Overview & Reviews

Volvo's 850 wagon gets a new name, new nose, body-color trim, stronger side-impact protection, more powerful turbo engines, redesigned interior and revised suspension. All-wheel-drive versions arrive to battle luxury SUVs.

• Front and side airbags. Excellent side-impact protection. Superb seats. Solid construction. More cargo volume than many sport-utilities. Available all-wheel drive.

• Oddly placed controls. No all-speed traction control system available.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 111.00

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  This is a really wonderful machine - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Djavlar - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Having enjoyed driving a 1981 245, a 1989 740, and a 1991 745, Ive come to realize that each was a really great machine for me and my family at the time we owned them. Miss the ruggedness of the 245, but dont need that now; prefer the smoother ground-hugging capability of the V70 AWD. Lots of things I could do with the 245 that I dont need to do any more....and couldnt in the V70 if I wanted to. Are Volvos safe? Well, my son totalled my 740 and my daughter totalled the 745, and theyre each here to tell the tale....though no longer behind the wheel of anything I own and off my insurance!

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  Why so inconsistant?????? - 1998 Volvo V70
  By golfnuttb - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Im just about to sell my V70 GLT. I have loved this car. But as the car approaches 100K I look else where. I use a car hard. I put on about 35- 40K/year and Im leary of driving it past 100K because of the inconsistancy in the reviews that I read. I would love to think I could drive it to 200K.

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  good all-around AWD vehicle - 1998 Volvo V70
  By diane99 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  if you can only have one car, this makes the most sense to me. spacious as SUV, safe in snow, handles well

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  Never Again - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Not A Happy Camper - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle used to replace a 1988 Volvo 740. We should have kept the 740! This car has spent more time in the shop than my previous 10 cars of many different makes. My problem areas have been A.C, anti lock brakes, air pump and check valve, cd player, just to name the major areas. Dont think that Volve will come to your aid after the warranty period. If you need an awd wagon,look at the Mercedes of this era. I know I am!

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  Never-ending repairs - 1998 Volvo V70
  By adampeart - June 18 - 12:30 pm

  I admit it. I fell for the comfort, space and "safety" of my 98 V70XC. I purchased the vehicle used, and everything seemed to function for the first month or two of owning it. Then the onslaught of malfunctions and glitches began. In the two years of owning this car I have had the following work done on it: 3 headlights, 2 tail-lights, 8 new tires, two alignments, CV joint replacement, ABS Control Module($700), Viscous Coupler (drivetrain issue-$1700), 2 sets of brake pads, 4 new rotors, engine mount replacement, and ETM replacement ($700). There is still a long list of comfort features that dont work, but I cant afford to fix - interior lighting, power windows/seats, etc., etc.

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  What happened to Volvo? - 1998 Volvo V70
  By E. Knapp - June 6 - 7:33 am

  I have always had a Volvo since the mid 80s. The quality of them, CHEAP Plastic, and way too much for parts and service, almost a 300% mark up on the stuff. The Emissions started acting up and the car will not pass even after spending $1000 on service only to be told it cant be fixed. As well as there is a shake in the front end (no accidents) and been in twice never found out what was wrong. Perfect alignment Never buy another one!

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  Great car for first 120k, but now......? - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Dutchman - May 22 - 2:20 am

  Getting some anxieties about upcoming costs. Volvo shops are VERY expensive. Are they better than local guy? I dont know. So far we had to do only the normal maintenance, but we now also have the loose sway bars, rusting brakes, the tailgate interior loose and the "check engine" light on of which the first repair did not fix it..... Is it falling apart? Selling makes no sense. Trade-in values are horribly low. So from feeling like we were driving the best car of the world, we now are in sticker shock looking at rising repair costs and no good alternative.... A lube job to a squeaking skylight would require its removal @ several hundreds....

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  1998 Volvo V70 Wagon - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Pablo - May 20 - 7:43 am

  Its an expensive car with cheap hardware. Its fun to drive, somewhat economical on gas, fairly comfortable, very expensive to maintain compared to other cars I have owned. I would not buy another Volvo, as much I have always liked and admired them.

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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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  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.