2004 Volvo XC70 Overview

2004 Volvo XC70 Overview

Overall User Score

4⁄5

Based on 6 reviews

If you need the attributes of a station wagon but are not quite ready for the stodgy reputation, the Volvo XC70 is the car for you. It isn't square (OK, it's kind of rectangular, but we're talking personality here), and scores of younger Americans, including many who don't have children, realize that and are scooping these babies up.
That's partly because the XC70 is great for so many purposes, in weather good and bad, and partly because it just looks so good. Heck, you could even call it a status symbol! With its many safety features, AWD, loads of space for passengers and their stuff, and all of those European touches, the car is a natural fit for young singles with active lives and busy families and doting grandparents who want the safest possible ride for their beloved little ones.
It's a great alternative for those who don't want a textbook SUV, as it offers the same utility but holds closer to the road (although the XC70 has a bit more road clearance than the V70 wagons). Best of all, it scored the maximum 5 stars in all three NHTSA Crash Tests (Frontal, Side Front, and Side Rear).
The car's solidness and heft, which help to make it so safe, keep it from having impressive fuel economy (19 city, mid-20s highway), but it���¢�¯�¿�½?�¯�¿�½?s better than most of the larger SUVs. Its turbocharger provides a boost, albeit with a touch of lag that is annoying to some drivers.
2004 brought an advance to rack and pinion steering, improving performance. Two new colors were also introduced for this model year, Crystal Green Pearl and the popular Ice White.