2005 Volvo V70R Review: I Should Love This, Here's Why I Don't

[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@johnb8956]

Definitely love to see the V8 Volvo. Something of the aforementioned Volvo enjoyer and never had the pleasure of seeing one closer than the Autotrader screen!

[@wandelmacherstudio]

Where is there any other estate car of that sort with this kind of spec from these ages? Apart from your Audi S6, BMW 540i Touring or your Mercedes E55 AMG … all too big, too expensive, too fuel hungry - and rusted away mostly, right? But if you want a great estate from that era try the Saab 9-5 Troll

[@staLkerhu]

Jay, I will explain the "Volvo phenomenon" to you with a few thoughts. First off, it has much better quality and design than any Suzuki, Opel/Vauxhall, or basically any low tier economy brand. Mine has an immaculate leather steering wheel, which would never tell you the car already did more than 150.000 miles. There are only very few squeaks, the inside door handles are horrible, but other than that the interior is great, it has less noisy plastics than a ~2016 C class. Safety level is also great, miles ahead of Alfas for example. Second, maybe most of them are only FWD after 2000, the handling, steering speed isn't fantastic, but it is still quite good, they can be heavy, but with some small mods you can turn their cars into lovely all rounders, good feedback through the steering wheel, shifting feel of the manuals are also very good, the C30 has independent rear suspension opposed to an FN2 Civic of the time with torsion beam. Third, the powertrain. Even though some Opels had a V6 option as top trim level, the entry brands in general still offered mainly the angry 4 pots, which isn't really all that special, even the higher revving ones can be lackluster if you ask me. Volvo offered a 5 pot petrol unit for most if not all of their models after 2000, both NA and turbocharged, and some fo their models got V6 and as you said, even V8 units. Finally these cars (any model of the brand) are not outstanding in any regard, BUT, here is the but, they WORK! So you might asking "Who is a Volvo owner?", well, those people, who just want a nice enough car, which just exciting enough, does a good enough job in every regard, yet it won't break the bank with crazy service costs and you don't need to spend multiple weekends messing with them or leaving them at a shop. Instead, you can enjoy them, and if you don't tune them to death, then they will serve for a VERY long time. That's the secret...

[@mattyoh5]

I'm 19 years old and, very recently, bought a 2001 Volvo S60 2.3 T5. It is a proper old man spec, being finished in Maya gold with a black leather interior. It cost less than 3000 pounds with only 52,000 miles on the clock, one owner prior to me, and I absolutely love the thing.

[@steveb6386]

Nearly run in!! 😅, change the oil and filter every 5000 miles. Dead easy to do yourself.

[@BugattiONE666]

How on earth did you you pull that off?

[@mattyoh5]

@BugattiONE666 I guess I just got lucky, very unlikely to come across another one with similar milage and condition. There's no wear on anything. Very solid car

[@rvr4617]

Great car, enjoy!

[@stevenbaeyens2652]

Dude I had to fold myself in a peugeot 205 1.0 as a first car. Keep her intact!

[@marvinthemartian9598]

@jayemmoncars thanks for reviewing my v70r! Was a fun day. Looking at the comments I'll have to get the s80 v8 ready for you soon.... As long as your a bit nicer this time 😉🤣

[@OriginalgEd]

well you'll have to make sure he drives in on long sweeping A roads, not blatting around the twisty country roads of Norfolk which is not a fast volvo's happy place.

[@Littlewhite69]

Your V70R is gorgeous 😍

[@e28forever30]

you’re

[@tubixtz]

@@e28forever30 you're ... wrong.

[@e28forever30]

@@tubixtz Your brain is malfunctioning.

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

Oh hell yes you have to review the S80 V8!

[@jonathancrossan3352]

@@AWMJoeyjoejoe I test drove one earlier this year and ended up going with v70 T6 with a polestar tune which is more powerful and more practical being an estate,other than the sound I was a bit underwhelmed by the s80 v8

[@tobias_dahlberg]

These Volvo's were never class leading. But they are, for some weird reason, really pleasant to own. I've owned a P2 V70 5-spd for 4 years now and it has been fantastic. You sort of begin to see these cars as more than transportation, even though they are just that. It starts to become like a golden retriever. It is dependable and practical. Has nice yet very simple styling, amazing seats, decent sound system for the time, etcetera. It just does most things reasonably well. Additionally, having a 5-pot, be it only with 170hp, is a joy in every day life. There's a hill running up to where I live, every time I go home I put it in 2nd gear and run it flat out up the hill - the 5-pot comes alive (audibly) at 3,000 RPM and it's a delight every time. The R-version was never a success, but the regular version sure was. To this day, the P2 generation of Volvo V70 is the most prevalent car on Swedish roads. And being in Sweden, every single mechanic you come across are very familiar with them, and parts are readily available and cheap. I'll keep mine for as long as it wants to keep running without needing major repair.

[@streeatbeat]

well said. and thought you mayt not have the most powerful engine, you certainly have one of the most reliable. Friends mum's v70 finnaly blew a head gasket.... at 73k mil...

[@Beer_Dad1975]

@@streeatbeat How is blowing a head gasket at 73,000 miles in any way shape or form "reliable"? - I've had cars for 250,000km that I've sold and are still going another 150,000km later with the new owner & an unopened engine. One of my current cars has 195,000km on the clock (around 120,000 miles) - all I've ever had to replace on the engine was the starter motor and an inlet manifold gasket - it's even still running the original coil packs! 73,000 - pfft! I'd be f**k**g ropable if one of my cars blew a head gasket at 73,000 miles! I'd certainly never buy another one the same!

[@tobias_dahlberg]

@@Beer_Dad1975 if he’s Swedish, he may mean 75k swedish ”mil” which is 750,000km.

[@streeatbeat]

@@Beer_Dad1975 swedish miles so yeah 750k kms

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

​@@streeatbeatSwedish miles eh? I like that. 😂

[@OmgItsLeaa]

im a 26 year old woman and have only had volvos since i got my license (can you guess where im from? lol) currently driving a volvo v70 2.5t 2004 and im in love with this car, I dont think i can ever sell it. I adore the looks of it and, growing up in a family that couldnt afford to buy a brand new volvo v70 and always wanting one, this is like a dream coming true.

[@OriginalgEd]

Is there a stereotypical location where there are a lot of 26 year old women driving around in volvo's? My dad was quite proud of me when I rocked up in my V70, bless him.

