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Premium midsize car; Built in Sweden
  • 4-door wagon
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $3,200 – $17,200*


2002 Volvo V70 XC


2001 Volvo V70


2001 Volvo V70 interior


2002 Volvo XC


2001 Volvo V70 XC

Pros:
  • Acceleration (T5)
  • Cargo room
  • Instruments/controls
  • Interior materials
  • Brake performance
Cons:
  • Fuel economy (T5)
  • Low-speed acceleration (T5)
  • Ride control (T5)

Roomy and contemporary, solid and versatile, Volvo’s latest wagons are the best ones yet. The XC furnishes appealing all-weather security and delivers some SUV-style attributes. We’d skip the stiffer-riding T5.

Overview

Volvo redesigned its station-wagon models for 2001, on a slightly slimmed-down version of the full-size S80 sedan platform. The S70 sedans were discontinued, but Volvo continued to offer a C70 coupe and convertible. Station wagons were the company’s best-selling models in the U.S. market.

Riding a wheelbase 3.6 inches longer than before, the new body was 1.7 inches wider and 2.4 inches taller. Interiors boasted an extra inch of rear head room and 1.2 inches of additional front leg space.

Base and GLT wagons were gone, as was the hot rod R-type. The new lineup included an entry-level 2.4T and high-performance T5 with front-wheel drive, and the all-wheel-drive XC (Cross Country). Except for the base model, all V70 wagons used turbocharged five-cylinder engines, in two different displacements, rated at 242 horsepower in the T5 and 197 in other models. Only an automatic transmission was available with the 2.4T, and it could be installed instead of standard manual shift in the T5 and XC. Traction control was standard on the T5 and an option for the 2.4T. Volvo’s antiskid system was available for both.

As in the previous generation, the SUV-flavored XC had 2 more inches of ground clearance than other V70s, as well as unique lower-body cladding, front styling, and interior details. All models had antilock all-disc brakes, front head/chest side-impact airbags, curtain window airbags, and Volvo’s WHIPS system that moved the front seat rearward in a rear-end collision to minimize whiplash injury.

A rear-facing third-row seat was available for all wagons, in a Versatility Package that also included a grocery bag holder, cargo cover, and cargo net. New options included a satellite-based navigation system and two types of alloy wheels (16- or 17-inch). Rivals included the Audi A6/allroad quattro, BMW 3-Series, and Saab 9-5.

Yearly Updates

2002 V70/XC70
A new “regular” all-wheel-drive model, dubbed the 2.4T AWD, joined the lineup for 2002 with a standard suspension and trim. Volvo’s antiskid system was available for all models except the base 2.4 wagon, and standard on the T5. Traction control was standard on all front-drive models.
2003 V70/XC70
V70 2.5T AWD and XC70 got a power boost to 208 hp, up from 197. The sporty turbo T5 power was up as well, to 247 horsepower.
2004 V70/XC70
A high-performance model highlighted the changes to Volvo’s midsize sedan for 2004. Called the V70R, it had 300 horsepower, AWD, and a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Other changes for ’04 include new cabin decor and the addition of Volvo’s On-Call assistance system.
2005 V70/XC70
Fresh styling details, available run-flat tires, and real-wood interior trim are among 2005 additions to the V70/XC70 lines. XC70s add a raised suspension and SUV-flavored appearance cues. Discontinued is the AWD V70 2.5T. T5 has a firmer sport suspension. Newly optional for all but the XC and R are run-flat tires on 17-inch wheels. For ’05, V70s have a “waterfall” grille appearance, XCs an eggcrate grille, and both get revised headlamps, taillamps, and color-coordinated exterior details. Real-wood cabin trim replaces synthetic in optional Premium packages, and rear obstacle detection is a new option. No longer available is Volvo’s On-Call Plus assistance system.
2006 V70/XC70
For 2006, the V70 T5 with 247 hp has been discontinued.
2007 V70/XC70
Cosmetic revisions and a standard antiskid system for all models highlight 2007 for these Volvos. Both get a subtle front-end restyle and revised interior trim for ’07.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

In the 2.4T and XC wagons, a turbocharged 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine produced 197 horsepower, working only with a five-speed manual gearbox. Available with either manual shift or a four-speed automatic transmission, the 2.3-liter engine in the high-performance T5 delivered 242 horsepower. Base-model 2.4 wagons got a 168-hp nonturbocharged engine. In 2003, V70 2.5T AWD and XC70 got a power boost to 208 hp, up from 197 from a new 2.5-liter engine. The sporty turbo T5 power was up as well, to 247 horsepower.

