2001 Volvo V70: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.