[@OmgItsLeaa]

@@OriginalgEd Sweden. Volvos are quite common and loved here for obvious reasons. :) Lovely cars. :)

[@VinDieselS70]

​@@OmgItsLeaai can only agree. When you're born in Sweden there were only two choices Volvo or Saab. Now I live in Scotland and currently own a V50. Since I moved to Scotland I have owned a 960 2.5 SE, S70 TDI, a 340 1.7 and a V70 D5 SE.

[@fourQQ]

My mate Dave had an ex police one , very nice car , still on the road today and a nice looker

[@Dischordian]

I'm trying to get a 1.6 tdi for the economy aspects!

[@nextechsolutions5955]

There is something to be said about a car that goes out of its way to keep you alive. And it did that for an easy 250,000 miles while you sat in the most ergonomic seats on the market.

[@Dischordian]

@@nextechsolutions5955

[@roelfkromhout]

I would argue these are beautiful things to behold. Love the V70.

[@AVM-Music]

Yup They’re a damn handsome car

[@itIsI988]

It's the shoulder lines that do it.

[@AVM-Music]

@@itIsI988 agree They’re just a good looking machine. Might be in a position to go back to a V70 and I’m sorely tempted

[@OriginalgEd]

@@AVM-Music They're getting a bit old now and I found (with my 2003 T5) that it was starting to get difficult to get hold of OEM spare parts. Here in the UK, most parts had to be ordered from Poland or Slovakia.

[@AVM-Music]

@@OriginalgEd from the same fair isle Some parts can be a pain, but owners clubs always the way to move forward

[@ashleymerritt9461]

I think they’re good looking, weird, comfy and just sorta.. cool. I totally get the Volvo thing

[@luisramos123]

They appeal to both car enthusiasts and the general consumer alike. You see a lot of them all over Europe, especially newer ones. I'm happy their new releases are still interesting even after the Geely influence, I was worrying for Volvo when polestar announced that they wanted to become a "car subscription company". Seems like Volvo even wants to reduce their stake in polestar to only 18%.

[@aidankennedy]

I am 34 and I have only owned Volvos since 16. My current summer car is a low-mileage 1990 Volvo 745 Turbo with a few handling upgrades. As many other commenters have mentioned, they may have been designed to be sensible family vehicles, but there is something special about them; they grow on you and become much more than just a machine.

[@zloychechen5150]

cheers from the country that no one likes these days, same situation. Had a w123, then volvos all the way. Currently running a 944 beater with a 19t, vx3, and ecu swap, and a 1988 745 which is being very slowly swapped to a vq30det. Always wanted a pre-facelift 700 estate, it's the car for me. Have looked at various other newer cars to buy, none does it for me.

[@krudmuphinstudioz]

Old Volvos are popular with young petrolheads because they are cheap, fun, easy to work on, and most importantly, have a lot of character. The Volvo community also happens to be one of the friendliest and most supportive of all car communities. They bond over their shared love (and many struggles) of owning a Volvo.

[@zloychechen5150]

The community part, for some weird reason, translates. I like old mercs too, but the community for them in my country is so daft that i don't really want to have anything to do with them. People who want to seem to those they barely know that they have more money than they do. With the volvo people, if you have a problem, there is usually a solution. We might bitch a bit, but hey.

[@pevebe]

I wish the cheap part was true

[@dommo9056]

Owned my V70 R for 6 months and I am truly shocked by the appreciation it gets. I thought I was buying a 'sleeper' but I'm astounded by how many people approach me to talk about it. It has it flaws as mentioned by James - my biggest gripe is the turning circle that is truly outrageous but for around £12k for a minter it's a lot of car in this day and age

[@OriginalgEd]

the turning circle is comical isn't it! It took me ages to get used to it on my T5 (but you do get used to it) and as I mentioned in my post today, it's nice when folks come up and talk to you about your slightly left-field car which I imagine happens more in an R than it did in my T5. I'd have loved an R.

[@dommo9056]

@@OriginalgEd I've given up on drivethrus and U-turns! And the unexpected attention the car has received has restored my faith that you don't need a Ferrari to find common ground with other car lovers.

[@OriginalgEd]

@@dommo9056 quite a few petrol heads "dig" hot volvos even if they'd never own one. I mentioned to one guy at work that I had a T5 and he said "I took one for a test drive one and when I got back, the dealer said 9mpg! - congratulations"

[@olivierb9091]

Even when I drive around in my '99 2.5 non-turbo, frequently people wave and start talking. From my experience the people who like Volvo's are very friendly

[@dommo9056]

@@olivierb9091 I've had 3 people ask my missus if it's for sale when she's been out in it and another R owner chased her for 2 miles just to stop and say 'snap'! There's a lot of fans on the Volvo scene!

[@eric-wb7gj]

Volvos of that era are wallowy old buses, with crap turning circles, but they tended to have higher power than contemporaries (not so good for mpg or company car schemes), & the ability to get you around in great comfort, with good stereos. A welcome relief after another hard working day, or you could look forward to a cosseting trip out at the weekend.

[@AndrewNeilBaird]

@@eric-wb7gj and a great car for shagging in .

[@jespurrier]

Crap turning circle yes but wallowy.... I have never found my mk2 v70's particularly wallowy.... I have a t5 right now. I would say the feel of the car suffers a lot when the engine mounts and bushes degrade. I'd like to drive that car he's testing as something doesn't seem totally right there even though it looks immaculate.

[@eric-wb7gj]

@@jespurrier Thank you for your comment. Mine wasn't unpleasant (the saloon version), & made for an excellent cruiser, but with speed, you could feel the cars weight, especially in the bends. Did the estate cars have higher load suspension due to the weight they may have to carry? It would stiffen the suspension overall.

[@jespurrier]

@eric-wb7gj they do have self levelling nivomats on the back. Maybe that's t? My last car had very fresh suspension and honestly I enjoyed the way it handled and i used to drive hot hatches and rally type cars. My new t5 not quite as much but a new engine mount made a vast difference to the way the car feels now. With all fresh shocks I'm sure it would be perfect. I know a lot of people did add lowering springs and some polybushes to these though. I have a set to go on the inner wishbone bushes as I have heard it crisps up the steering nicely

[@AndrewNeilBaird]

@@jespurrier wishbone gap inserts are better than whole bush poly replacements . They creak and knock when worn which will drive you bonkers .

[@rupertorgan7749]

I'm three years into Volvo ownership for the first time, a ten year old XC60 D4, now with almost 250,000km on the clock. It's my daily driver and does everything I need it to - takes all the holiday stuff including the dog, tows a boat and I can easily drive it halfway across Europe in a day and still feel fresh. Build quality is superb and service back-up from my local Volvo here (in Finland) is superb. Volvos are comfortable barges that do all the essential stuff well. If I want some fun I take out one of my two Alfa Romeos.

