1998-2000 Volvo S70/V70: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Volvo 70 series
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1998-2000 Volvo S70/V70 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (turbo models)
- Steering/handling
- Standard antilock brakes
- Side airbags
Cons
- Ride (T5, R models)
- Road noise
Vehicle Highlights
Volvo replaced its 850 sedan and wagon in spring of 1997 with a pair of early '98 models: the S70 sedan and V70 station wagon. Both were built from the same platform as the 850, but featured new styling and revised suspensions. The S70 came with front-wheel drive, while the V70 could have either front- or all-wheel drive. Most noticeable of the exterior changes was a more rounded front end, with a reshaped hood and new headlamps. Inside, the sedan and wagon got new interiors with standard dual front and side airbags. Four models were available in each body style: Base, GL, GLT, and T5. A sporty R model came only as a wagon. So did the new Cross Country (V70 XC), which served as an alternative to sport-utility vehicles. Base models used a 2.4-liter dual-overhead-cam 5-cylinder engine with 168 horsepower. GLT cars got a turbocharged version of that engine, producing 190 horsepower. A hotter 2.3-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder went into the T5 and R models. Base and T5 models were available with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission; all others were automatic-only.Volvo's all-wheel-drive system, as installed on wagons, normally powered the front wheels. When they began to slip, power automatically was transmitted to the rear to improve traction. The V70 XC wagon's special suspension gave it 6.5 inches of ground clearance (about an inch more than other wagons). A TRACS traction control system was standard on AWD wagons and optional on front-drive models. The system would apply front brakes to limit wheel slippage at speeds under 25 mph. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes were standard on all models. Rivals included the Acura TL, Audi A6, Infiniti I30, Lexus ES 300, and Saab 900.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Volvo S70 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2000 Volvo S70/V70. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2000 Volvo S70/V70.
Year to Year Changes
1999 Volvo 70 series:
Volvo's mainstay duo returned in base, GLT, and sporty T5 versions with front-drive, and in V70 R and XC (Cross Country) wagon form with all-wheel drive. An AWD GLT sedan joined the lineup this year. Output of the strongest engine rose from 236 to 247 horsepower, when installed in the R wagon. New electronic brake modulation helped optimize performance in normal stops. Volvo's traction-control system now included throttle as well as brake intervention. A starter interlock was added to models with manual shift, automatic transmissions gained "adaptive" shift logic, and an engine immobilizer became standard. Dashboard airbags got new two-stage sensors that matched deployment force to road speed and belt use; they also automatically unlocked doors after the bags triggered.
2000 Volvo 70 series:
Volvo trimmed its V70 wagon lineup for 2000, dropping the base AWD version and the front-drive performance-oriented T5. Seat-mounted side airbags were modified to help protect the head as well as the chest. Newly standard was Volvo's WHIPS system, designed to move the front seatbacks and headrests rearward in a rear-end collision, to minimize whiplash. The potent engine in the V70 R AWD now was rated 261 horsepower.
Our road test for the 1998-2000 Volvo S70/V70 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2000 Volvo S70/V70 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2000 Volvo S70/V70 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration with the base engine is adequate. However, things pick up considerably in the turbocharged models. Their passing punch is outstanding, but "turbo lag" (a momentary delay in power delivery) is evident at low speeds. The turbo engines are well-suited to the automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly and downshifts promptly. Fuel economy has been better than expected. A T5 sedan returned 20.3 mpg, whereas an AWD wagon averaged 18.4 mpg. While those numbers aren't outstanding, they are very good for the near-luxury class. Wind noise is subdued, but the engines are vocal in hard acceleration and road noise can be prominent. All S/V70s handle well. Body lean is minimal, and the tires grip securely in turns. Ride quality varies greatly, depending on the model. Base and GLT models ride smoothly over broken pavement and skim over highway expansion joints. However, the T5 and R models have a stiffer suspension and tires, and thus ride harshly on rough pavement. The AWD provides terrific traction in all conditions, without requiring any special effort from the driver. Standard antilock brakes have good stopping power. Climate and radio controls are easier to use than in the past. Also, the switches for power windows and door locks are conveniently located on the door armrests instead of the center console. However, some other controls are hidden behind the steering wheel. Front and rear passenger room changed only slightly, compared to the 850, with the biggest additions coming in rear leg room. That translates into ample space for front-seat occupants, and adequate room for two passengers in back. At 15.1 cubic feet for the sedan, cargo space is more than adequate. The sedan also has a 60/40 split folding rear seat, which expands cargo capacity. Wagons have a generous cargo hold, made more versatile by standard folding rear seatbacks. Visibility is excellent to all directions, thanks to large side and rear windows.