dohc I5
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/149
Engine HP 168
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 170
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
5-speed automatic 		21/28
21/28
Turbocharged dohc I5
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/149
Engine HP 197
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 210
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 20/27

 18.7
Turbodiesel dohc I5
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.5/153
Engine HP 208
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 236
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 20/27

 16.5
Turbocharged dohc I5
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.3/141
Engine HP 242-247
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 243
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
5-speed automatic 		21/28
20/26 		16.8
Turbocharged dohc I5
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.5/153
Engine HP 300
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 295
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic 		18/24
18/24

Road Test

For everyday use, Volvo’s 2.4T wagon is a good choice. The XC ranks as a sensible SUV alternative, but the T5 tends to ride too stiffly for the unexceptional handling it provides.

Acceleration in base models is good once the turbocharger has an opportunity to begin delivering its boost. A test T5 wagon accelerated to 60 mph in a respectable 8 seconds. The R is quicker still, closer to 6 seconds 6 to 60. Engines suffer occasional turbo lag, but using manual-shift buttons with the Geartronic automatic transmission minimizes that lag somewhat. Engine aside, the automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive.

All engines require premium gasoline. As for economy, a T5 averaged 16.5 mpg while an XC managed 18.7 mpg.

Road manners are responsive, but unremarkable. All told, the 2.4T wagon provides the best ride/handling balance. All models offer good grip and steering that’s satisfyingly weighty and precise. With 8.2 inches of ground clearance, the Cross Country wagon has more body lean in turns than its mates, but substantially less than any true SUV. Most pavement flaws will be felt by occupants, but only large, sharp bumps register harshly. Braking is terrific, but tire drone is noticeable on most surfaces.

Inside, these wagons look and feel much like the S80 “flagship” sedan. That means handsome furnishings, a relatively high steering stance, convenient gauges and controls, and ample space in the cushiony front bucket seats. Volvo’s navigation system has a screen that rises from the top of the dashboard, but is actually hard to read in some light conditions. Visibility is generally good, though rear headrests interfere. Back-seat foot space is decent, and 6-footers have enough head clearance, but cushions are too short for best thigh support. Cargo space is ample and useful.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2001 Volvo V70 XC

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 4
40%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 7
70%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 56

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
108.5 185.4 71.0 58.6
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
72.8 21.1 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.3 42.6 38.9 35.2
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: N/A

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Climate control
Description: The climate control may cycle from full hot to full cold about every 10 seconds if the control module forgets its calibration and continuously tries to recalibrate itself. (2005-06)
Dashboard lights
Description: If liquids leak into the center console it can short the mode switch which illuminates the check-engine light. (2000-01)
Battery
Description: Poor radio reception may be caused by a magnetic field created because the battery is located in the trunk and the positive battery cable is routed through the vehicle. Owners in Sweden who complained were offered a repair kit. (2000-01)
None
Description: Alternator fails due to high heat or humidity and an improved unit is available. (1999-2002)

Recall History

2001 V70, XC70
Description: The bolted joint that is part of the child-restraint hardware may have been incorrectly tightened, leaving occupant improperly restrained in a crash.
2001 V70, XC70
Description: Rear-outboard seatbelt-anchorage bolts may be loose, leaving occupants improperly restrained in crash.
2001 V70
Description: Under certain operating conditions, some cooling fans may overheat, potentially causing heat damage and rare possibility of engine-compartment fire.
2001-02 V70, XC70
Description: A dirty throttle housing and/or inefficient software calibration may force the vehicle into limp home mode. Dealers will install the current software upgrade onto the involved vehicles.
2001-04 V70, XC70
Description: For vehicles sold in or registered in the states of: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and the U.S. territories. When exposed to certain environmental conditions (hot climate and temperature cycling) over time and in combination with varying fuel quality, the fuel pump can develop cracks in the fuel pump flange. If the condition occurs vehicle owners may notice fuel smell and/or fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Dealers will inspect the fuel pump installed in the vehicle, and if necessary replace the fuel pump with a part of a modified design. This service will be performed free of charge.
2002 V70, XC70
Description: The brake lights may fail to come on because of faulty brake light relays. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2003-04 V70, XC70
Description: The fuel pressure sensor located on the left end of the fuel rail may, at times, transmit an incorrect signal regarding the fuel pressure to the engine control module. The check engine light may then illuminate. Dealers will replace the fuel pressure sensor.
2007 V70, XC70
Description: The label denoting the tire and loading pressure information is incorrect. Dealers will mail the correct labels free of charge.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 28, 2014.
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