[@asdreww]

I've been driving a 1996 Volvo 850 2.5litre automatic recently.... I absolutely love it. what specifically? Not sure, it's just 'nice'. It feels so good just driving around. Not harsh at all

[@tompettersson3814]

The 850 was the last great volvo.

[@jamesengland7461]

That soft 5 cylinder purr is delightful!

[@jagtem]

I had a 1996 850 T5 wagon in red over tan. It remains the worst car I ever owned. I really REALLY wanted to love it, after I had to send my beloved Saab 9000 CSE to the scrapper. Alas, the Volvo was just problem after problem and the somewhat dull driving experience and lackluster performance couldn't make up for all its continued faults. Based on others' love for the model, I think I just got an exceptionally poor example. I did love how it looked though. Red with black wheels and trim lowered on Eibach springs and Koni struts, it was fabulously boxy.

[@PeterMitchell-s5t]

I have a volvo 850 t5 auto estate in sea spray silver, and its bloody lovely to drive. Its a pick up, a sports car and cruiser, does everything I want from a car. Its versatile thats what is special. 😊

[@bernardh9908]

I have fun making owners of "superior" cars look less smug with my '05 V70 T5. It has less power than the R, but it weighs around 175lb less, has less parasitic drag compared to the R's 4wd, and parts are more readily available. I've also taken it off road, camping, and averaged ~80mph for 5 hours. Feels planted at 110mph. I actually came by this car in a roundabout way. I looked for a reputable independent shop (during COVID), and as one with a great reputation serviced only Swedish cars, and I have a thing for wagons, and this seemed like a better idea than an orphan (read Saab), this seemed like the only choice. Also, my late dog and I fit in the back, for car camping. Yes, the front end is surprisingly jarring over bumps. So is my TVR. Avoid them.

[@alzdeane]

I had a 2003 V70R manual for 5 years, sold last year to a friend. I replaced all 4 active Monroe shocks, which improved the ride, but it's still firm. The manual versions are great :) I replaced it with a S80 V8, which I still have. And a XC90 V8.

[@OriginalgEd]

2 x Volvo (well Yamaha iirc) V8's !!! I presume they "like a drink"? I remember giving it full beans up a hill in my T5 when a XC90 v8 sailed past me. I think that was when I left the contents on my exhaust on the road.

[@volvohoarder806]

I have an 05 V70R with a 6 speed manual swap and Atacama seats, it’s definitely my favorite car out of all 3 of my Volvos. You definitely have to drive a manual spaceball V70R, the automatics on these weren’t good at all. I don’t regret ditching my 5 speed auto transmission at all. Also, sounds like the 4C shocks might need to be replaced, mine were original from the factory and lasted 157k miles. Lastly, mods can actually make the driving experience a lot better for those cars, better tires, bracing for the front and back strut towers, and poly torque mounts have transformed my car and made it handle like it should have from the factory. These are very easy to install and obtain. If you’re ever near DC, let me know and I’ll let you drive my V70R!

[@IwillBwaiting]

Don't forget slow. The standard 2.5t's auto were quicker than the V70R auto. I bet theres about 1.5-2 seconds difference (0-100/0-62) between the auto and the manual.

[@volvohoarder806]

@@IwillBwaiting yeah the manuals were a whole second quicker, torque converters were to blame for this.

[@barrybritcher]

Yea and no. The early R auto had torque limit in 1st and 2nd, manual had no torque limiting ​@@volvohoarder806

[@ScottAndersonYT]

How difficult was the manual swap? V much want to bin my auto at some point in near future.

[@volvohoarder806]

@@ScottAndersonYT it can be difficult, the engine and the trans has to come out to make everything easier, wiring and tuning also take a lot of time. But if you know someone who has done it before, than it can be a lot easier.

[@steveb6386]

On my second V70. First one (in UK) was a 2002 2.4 manual normally aspirated. Current one (in US) 2004 2.5 turbo, automatic. Neither the best car I've driven. But by far the best vehicle I've owned. Not the quietest, not the quickest, not the most refined, but it gets on with it very well, supremely comfortable over distance, very practical (carry a fridge, the back squabs come out for a true flat cargo area). Controls are where you expect them. Feels like a vault door when you shut the doors. Safe and secure.

[@Souprx]

@@steveb6386 this is pretty much how I feel about mine. It’s comfortable, it’s practical, it has a great stereo and it was cheap. It’s the best car I have ever bought. I have a focus ST next to it, I prefer driving the Volvo. Turns out in the real world, 0-60 and great handling is pretty meaningless.

[@IwillBwaiting]

That 2.5turbo is quicker than this V70R auto shown in this vid;) I've owned 2 of them, sedans, MY2005 and MY2009.

[@steveb6386]

@@IwillBwaiting The R has another 100bhp. But it also has a sophisticated AND expensive suspension set up. In the real world I wouldn't use the capabilities of the R, even if I could find one in good order at a price I could afford.

[@IwillBwaiting]

@@steveb6386 Best I was told is to get the 2.3T (T5) In the Netherlands they are hard to come by though. I bought an S80 diesel after the S60'S. Pics on my channel under ''community''.

[@steveb6386]

@@IwillBwaiting Is the 2.3 T5 the transverse 5 cyl 'white' block too? An issue with the V70R is that the block was designed for 2.4. But taken out to 2.5, the walls are thinner..they can be reinforced with shims between the cylinders and many are, especially when tuned to about 400bhp. Standard it's pretty under stressed.

[@DTRA1N]

2004 S60R M66 Owner checking in. These are badass cars. I’ve owned BMWs and this car is just… better. I think it really comes down to the comfortable seats, active suspension adjustments, and smooth transmission.

[@donSparda]

2004 V70 D5 as my daily. 410k km on the counter and still going :)

[@julianevans9548]

As modern cars become badly styled - and indistinguishable from each other - and have far too many creases on them, the simplicity of older designs becomes more appealing. Look at a Fiat Uno. Seemed a pretty dull car back in the day. Looks very stylish compared with cars nowadays.

[@chrishart8548]

I liked the very first Fiat uno the back lights were rather interesting.

[@julianevans9548]

@@chrishart8548 Yes, as with most cars, the original design - by the designer - was the best version.

[@summerjunk929]

Spot on, drove past an Audi dealer yesterday and looked like the design team hit copy and paste on everything!

[@darrenwendell1723]

Agree, never seen a time where a standard car looks more dull and boring as today. Different manufacturers but the models look exactly the same.

