2002 Volvo V70 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Addition of a "regular" all-wheel-drive model highlights the 2002 changes to Volvo's best-selling line. All V70s are station wagons built on a slimmed-down version of Volvo's flagship S80 sedan platform. All have an inline 5-cyl engine. The base 2.4, the turbo 2.4T, and the sporty T5 models have front-wheel drive. The XC ("Cross Country") has the 2.4T turbo, raised suspension, SUV-influenced trim, and all-wheel drive. Joining it with AWD is the 2.4T AWD, which uses the standard suspension and trim. The 2.4 and T5 offer manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic; other models are automatic only. A manual shift gate for the automatic is available on all but the front-drive 2.4 model. Traction control is standard on front-drive models. An antiskid system is standard on the T5 and optional on all other V70s except the base 2.4. All V70s feature antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Optional are dual integrated rear child seats and a rear-facing 3rd seat. A navigation system is available on all but the base 2.4, and all but the base 2.4 and XC are available with 17-inch wheels.

Competition

This hotly contested segment has two clear benchmarks; the Acura TL and Lexus ES 300. Both succeed in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 offers a little more luxury and TL, with it's Type-S, a bit more sport.

We Recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.

News

Volvo's midrange wagons are only in the second year of their current design, so no big changes are due for a while. However, a lower-priced XC with front-wheel drive and fewer frills is being rumored for the near future, likely as a sales booster.

The V70 could use a boost. Despite the redesign, year-to-year sales in 2001 were off nearly 27 percent through the third quarter--and that on top of a near 22-percent drop in calendar 2000. A slumping economy didn't help, but Volvo executives must be worried about the trend, especially for such a young basic design that won't be replaced for several years.

2002 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 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

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		59
High Score		72

2002 Volvo V70 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 01/26/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

FWD 2.4 4-door wagon	$30,025	$28,223	$625

FWD 2.4T 4-door wagon	$34,225	$32,171	$625

AWD 2.4T 4-door wagon	$35,975	$33,815	$625

FWD T5 4-door wagon	$36,425	$34,239	$625

AWD XC 4-door wagon	$36,500	$34,310	$625

Price note: AWD denotes all-wheel drive. FWD denotes front-wheel drive.

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, traction control.

Safety

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

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/manual dual-zone controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, rear wiper, 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, power sunroof, steering-wheel radio controls.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

205/55HR16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability. Deletes: traction control.

T5 adds to 2.4T

Powertrain

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

Safety

Antiskid system.

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, cargo cover.

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.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cargo cover.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: traction control.

Front fog lights, roof rails, raised ride height, 215/65HR16 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
2.4T	$2,635	$2,239
XC	$2,685	$2,281
Leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, simulated-wood interior trim.

Touring Pkg.
T5	$900	$764
T5 ordered w/Versatility Pkg.	$775	$658
Interior air-quality system, additional cupholder, grocery-bag holder, cargo-area auxiliary-power outlet, cargo net, security-laminated side windows.

Versatility Pkg.
2.4, 2.4T, T5	$1,675	$1,423
XC	$1,475	$1,253
Rear-facing third-row seat, integrated booster seat, folding table (2.4, 2.4T, T5), trash bin. Deletes Touring Pkg. grocery-bag holder.

Ocean Race Edition Pkg.
XC	$4,190	$3,589
Leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, unique interior trim, rear cooler box, rear cargo tray, special paint, rear skid plate, trailer hitch.

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

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
FWD 2.4T, XC	$200	$200


Safety
Dynamic Stability and Traction Control
2.4T, XC	$1,100	$935
Antiskid system.

Dual booster seats
2.4, 2.4T, T5, XC	$300	$255


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.4T, T5, XC	$1,895	$1,610


Power sunroof
2.4	$1,200	$1,020


Leather upholstery
2.4, 2.4T	$1,300	$1,105
T5, XC	$1,350	$1,147
T5, XC include sport seats.

AM/FM w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer
T5, XC	$1,200	$1,020
Includes premium sound system.

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


Mimas alloy wheels
2.4	$500	$425
Includes 205/55HR16 tires.

Metis alloy wheels
FWD 2.4T	$250	$212
Includes 215/55HR16 tires.

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

2002 Volvo V70 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Volvo V70 4-door wagon	Volvo XC 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	108.5	108.8

Overall Length, in.	185.4	186.3

Overall Width, in.	71.0	73.2

Overall Height, in.	58.7	61.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	3369	3699

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	71.5	71.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.1	18.5

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.3	39.3

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.6	42.6

Rear Head Room, in.	38.9	38.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.2	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

Volvo XC 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

< 2002 Volvo V70 Photos

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Volvo V70 Specs & Safety

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