2001 Volvo V70 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

These V70 wagons are Volvo's best-selling line. They ride a slimmed-down version of the flagship S80 sedan platform and use an inline 5-cyl engine. Base 2.4, turbo 2.4T, and sporty T5 versions have front-wheel drive. The XC ("Cross Country") has all-wheel drive, a raised suspension, SUV-flavored styling, and the 2.4T engine. Base 2.4 and T5 offer manual or automatic transmission; the others are automatic only. The automatic is a 5-speed; a manual shift-gate feature is optional on the 2.4T and included with the automatic on T5 and XC. Traction control is standard for T5, available for 2.4 and 2.4T. An antiskid system is optional for 2.4T and T5. All V70s feature antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and antiwhiplash front seats. Options include a rear-facing 3rd seat, navigation system, and 17-inch wheels.

Competition

This hotly contested segment has a clear benchmark; it is the Acura TL (and its 2-door cousin Acura CL). The TL succeeds in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. If you are leaning more toward the luxury scale, the Lexus ES 300 might be a more practical purchase.

We also recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored Audi A6, the comfortable Buick Park Avenue, the affordable and fast Infiniti I30.

News

Because they've just been redesigned, Volvo's midrange wagons won't see any major changes soon. However, a lower-priced XC with front-wheel drive and fewer standard frills is being rumored for Sunbelt buyers who don't need or want all-wheel drive. Look for it as a 2002 addition, assuming it gets the green light.

A higher-value model might help V70 sales, which despite the redesign fell nearly 22 percent year-over-year in calendar 2000 (to about 55,500). The sudden year-end economic slump was no doubt largely to blame, as some other cars in this price class slipped too.

2001 Volvo V70 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (T5)	Fuel economy (T5)

Brake performance	Low-speed acceleration (T5)

Instruments/controls	Ride comfort (T5)

Cargo room	Navigation system controls

Interior materials

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		57
High Score		70

2001 Volvo V70 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/23/2001

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.4 4-door wagon	$29,450	$27,686	$625

2.4T 4-door wagon	$32,450	$30,506	$625

T5 4-door wagon	$34,250	$32,198	$625

XC 4-door wagon	$34,950	$32,856	$625

Price note: 2.4T and XC require power sunroof.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.4

Powertrain

2.4-liter dohc 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, 8-way manual front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat w/cargo pass-through, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette w/CD changer controls, digital clock, tachometer, outside temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, remote fuel door/tailgate release, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear fog lights, 195/65HR15 tires, alloy wheels.

2.4T adds to 2.4:

Powertrain

2.4-liter dohc turbocharged 5-cylinder 197-horsepower engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power driver seat, memory system for driver seat and mirrors, steering wheel radio controls.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

205/55HR16 tires.

T5 adds to 2.4T

Powertrain

2.3-liter dohc turbocharged 5-cylinder 247-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.

Comfort and Convenience Features

8-way power passenger seat, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Front fog lights, 215/55HR16 tires.

XC adds to 2.4T:

Powertrain

All-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rails, raised ride height, 215/65HR16 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Touring Pkg.
2.4, 2.4T, XC	$1,410	$1,197
8-way power driver seat (2.4), 8-way power passenger seat (2.4T, XC), AM/FM/cassette/CD player, trip computer, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror.

Leather Pkg.
2.4, 2.4T	$1,665	$1,415
T5, XC	$1,815	$1,542
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, woodgrain interior trim.

Versatility Pkg.
2.4, 2.4T, T5, XC	$675	$573
Grocery bag holder, cargo cover, cargo net, additional power outlet. NA with active subwoofer system.

Versatility Pkg. w/third row seat
2.4, 2.4T, T5, XC	$1,650	$1,402
Rear-facing third row seat, additional power outlet, cargo cover, cargo net. NA with subwoofer system.

Security Pkg.
2.4, 2.4T, T5, XC	$635	$539
Mass movement sensor, level sensor, laminated security windows.

Cold Weather Pkg.
2.4, 2.4T, T5, XC	$450	$382
Heated front seats and headlight washers.

Cold Weather/STC Pkg.
2.4, 2.4T	$1,000	$849
Cold Weather Pkg. plus antiskid system and traction control.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission
2.4	$1,000	$1,000


5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
T5	$1,200	$1,200


Automatic transmission manual-shift capability
2.4T	$200	$200


Traction control
2.4, 2.4T	$550	$467


Safety
Dynamic antiskid system
2.4T	$1,600	$1,360
T5	$1,100	$935
2.4T includes traction control, trip computer.

Integrated child seat
2.4, 2.4T, T5, XC	$300	$255


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.4, 2.4T, T5, XC	$2,500	$2,140
Includes CD map and one update.

Power sunroof
2.4, 2.4T, T5, XC	$1,200	$1,020


Leather upholstery
2.4, 2.4T	$1,200	$1,020
T5, XC	$1,300	$1,105
T5, XC include sport seats.

AM/FM w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer
2.4, 2.4T, T5, XC	$1,000	$850
Includes premium sound system. 2.4T requires Touring Pkg.

Active subwoofer system
2.4, 2.4T, T5, XC	$350	$297
Includes 150 watt amplifier. 2.4T requires Touring Pkg.

Folding rear table
2.4, 2.4T, T5	$200	$170


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Metallic paint
2.4, 2.4T, T5	$400	$340


Metis alloy wheels
2.4T	$250	$212


Amalthea alloy wheels
2.4T, T5	$500	$425
Includes 235/45HR17 tires.

2001 Volvo V70 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Volvo V70 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	108.5

Overall Length, in.	185.4

Overall Width, in.	71.0

Overall Height, in.	58.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3366

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	71.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.1

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.3

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.6

Rear Head Room, in.	38.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I5	Turbocharged dohc I5	Turbocharged dohc I5

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /149	2.4 /149	2.3 /141

Horsepower @ rpm.	168 @ 5900	197 @ 6000	242 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	170 @ 4500	210 @ 1800	243 @ 2400

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	21/28	--/--	21/28

5-speed automatic	21/28	20/27	20/26

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Volvo V70 4-door wagon

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	8/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Sweden

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

< 2001 Volvo V70 Photos

Also in the 2001 Volvo V70 Review:

Volvo V70

Volvo V70 Road Test

Volvo V70 Prices & Equipment

Volvo V70 Specs & Safety

Volvo V70 Photos

Volvo V70 Full Review

All Volvo V70s

All Volvos