[@jonsimo]

I own a 2006 Volvo V70R 6spd Manual with a few light modifications and the spacebar 6spd manual version of this car is an entirely different beast that I'd highly recommend you try to change your mind. The automatic gearbox on P2 R cars was always its weak point and actually meant the the car had less torque, the manual gearbox version has 298lb ft and it makes a huge difference. The manual gear is the best I've ever driven and incredibly confidence inspiring. My V70R is making 385hp at the wheel and pulls like a freight train in advance mode.

[@CaptainSeamus]

The 5spd auto was indeed a weak point - but it could be built to take 400+ - and the engine is more than capable as well. Stock though, yeah, it is a bit slushy (way better than 60s and 70s autos to be sure, but still a slushbox)

[@64bakes]

As a youngster my Dad came home with an 850 T5R one day (affectionately known as the 'flying brick'). At first my Mum hated it and we just didn't get why he'd bought a Volvo. Realised why pretty quickly though. Comfy, safe, oddly good looking, fantastic stereo, stupidly fast for what it was and with one of the coolest engine notes ever. They really get under your skin. It was always fun being out in the thing when he used to surprise people in other quick cars of the day. Seriously miss that car and this past week I've been on the classifieds for any 850, S60 or V70 with the five pot turbo. P.s. my school mate at the time swore his Dad's Vectra V6 estate was faster than the Volvo. He soon changed his mind when my Dad picked us up from a party one night 😂

[@jdtseventyfour]

I love the fact it had a minidisc player increased your impression of the car :-) Love the colour too. My brother had a 2.3 non turbo and even though he loved it wow it drank like a fish. great video as always :-)

[@dlysachev]

Forget not, that type of Volvo helped Sir James May to be the first man to reach the source of the river Nile😂

[@TheSCKC]

that was a 850r not a v70r

[@julianmcwey866]

Ya beat me to it ​@@TheSCKC

[@dlysachev]

@@TheSCKC correct, but its the predecessor to the V70r, right?

[@axe2grind244]

I’m impartial to Volvo’s but you can’t deny how cool the Volvo Pegasus wheel is.

[@Maurice_Moss]

My mates a massive volvo fan, and has/has had many v70s. The best one I've been told, is the 2.4 t5. Massively tuneable, and can put out more power than the R. Apparently Volvo detuned them to keep them below the R. One of his is 360 bhp from a stage 2.

[@t3hgir]

I paused an F1 season review to watch Jay review a red Volvo wagon

[@PluckinA_Connor]

I love the way the R looks, those styling touches really set off what is already a very handsome car in the standard V70. Especially in a good colour like that red (or the iconic Flash Green). I think for that shape of V70 though, the sweet spot would probably be a T5 with a manual gearbox. Definitely review the S80 V8, would love to see that. No idea what they were thinking with that car, but I'm glad it exists.

[@Stratoszero]

I had one of these briefly after a string of "classic" shape 850 and V70 T-5s and Rs.......it didn't last long. Despite being a drop dead gorgeous facelift in Sonic blue (with blue metallic leather) its positives (amazing seats and rock solid wet weather performance) were soon eclipsed by its many flaws. Harsh ride even in Comfort, 21mpg everywhere, dealer only complexity for servicing, sleep-disrupting nightmares about head gaskets, and to cap it all the turning circle of a supertanker whereby I regularly had to make 3-point turns to take corners in grid-iron terraced housing areas. To be fair to the car it took me and the family on an epic fast European tour without missing a beat, however it creaked and felt like it was bending in the middle with a bootfull of Normandy cider, and the kids felt sick in the back which they never did in any other car I ever owned. In the end I went back to the Classic shape after 6 months, and again after a 6 week dalliance with a "new" 2007 D5 which was neither fast nor comfortable, decided that new Volvos really are not Volvos anymore and stayed resolutely in the 90s where I belong!!

[@vrcad9875]

spot on. Had two of these, one an auto Flash green/Gobi..the next a MANUAL Magic blue/Nordkap, one previous owner 30k miles, sold last year with 36k after winning multiple shows with it! Night and day difference in driving though! Auto is no quicker than a T5, as a halo car must be manual with the spaceball. But as you say it also has many flaws, was a love hate relationship. Do I miss it? No. after 13 Volvos have moved over to BMW, because like you say new Volvos are not old Volvos. Cheers.

[@streeatbeat]

As an owner of a 2.4 t5 manual from 06. I do understand why some people are confused to why we like these things for me, It's the styling, though it might not be groundbreaking, i think they have a very clean and smooth design that looks like it has purpose without being pretentious and ''too much'' not too bubbly like a b6 s4 but not overly agressive like say an rs6. These cars in sweden are reletively common and parts are kind of everywhere. and since people are pretty good at keeping up with maintainence They run quite regularly and happily over 300-400k kms They're comfterble enough in my opinion. they never seem to give me any back issues even after loooongdistant drives Most of all, there's that engine.. it may be an anchient design but it last and siiings. torque for days. and it feels like it wants to tear your face off when the boost kicks in. The sound of it alone was enough to make me fall inlove with it. the fact that its boosted and can go toe to toe with modern euro boxes is just a pleasant bonus. These cars are getting older and older and more n more of them are starting to disappear so, i'd assume thats another reason why people are snagging em up while they can- overall just an amazing car

[@bobphillips2188]

So here's a thing - lightly mapped D5 (diesel, natch), 2007 facelift, front drive, and 1.5 tonnes dry weight (oil and fluids in, 10 +/- fuel). No DPF, front drive only, and the lovely 6 speed box (you can keep any of the autos, they work well enough, but will never make for a drivers' car). I will keep mine till hell freezes over! Ave. 50 mpg - nearly 60 on a long run, never less than 40 however hard I try - and annual servicing cost is minimal, basically not a lot ever wears out, and parts are pretty easily available and not expensive. True, it is NOT a drivers' car, but it can be enough fun, and as a daily, what's not to like? (and yes, the interior is pretty nice, 'a nice place to be' etc.

[@eagle_and_the_dragon]

I actually don't mind sticking my hand up and proclaiming myself a Volvo fan. I imported a V40 CC from Japan. It features their straight 5, but as a 2.0. The tax is a rip off, £325 annual, but the insurance was low (2yrs No claims, country bumpkin with a stable job came to £665). I never would have given it a second glance, but I'm glad I did; I love driving it.

[@jannerick2]

Reassuring Swedish solidity. Nostalgia. Something to cling to in times such as these.

[@paulboyle6857]

Love it & I want one.They used to be cheap but not any more.Was going to mention the unlikely TWR racers but you did!

