1998-2000 Volvo S70/V70: Overview

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.