sounds somewhat comparable. Pick-up and go wont leave you quivering when passing another vehicle. With recent money incentives, you can hardly beat the price compared to comparable vehicles. If you must drive a station wagon, the Volvo is the way to go.