[@BennettIsAmazing]

Grew up in Volvo estate cars (and the odd BMW) in the 90s. They will always be my guilty pleasure. I've never owned one as an adult, but I'm very happy they are popular. I'd love one day to turn one into a sleeper, but by God do I not have the time.

[@OriginalgEd]

we grew up in a 1960s bungalow and that didn't have much more room than a volvo! they're too old now, treasure the memories. I think that is the thing about volvo's, their enduring presence in family lives over many years. Our 2 sons have fond memories of camping holidays in the V70.

[@BuffaloDoctor]

Glad I'm not the only person who loved MiniDiscs

[@chrishart8548]

I still have my mini disc player. Disappointing my last 2 cars haven't even had an aux socket so I can plug it in.

[@Ellis_B]

Very good they were

[@nissewahledow5114]

I'll help you out! V70R is the highest performing full size manual all wheel drive car there is. All while also being one of the most comfortable. If you can only have one car, and you have a family, the V70R is the absolute best one ever made. I'll die on this hill. I've had mine for 10 years and it's the last car I'll ever sell, and I've had high end Germans, a Nissan GT-R and a 460hp Exige.

[@SupraTompan]

Bro.. my manual 2001 S8 literally obliterates that statement: "highest performing full size manual all wheel drive car there is"

[@nissewahledow5114]

@@SupraTompan Straight line speed isn't the same as performance.

[@SupraTompan]

@@nissewahledow5114 Haha, so you think a V70R would surpass an Audi S8 in overall performance?

[@nissewahledow5114]

@@SupraTompan Your Audi has 0.4 sec on my V70 in 0-60. Moreover it's a luxury boat that's 400 pounds heavier whereas my V70 has torque vectoring and an active chassis developed by Öhlins. Yes, I think an Audi S8 will get walked by a V70R on track.

[@Robert-g7i]

Jay, the manual T5 from 05-07 is where it's at. Less weight, thicker cylinder walls in that 2.4 and you can easily tune it upward 450bhp without messing with internals. And skip the expensive 4C dampening system.

[@longtailgt]

You have to do a video on the S80 V8! I love that thing, it looks fantastic (although I prefer the 1st gen S80 from a looks perspective)! I had a friend many years ago who daily'd one of these and I got to ride in it a few times. It was a needy thing and drank fuel like nobody's business but my god the V8 was amazing! He even had an exhaust on so it sounded tasty as well. The interior was lovely too, certainly on par with the BMWs and Mercs of that era. If I was given the choice between this or an S80 V8, I'd take the S80.

[@grahamcowles2362]

Exactly the spec of my beloved R that I sold last year! A shame you couldn't track down a 3 pedal one to review as that M66 trans really adds to how special these cars are, but it's so nice to see one of my absolute favorite cars documented so well.

[@DarrenJMHughes]

I previously have owned 2 S60R (2003 and a 2005) both manuals 6-speed spaceball. The brakes are Brembo 4 pot brakes (front and rear) with 330mm vented discs. Suspension is Ohlins and Monroe / Tenneco joint venture. When accelerating most of the torque is sent to the rear and the rear dampers firm up. Under braking the rear differential is disengaged and the front dampers firm up. When cornering the rear differential has more power sent to it to aid corner entry and exit with the dampers adjusting 500x a sec. They are supposed to have 300bhp, but in actual fact it’s more like 270/80bhp. With the 18” alloys (17” are standard) they rub on full lock on the inner arch. Correct tyres are Pirelli Pzero Rosso. The Angle gear is made of chocolate I kid you not. I love the dials - metal watch face with classy illumination. There are 13 R badges on the car and one on the inlet making 14. The best colour was combo Flash Green paint with Atamaca leather. (aka David Dickinson)

[@johnnyr25]

This car reminds me of this V6 Camry a friend had. He put high performance summer tires on it. It was solid in the corners - better than any right it had to be - but you could tell it didn't really WANT to do it. You could almost hear the car say, "Ok. Are we done?"

[@805NAVE]

Haha that’s how I feel about my 2005 Lexus GS430. Midsize V8 powered luxo sedan. It rides supremely comfortable, and is fast in a straight line, and feels great at about 7/10ths on the back roads. But those tight turns get it, you can feel body roll and it doesn’t love to go all out. It’s a great cruiser. I used to own a Volvo 960 Executive limo custom made by Nilsson special vehicles, and that was an awesome car. Only sold it, to have Doug demuro agree to review it.

[@chriscooks9850]

Great video as usual. On a side note, I'm listening through some fancy new headphones I bought for my studio and the sound quality on this video is superb!! How you achieve that inside a car is astonishing. Great work!

[@paulallwood6033]

Genuinely that is an awesome looking car ! Purposeful, that's the best way to describe it

[@NightfallDrives]

You’ve done well to resist the urge to mention Postman Pat throughout that review 😉 He even appears at 9:02

[@ScottAndersonYT]

I've dailied a V70R for 4 yrs now. Absolutely love it. So comfortable, no racecar but no slouch and very good for overtaking or making Honda Civics look silly, one of my favourite 00s car designs, and been used to move house twice so just a very capable family car. Maintenance costs aren't great, fuel economy is absolutely dreadful, and yes the turning circle is unbelievably bad. And I'm a lorry driver - I reckon a 40ft lorry would turn better 😂 But I truly love this car - great place to be sat for a Sunday drive or a lazy drive home from a long shift. Absolutely 100% will always have a P2 or some kind.

[@Techjunkiero]

There’s is something special about Volvo. Especially from the ‘95-‘05 era. I always loved them for some reason. Their heritage, reliability comfy and intuitive interiors. Love their design, seat comfort and coolness. Not as popular as BMW or Audi, that was that made the cool and stand out IMO. I had a 1998 C70, a 2003 S40 T4 and now a 2015 S60 T6 R-Design. Too bad the brand went downhill with its 4 liter engines. The S60/V70R are classics already. Fantastic cars.

[@stephendavies6949]

My Y reg company V70 was the most comfortable car I've ever had. Its fwd format meant it had the turning circle of the Nimitz, and a Merc E Class (as well as - incredibly - a Mondeo) estate could carry more stuff. But its cabin was still a lovely place in which to be. Your review proves you're a true pro.

[@ThePiGuy24]

22 year old 2001 V70 (non-R, non-AWD, non-turbo, mostly base spec, but manual) owner here, and I absolutely love the thing. It's the nicest and most modern feeling car I've owned by a massive margin despite being the oldest. Yeah the fuel economy isn't great, and the clearcoat definitely shows its age, but despite only having 170HP (at least from factory, though it doesn't feel like its dropped too many) it is still great fun whilst still being immensely practical, and that sweet 5 cylinder purr when you put your foot down always gets me going. Best part is that it only cost me a grand, it wasn't initially entirely functional, but a new alternator regulator and it was back to life.

