1998-2000 Volvo S70/V70: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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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 |
Year to Year Changes
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
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 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| 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: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%.








