2001 Volvo V70: Road Test
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2001 Volvo V70 ▼
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- MSRP: $29,450 -$34,950
- Invoice: $27,686 -$32,856
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Our road test for the 2001 Volvo V70 includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Volvo V70 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Volvo V70, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Volvo V70 help you decide if a 2001 Volvo V70 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6.1 |
Base 2.4 feels sluggish with automatic, but other V70s go well once high engine speeds help generate turbo boost. Our test automatic T5 did 0-60 mph in 8 sec, an XC in 8.4., but turbo lag blunts midrange throttle response in both.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.7 |
Test T5 averaged 16.5 mpg. One test XC averaged 18.7 mpg, a second XC 16.2. Volvo recommends premium fuel for all V70 engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 6.4 |
Softest in base 2.4, but best overall in 2.4T, which is harsh only on bad bumps. XC is subject to high-speed wavy-road float that's irritating. T5's firm suspension and optional 17-inch wheels give busy, thumpy ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.3 |
Again, 2.4T is the best balanced, but all V70s have good cornering moves and swift, stable braking. XC has 8.2 inches of ground clearance so it leans the most in turns, but never alarms. One test XC showed mild steering-wheel tug in hard takeoffs, odd for AWD.
QUIETNESS
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Volvo's 5 cyl isn't objectionably noisy, but sounds coarse and sends tingles through seat and pedals. Wind noise is moderate, but XC and T5 suffer noticeable tire drone on most surfaces.
CONTROLS
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6.1 |
Effective, modern dashboard resembles that of flagship S80 sedan. Optional navigation system is even less user-friendly than most, with odd steering-wheel controls and a popup screen that's hard to see in most light.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Occupants sit tall on Volvo's usual wide, plush seats, so head room is only adequate for 6-footers, though leg room is ample. High-rise front headrests make cabin feel almost divided, and rear headrests hinder over-the-shoulder vision.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Decent foot room and 6-footer head clearance, but short cushion lacks thigh support. Shoulder width insufficient for three grownups. Entry/exit average.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 |
Ample and useful. Sliding rear seat provides up to 37 cu ft with five aboard and folds to make flat, long, fairly wide deck. Underfloor spare tire is obscured by an available audio subwoofer that must be partly removed for access.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Not as refined or economical as we'd hoped, and our test cars had minor quality gaffes, but this is Volvo's best wagon yet. XC provides an SUV's all-weather traction without SUV drawbacks, but the 2.4T is the best all-around value.
Total Score
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 61 | 57 | 55 | 57.1 |
Total Score: 58
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