[@FishyEngineer420]

I think a big part of why they are popular is that they aren’t crazy expensive on the used market here in the IS. Also the original owners tend to take care of them well, so they make a pretty good starting point for a car enthusiast.

[@duncanholland5400]

I have slighty modified S60 manual T5. It has the 2.3 engine and 5 speed gear box. Remapped to 300bhp with 300ft/lb of torque, uprated discs and pads and lowerd springs. Its a real sleeper car no badges on. Alot cheeper than a R they are a great cars with the right mods. My other car is a Jaguar S type R another sleeper. Like to play with young Hot hatch, Audi, Bmw drivers. Old man in my old mans cars.😊

[@derekcram1698]

The red was available in the US! My Dad bought a red on sand interior (just like this one), except with a 6 speed manual. Still has it to this day with less than 60k miles. Such a fun family cruiser!

[@jongmans38]

It's a car for everyone that not everyone likes, choice is the luxury we should cherish.

[@iarpak]

Excellent video, as always. I love Volvos, especially station wagons, going back to my teenage years in the 80's. I love the V70R, even with all it's flaws.

[@zetteru_Na]

I recently bought a 2006 Volvo V70 2.4D(it is straight up the D5 engine just factory detuned, for those who wonder) and I sure love it, the seats are real comfy and fit me well. It ain't a luxury car, but for the reliability, practicality and durability that it does come with, man is it nice and luxurious enough. Also love the fact I can easily work on it myself, although helps to be a car mechanic. Best part for me is that I don't actually need to worry bout Swedish winter doing what it does best and hinder the car from doing what it's meant to. It's just get in and go, also it sure does love to just drive long distance and I can feel it want to keep on going. Even though I bought it with 377k km on the clock. As well as broken swirl flaps, which ironically it doesn't care bout being broken at all. Bloody perfect daily driver to and from work that's a casual 55km drive from home. Going to keep fixing it up and then drive it until it can't be driven any more. Would love a V70 R but man are they pricy, I could get more performance out of my car quite easy by putting in the D5 tune instead of the 2.4D tune which is nice

[@seansco1]

I'm in my 20s. I used to have an XC70 version of this car, Purple with beige leather interior and it was perfect for my travels. I’m from Scotland and love exploring with my dog, so it saved me a lot on hotel costs. I had 2 young kids and the pop up trays and built in booster seats were amazing. The looks I would get in that car was hilarious. At the same time, I also had a Type R EP3 that I would use at knockhill. This kind of car would be ideal for me now, especially since my XC70 was stolen. We could even fit a full blow-up mattress in the back and would reverse up to nice views and watch the stars, lol!

[@Quiquetenax]

Used to watch BTCC at Snetterton, loved watching the 850’s smashing the competition. My dad had T5 on loan and fell in love with it. Were I in UK, I have a V70R in a heartbeat.

[@JLR_Steve]

We put over 200K miles on our 04 V70R black over Gobi (not sand 😄). Yes it had the turning radius of QE2, and yes the adaptive suspension could be a pain, especially when the dreaded DEM problems developed. But it was an absolute sleeper and with a good set of winter tires it was virtually unstoppable in the snow in trips through the Northeast US and Canada. We also owned 2 S80's, so I'll look forward to your review. Cheers!

[@CaptainSeamus]

I will say I solved the active suspension problem on my S60R - put BC Coilovers on it, and haven't missed it... but you can only do that on (iirc) 04 cars without having a suspension light issue - or you have to do other means... but well worth it.

[@paulzabet1244]

I'm 26 and I got an S60 R two months ago, I am extremely pleased with it. It's a manual, I feel like it's a nice compromise between speed and comfort, the AWD is quite impressive for a haldex system of its time.

[@peterschooling3123]

I have an S80 V8 here in Australia. Smooth, luxurious, quiet, very safe and with the most comfortable seats of any car I've driven. It's a true GT sedan that you can drive fast over long distances in supreme comfort. The sound of the Yamaha V8 is awesome even with stock exhaust.

[@wolfie030]

XC70 2.5t from 2003 here with 320000 km (almost 200k in miles). The car is just like a dependable friend, no matter what you ask of it, it will deliver as long as you take care of it. It's part of the family.

[@sg-tp7sc]

I have owned a 63 plate Volvo xc70 and it’s the second best car I’ve ever owned.i love it

[@deaks25]

"At 3pm I've got to teach some Geography" James that was an absolute pearl! I really like this era of Volvo; they're really handsome cars and it was Volvo's 'madness' era where they randomly stuffed impressive engines into their cars and only subtly sharpened the styling. I suspect the reason for the confused nature of the V70 R is Volvo were kind of experimenting with the idea of the Super-Saloon and Super-Estate, so did what anyone would do; get a bit, potent engine, shove it in the front of an existing chassis, stiffen the suspension, through some goodies at it and then see if it sticks the landing. The S60 R is a car I still have a big soft spot for, as well as the S40 T5. And of course the XC90 V8 is a hilarious thing. And HECK yes can we have the S80 V8 please, that is a car that I also have a soft spot for and once did half consider looking into buying.

[@pepinosport]

Good review, but I beg to differ in a couple of things. The suspension modes differences are well noticeable in terms of body control. It's true that it feels wallowy in Comfort and sometimes even in Sport mode, but pitch and roll control when cornering are tighter in Sport and much tighter in Advanced. The ride is harsh in any mode: there's a lot of high frequency vibrations coming through the body with any impact and lacks enveloping feel. Comfort mode lacks damping and some impacts can be felt mega harsh due to bumpstop interaction in the front. The car is very sensitive to tyre (I see this unit with budget tyres- mistake), giving a much better ride experience with a premium tyre, and also sensitive to the whole system being properly calibrated. I have found that the suspension module needs to be calibrated every now and then to improve the ride. Bushings are prone to worn in both axles and then fail to control bump steer, giving an even worse ride experience. It was an ok car when new, nothing exceptional, but nowadays almost every unit on the road will require some small fortune to really enjoy it. I have a love/hate relationship with mine, having put well over 15k€ on it over the past 5 years. As stock is a bit dull, especially in auto box, but it's easy tuneable to 330+hp. And it's then when it becomes interesting, because you're in same era Porsche performance with the ability to carry that Ikea big wardrobe you wanted whose box makes almost 2m long.

