1998 Volvo S70 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$27,560 to $34,585

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(37 reviews)
1998 Volvo S70 Preview summaryImage

Volvo's best seller in North America underwent a couple of very noticeable changes for the 1998 model year. Foremost was a new and sleeker name, as the 850 became the S70. And even if you tried you couldn't overlook the other obvious difference: a loss of some of its trademark boxiness. Yes, some of those corners have been rounded out a bit, but it's not as if that has had a negative effect on its outstanding reputation for safety (in fact those slightly more aerodynamic edges might even result in a mileage boost). The sedan formerly known as the 850 may have itself a new moniker, but its purpose remains the same: to deliver its occupants to their destination safely and comfortably. The 1998 Volvo S70 adds another adverb to that list: stylishly. That's right - the famously boxy buggy has undergone a makeover, losing some of its squareness both literally and figuratively, as the Ford-run edition of Volvo delved into a new marketing turn that lets style ride in the front seat with safety. In other words, "Sure, we're the safest, but we're darned good-looking, too." Some 1998 S70 owners feel that the debut year was not snag-free. Generally with Volvos the consensus is the car is wonderful until you get the repair bill, but this time around there's a camp where the feeling is that the Swedes should have done a bit more homework. One user proclaimed, "They should have left the 850 alone for a few more years." Several complained about numerous problems and frequent repairs, aggravated by the fact that nearly all replacement parts are only available through the dealer. But you can't please all of the people all of the time, and certainly many a 1998 Volvo S70 driver conducts his commute with a smile. This is the result of rolling down the road enjoying truly exceptional handling and performance while feeling confident that this vehicle, which received stellar ratings in NHTSA crash tests, will protect you should something go awry. Plus the Narcissus in every driver loves knowing that in this car he looks great doing it, too. One user commented: this car is made for the highway. You can maximize your fun by going for the 5-speed manual. Fuel economy is quite good, with a well-tuned 2.4-liter engine yielding about 20 city and 28 highway. Air-conditioning, power windows and locks, and ABS are standard equipment. The 1998 S70 earned 4 stars from J.D. Power in the style, mechanical quality, and creature comforts categories, although it was given a meager 2 for mechanical dependability. All other categories were in the middle range.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1998 Volvo S70

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User rating:
by Donald D
Oct 21, 2023
I love this car I have 2 of them one a 1998 T5 second 1998 GLT they are very well engineered and built like a tank.Oct 21, 2023
by Anonymous
Aug 24, 2023
I absolutely love my Volvo I get compliments on it every day of how clean and nice looking it is. It was exactly what I was looking for. Perfect price. Aug 24, 2023
by Anonymous
Aug 16, 2023
Love this car good HP nice handling fits me like a glove all leather seats beautiful interior etc. Its a luxury sports 4 door sedan that fits a family. Its very sleek and unassuming but ket that cherry red mustang 5.0 rev it up just to stay even with me on the freeway but as I pull away the officer believes the cherry red car was the faster one and allows my Navy blue/metallic blue / gloss black/flat black s70 turbo to stay in route but gives the shiny showy car the ticket. I love this car . O wished I wouldnt have tried starting it hooked up to 24 volt power on accident. Omg Im a bone head. Aug 16, 2023

1998 Volvo S70 Pricing

Original MSRP
$27,560 to $34,585
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (4)