Value for the Money
S70/V70 models have been competitively priced against other near-luxury sedans, such as the Cadillac Catera and Infiniti I30. They offer a wagon and AWD choices that the others ignore. GLT versions, with their strong turbo engine, are the best all-around values in this line of younger-feeling Volvos.
S70/V70 models have been competitively priced against other near-luxury sedans, such as the Cadillac Catera and Infiniti I30. They offer a wagon and AWD choices that the others ignore. GLT versions, with their strong turbo engine, are the best all-around values in this line of younger-feeling Volvos.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Volvo S70 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Volvo 70 series includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Volvo 70 series .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Battery:
A magnetic field is created because the battery is located in the trunk and the positive battery cable is routed through the vehicle. Swedish owners who complained were offered a repair kit. (2000)
Dashboard lights:
If liquids leak into the center console it can short the mode switch which illuminates the check-engine light. (2000)
Door handles:
Water gets into the door handle and freezes in cold weather. (1998)
Fuel economy:
Due to contamination entering via the reference tub, oxygen sensors may fail prematurely. (1998)
Headlights:
There were campaigns to replace the headlight-wiring assembly (with built-in resistor), headlight bulbs, and headlight-wiper stop lug. Turn-signal-bulb sockets are also covered because of poor contact with bulbs. (1998-2000)
Oil consumption:
The screen in the oil filler can come loose inside the filler neck and often would have been replaced when the vehicle was in for other services. (2000)
Oil leak:
Replacement copper washers might fix oil pump leaks from mounting screws on 2.5-liter engine. (1998)
Trunk latch:
On some vehicles, the tailgate-latch mechanism that fails in cold weather. (2000)
Vehicle noise:
Whining noise below 60 mph requires a damper on the four-wheel-drive viscous coupling. (2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $575 |
| Alternator | $410 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $920 |
| Brakes | $310 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $650 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,150 |
| Exhaust System | $455 |
| Radiator | $475 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,400 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $415 |
Our price chart for this generation Volvo 70 series details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2000 | |||
| S/V70 T5, AWD | $6,200-7,000 | $5,400-6,100 | $2,700-3,000 |
| S/V70, GLT | $5,200-6,200 | $4,400-5,300 | $2,100-2,500 |
| V70 XC, R | $7,100-8,200 | $6,300-7,300 | $3,400-3,900 |
| 1999 | |||
| S/V70 T5, AWD | $5,100-5,900 | $4,300-5,000 | $2,000-2,400 |
| S/V70, GLT | $4,200-5,200 | $3,400-4,300 | $1,400-1,800 |
| V70 XC, R | $5,900-6,800 | $5,100-5,900 | $2,500-2,900 |
| 1998 | |||
| AWD, XC, R | $5,000-6,000 | $4,300-5,100 | $2,000-2,400 |
| S/V70 T5 | $4,400-5,100 | $3,700-4,200 | $1,500-1,800 |
| S/V70, GLT | $3,500-4,700 | $2,800-3,800 | $900-1,300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Volvo 70 series include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.9 | 104.9-108.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 185.9 | 185.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.3 | 69.3-71.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.2 | 56.2-58.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3152 | 3259 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.1 | 77.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5-21.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 37.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.2 | 35.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Three dual-overhead-cam inline 5-cylinder engines went into S70 and V70 models: a nonturbocharged 2.4-liter version for base cars; a turbocharged edition for the XC, GLT, and AWD wagons; and a high-performance turbo 2.3-liter in the T5 and R. Base and T5 models could have 5-speed manual shift or 4-speed automatic, but others were automatic only.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I5 | 2.4 / 149 | 162-168 | 162 | 5-speed manual: 20/29 4-speed automatic: 20/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I5 | 2.4 / 149 | 190-197 | 199-210 | 4-speed automatic: 19/27 | 4-speed automatic: 19.7 |
| Turbocharged dohc I5 | 2.3 / 141 | 236-261 | 243-258 | 5-speed manual: 19/25 4-speed automatic: 18/25 |
5-speed manual: 20.3 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada, Sweden, Belgium
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Volvo 70 series include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 V70 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | -- |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1998-2000 Volvo S70/V70 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1998:
Front-passenger airbag may be overly sensitive to certain electrostatic discharges; could possibly cause inadvertent deployment.
1998:
Operation of headlight switch over extended period of time can result in inconsistent operation.
1998-00 S70:
Over extended time period, headlight switch may cease to operate.
1998-99 V70 w/third seat:
Users of third seat can contact tailpipe when exiting the vehicle.
1999 S70:
Fuel-filter bracket configuration margins on some cars are insufficient; in the event of a crash, fuel leakage could occur.
1999-00:
A dirty throttle housing and/or inefficient software calibration may force the vehicle into limp home mode. Dealers will install the current software upgrade onto the involved vehicles.
2000:
Front turn signal may not operate as desired because there is inadequate contact between the bulb and the socket.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