[@23453456345]

My first “performance” car was a 1995 850 T5 I bought off Cambridgeshire police. It was cheap to insure for what it was.

[@Mrcento]

I'm 100% with you on the R. It's just a confused thing, too wallowy to be sporty, too harsh to be a comfy bus. The sweet spot for performance is probably the non R T5. Get more or less all the good bits of an R but much more of the float.

[@leostudzine]

Good review, I've loved Volvo's forever, fond memories of being ferried around facing backwards in a V70. When I found out my wife was pregnant and we were expecting our first child, the first thing I did (after initial panic / joy) was look at Volvo estates to prepare for dad life. I looked at a few V70's including the awesome V70R, but find them a bit much if honest, they're slightly too large for my liking and I had heard the 300BHP 5-Cyl along with Haldex system was a tricky one to maintain. Not to mention the turning circle in these things that is downright impractical. I eventually opted for a V50 T5 and absolutely love this car, it's a manual, with R-Design kit and the dynamic suspension setup from factory. I had it upgraded to the 'Polestar optimisation' which takes power to 250BHP with 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, it drives beautifully and feels far more sporty, nimble and alive than the V70's I tried, all while being comfortable, practical and safe. Far better looking too IMO. Great car.

[@mountain_walker]

People are really bored on the grey sea of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Younger buyers are going for Volvo’s - I’ve owned and still own one (a V90 if you’re interested James!) but I also have a 911 Manual Turbo, so swings and roundabouts. But it’s because it does everything just ok, everything is good enough. It doesn’t do one thing amazingly at the sacrifice of another. They’re just good cars.

[@Souprx]

It does being practical very well, I think the E class may have had a larger boot in litres but having a flat back really makes the Volvo feel more usable for hauling stuff. They’re also pretty well engineered and parts aren’t hard or expensive to come by.

[@phantomflame0658]

Personally as a younger buyer (21yo) I'm looking at an x358 Jag XJR. Not many people my age care about Jags they want hot hatches and bimmers. I'm just driving my parents car till I can find the right one. But they're practically impossible to find in Switzerland so I'll probably settle for the prefacelift and do the conversion myself. Growing up my dad had an S type and ever since I saw the episode Jay did on Alec's car I got hooked

[@CaptainSeamus]

Not going to lie, drove several of the other estates he clicked off - none of them were preferable to me... the Audi is just to front heavy and likes to plow - the Volvo.... doesn't. The Benz just felt heavy and you can't get a BMW wagon here in the states... they did sell a very few, but nearly zero. I'm in a sedan now, but the wagon has a spot in my heart as well... I missed buying one a while back that needed a bunch of work - but one day I'll have it instead of the current Subaru Outback and Dodge minivan.

[@PeteAnda]

Please youngsters don’t rush to be old. I really like this car,I recall watching the Volvos live at BTCC. At least it’s more interesting than yet another German barge. More super content, thanks.

[@markusfallert8143]

The S80 V8 is one of my facourite cars of All time. Luxury, Power, but you'd never expect it from the outside. Can we please have it on this Channel? Anyway, love the Video❤ Take care

[@michaelreeves4431]

I’ve had two saloon S70 25T’auto’s done thousands of miles ultra reliable and pretty quick I’m always looking for another one.

[@AVM-Music]

Had a 2001 V70T5 and loved it, although I find the steering a bit too light. Sounds awesome when I got rid of the back box

[@markwhitaker3673]

You really need to run one for a while to come to love it. I have a 96 850 Turbo estate here in the US with 4spd auto trans and the 2.3L 5cyl with 220hp and matching torque in Dk Grey, rare platinum wheels and with ivory leather bought new as a family car which my wife drove for 10 years before it went through 3 kids before coming back to me with 190k miles and needing lots of TLC. Over 4 years I have gone through most of it, performing maintenance, a bit of cosmetics and deep cleaning inside including leather refurb and new window tint. The car looks great and is so relaxing to drive, great for local errands and highway cruising. Not a ton of torque down low but good passing power and I like the auto is not constantly changing gears with only 4spds and lock up torque converter which feels like a fifth gear. The suspension is firm but smooths out with passengers and cargo loading. Around town fuel economy is not great at 21mpg (US) but I don't put a ton of miles on it, plus you can work on them yourself to cut costs-parts are reasonable here and available from 2 major suppliers and others. Tremendous space and utility- I call it my pickup truck and just love driving it whenever I can-even play classical music while doing so to suit the mood. Crisp Swedish styling on the inside with intuitive controls, the A/C could be better but was not great new and I just roll down the windows anyway. It should last longer than I will. In sum, not a car to blow you away right off the but with time you will appreciate it's virtues. Also, the boxy 850 has better lines than the V70 and slightly more space in the back. The R models are fairly rare and expensive here, so I am happy with my one owner std 850 turbo.

[@shaungosling9190]

Another great video! "When doing a lifesaver" nearly spat my coffee out when I heard that comment 😂

[@richrizzuto5741]

Hi Jay, this the first time I've seen you review a performance-based Volvo. I'm sorry you were disappointed. You have been blessed with the opportunity to drive some rather high-priced exotic cars. Volvo not known to be Performance Based. I think Volvo never intended to be in the performance business they simply dabbled in it just for the fun of it all. I currently own a 2007 Volvo S60r (last model year). I purchased it second hand when it was 3 years old. I spent quite a few dollars modifying it to the stage 2 performance and gained about 60 horsepower. It's very comfortable and I enjoy driving it on trips. I received a lot of comments from other performance motorheads who drive BMWs and Alpha's. The modification give me the ability to challenge Subaru's BMWs and others of that decade. It's formidable put the increased horsepower. I made it a sleeper so they become shocked that I can actually keep up with them and at times pass them. You're 100% correct the maintenance on these cars are very high. The active suspension can be troublesome at times as the shocks are very expensive. The active suspension is derived from a Ferrari it has Brembo brakes. Back in the day these were top shelf materials. All in all when you get in the car and turn the key you forget about all the problems that this car has it's fun to drive comfortable and occasionally turns heads. Cheers from Austin Texas

[@tug1345]

I've just rewatched Motorweek, in 2004 they tested an S60R with 6 spd manual, 0-60 @ 5.8 secs, quarter mile @ 100mph in 14.4 secs, which is interesting because in 1997 they tested a C70 T5 manual and got 0-60 in 6.2 secs, and quarter mile @ 100mph in 14.1 secs, so it's no faster than the old C70, the extra 60 bhp is lost in the weight and awd system, getting to 60mph in 6 seconds and 100mph in 14 - 15 seconds is still quite decent, this one being an auto may be a little slower, half a second or so, but there's really no performance upgrade going from a T5 to an R

