2002 Volvo V70: Road Test
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2002 Volvo V70 ▼
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- MSRP: $30,025 -$36,500
- Invoice: $28,223 -$34,310
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Our road test for the 2002 Volvo V70 includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Volvo V70 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Volvo V70, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Volvo V70 help you decide if a 2002 Volvo V70 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T AWD | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
Base 2.4 feels sluggish with automatic, but other V70s go well once their turbo starts boosting. Test automatic-transmission 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 AWD | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.6 |
Mediocre, all told. Test T5 averaged 16.5 mpg, test XCs 18.7. Volvo recommends premium fuel for all V70 engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T AWD | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7.2 |
Softest in base 2.4, but best overall in 2.4T and 2.4T AWD, which are 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 AWD | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.7 |
Again, 2.4T and 2.4T AWD are the best balanced, but all V70s have good cornering moves and swift, stable braking. AWD versions make sensible SUV alternatives and we welcome the traction advantage without having to spring for the XC. XC does have 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, though, odd for AWD.
QUIETNESS
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T AWD | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6.8 |
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 AWD | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6.3 |
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 pop-up screen that's hard to see in most light.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T AWD | 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 AWD | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
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 AWD | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.2 |
Ample and useful. Sliding rear seat provides up to 37 cu ft with five aboard and folds to make a 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 AWD | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
Not as refined or well-built as Audi and BMW competitors, and less fuel-efficient than you might expect. Examples we tested also had some loose interior panels and other quality gaffes. Still, this is Volvo's best wagon yet. The XC provides some SUV flavor without SUV drawbacks, but the 2.4T and new 2.4T AWD are the best V70 values.
Total Score
| 2.4, auto. | 2.4T AWD | T5, auto. | XC w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 61 | 56 | 54 | 59.5 |
Total Score: 57
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