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Volvo V70 - What the Auto Press Says

The V70 has a plush and practical cabin, and  continues to uphold Volvo's reputation for safety. However, its performance is uninspiring for luxury wagons.

Despite the appeal of the V70's interior, there also those who report the practical V70 lacks the muscle or edge expected for its class. Motor Trend's list of descriptors for the new V70 includes "sweet, capable, competent, convenient, safe, roomy, useful, willing, well-equipped, smells good. Hardly the stuff of heart-pounding, sweaty-palmed, fantasy, eh?"

Both the redesigned V70 and the highly similar Volvo XC70 have adopted many attributes from the Volvo S80 sedan. New V70s have an expanded wheelbase, a streamlined powertrain and new safety features. If you're interested in a luxury wagon, consider the XC70's crossover appeal, or the all-around excellence of the BMW 3-Series Wagon.

• "If more Americans gave wagons a choice, we think they'd enjoy this wagon." -- Forbes
• "There are only so many ways to style a sedan-based wagon, if, as Volvo insists, it has to have class-leading load space and room to accommodate a household washing machine without folding the seats." -- Car and Driver
• "The redesigned 2008 Volvo V70 is a stylish grocery getter with plenty of get-up-and-go. Its entertainment and active safety tech options are impressive, but its lack of Bluetooth hands-free calling is a disappointment." -- CNET
• "In lieu of lusty emotional appeal, these all-new wagons are imbued with more of everything the Volvo faithful appreciate." -- Motor Trend
• "Volvo has long been a stalwart manufacturer of station wagons. Even when the wagons of yesterday went the way of jelly shoes, Volvo stayed the course, continuing to spiff up its product. As a result, it now produces the station wagon of today. What can I say? When the 2008 V70 arrived at my house, it made me nostalgic for the good old days." -- Mother Proof

V70 Performance - 7.5 (Good)

Volvo's new engine and transmission combo is good, but it doesn't generate the excitement expected for the class. This and a merely adequate chassis lead Motor Trend to write "these cars never beg to be flogged. You won't have to leave early to get the kids to soccer practice, but neither will you be tempted to take the long, twisty road home." Read More

V70 Exterior - 7.4 (Good)

Volvo has made a number of changes to its 2008 Volvo V70 to create a sleeker appearance. But there isn't agreement on how successful these revisions have been. Car and Driver notes, "This isn't the first time Volvo has produced an all-new car that looks just like its predecessor. Clearly, the Swedish purveyor of sensible sedans and wagons is afraid of alienating his clientele." New modifications include its grille, lights and liftgate. Read More

V70 Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)

Critics say the 2008 V70's cabin evokes the Volvo S80 both in design and features, and its stretched wheelbase and added ceiling height ensures greater comfort for up to five passengers. Reviewers, however, find that its optional navigation system is tricky to operate. Read More

V70 Safety - NA

Volvo's reputation for outstanding safety features continues with the 2008 V70. Even though the wagon has not been crash tested, most reviewers vouch for the wagon's ability to avoid accidents and protect passengers in the event of one. Read More

V70 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Volvo V70 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). All Volvos are covered by a four-year/50,000 mile new vehicle warranty. Read More