[@Reviveandrefurbish]

I have to agree with you on this @JayEmmOnCars I as a young driver bought my first car which is (and still is) a v70, Ive always thought volvo being a boring elderly peoples car, but when i bought my v70 my whole perspective changed, it is super comfy, sporty and lots of torque from the engine, massive boot space, lovely air conditioning etc. I do love the v70 but at the same time I don't, and I can't figure out what exactly it is, as you say, it is very confusing. Ive seen modifications and what people do with their cars (after attending a swedish day event a few months back which were full of volvos, SAAB's etc) like sleeping campers, kitchens (oddly enough) and race track versions of the v70, it was so cool to see. I like to own the V70, but theres a feeling deep down where I also dont (probably the MPG on mine being 19mpg, and fuel costs, haha), but I will be honest, they are amazing! My next car is going to be a saab, I like a swedish car 😀

[@mrnordyk1125]

I had V70 MK3 2009 with 5 cylinder motor manual. I loved it, every time when I pressed gas pedal I had big smile. The sound of 5 cylinder engine it was music🤘. My cousin had 2007 D5, automat, MK2 Swedish version, same red like here. Ex taxi, 450000 kliks on clock. He used it few years. With some stuff to do, sold it with no problem anyways. It will be cool if you can do test of MK2 V70R manual. Cheers

[@uwegrafer6456]

I own a V70 II with the softturbo (210 bhp). Nice car (beside the turning cycle) with lots of space, fantastic sound (KME exhaust) and very reasonable mileage (you can do 8l/100 km easily). No repairs until now, just service (200 k on the clock), no rust.

[@carsella11]

Go drive it in Lapland in winter. All the stuff you hate or are confused about with most Volvos suddenly make sense in those conditions. Their roads are buttery smooth and wide.

[@KarlHamilton]

The 850R (P80) was peak Volvo. After that, everything went a bit soft with the P2 chassis cars.

[@CaptainSeamus]

Volvo #16 for me is a 2004 S60R - and I DO love it - had it since 2012 and have put over 200,000 miles on it - and it's just still a beast. Yes, I maintain it like crazy. I've done a few mods to it (FMIC, exhaust, coil overs to get rid of the electronic suspension, better intake parts) - everything done to make it even more bulletproof. Very comfortable long range tourer. It just runs. I love the 5 cyl over the V8 - both in power delivery and in sound... The red may not be a GB color, but it was definitely in USA. And the interior color is called "Gobi" - the other 2 colors available are orange (Atacama) and blue (nordkap) . The only thing it can't defeat is a tight parking spot. It has a turning radius 1 ft smaller than a GM 3500 extended cab. EEK. With the AWD off - you will burn the front tires off it all the time... and in wet or icy weather, the awd system comes into it's own - it is a true all weather touring car. EDIT: Your comments around the chassis makes me think it's got worn out bushings (and there are a LOT of bushings in the rear especially) and they get forgotten until you push the car and then the bushings crash on the metal and make it "wallowy"

[@fossilfish786]

Big respect for this honest review. I recently got a 2wd v70 T5 with the 260bhp 2.4 sadly a auto, a big let down, comfy fast but dull. I miss my 3.0 Subaru legacy which honestly with 240bhp was way quicker and better built. Sad because i wanted to like it so much.

[@patokaa93]

I’ve driven quite a few Volvos, and owned many, including an S60, S80 and a V70 of this era only. Also I’ve had an V70 and S60 of the P3 platform, and driven a couple of P3 S80s quite recently. Now, I think either the adaptive suspension is not very nice to begin with, or they tend to go like that after they reach a certain age. Of course it’s quite different on a P3 platform, but the other one of the S80s I drove was a fully loaded D5 AWD that had that adaptive suspension, and I also noticed that it didn’t ride very nicely even on comfort. Even quite harsh, but still wollowy - just like you said. The other one was a 1.6D DRIVe Summum with normal suspension, and that was just like I remember the P2 S80 to be: reeeeally comfy and lovely and quiet, no rattles or nothing, it rode and drove really well. As for the Volvos you might like, I think the new Volvos will surprise you. I had quite recently an SPA-platform S60 B5 AWD, and that was a really nicely balanced and fun car to drive, yet very comfy. I think almost the perfect balance. Only on poor roads sometimes it was a little on the firm side, but still very settled. That in addition to looking lovely (IMO), especially the interior, makes it a really nice car to daily.

[@gerrydillon8761]

I have a 2006 with 175000 miles. Same color with blue interior. It gets a lot of attention in Colorado. 👍

[@revidual]

Love my 2005 V70 Ocean Race 2.4 auto, one of only 3 in the UK. Imported from Japan, 30,000 miles, one owner, full Volvo history. I used to sell hot hatches and Cosworths etc in the 80's and 90's, so I've driven thousands of cars over the decades, nevertheless, very happy with mine.

[@Canadian_Gamer]

I had a 2094 Volvo S60 - greatest car I ever owned. I still think its the most beautiful looking sedan of all time. That V70 R is in incredible shape which is rare to see out in the wild. The S60 R could be had with a manual. Those rims are something to behold.

[@adriansmith76]

30 years old and own a grampa spec 2015 S80 D4 (Silver with cream leather) and it's the best and comfiest car I've ever been in. Absolutely love driving it every time and I have many thoughts on selling it along with my '16 Focus ST250 and getting a nicer spec/condition S80 and being' done' with flash and speed with my focus. 7 years owned the focus and can't quite bring myself to not be it's owner and it's the perfect car, for me, for various reasons. But, the volvo is incredible.

[@pereldh5741]

Aaah that rear valance was the first design I CADded for Volvo, in Alias way back in 2002. This is actually the facelifted LCI version, designer was brit Steve Potter. While the front bumper was identical for S60R, the rear fake-vent valance’s are unique items for both. That turning circle is of course a result of those long 5-cyl engines, much like the 5-cyl Fiats/Lancias.

[@CaptainSeamus]

??? The Volvo 5 sits transverse... not sure how that affects the turning circle - it's the same with the longer 3.0l straight six in the early S80s - all P2 cars have the problem - it has to do with the geometry of the LCA's.

[@pereldh5741]

@@CaptainSeamus If it was longitudal like the older 960 etc it would have a minimal turning circle. As you say, there was even a 6-cyl transverse, so no wonder the circle was a bit large. Each way you turn, the tires hits either the engine or the gearbox

[@benwilliams2933]

I currently own a V60 T6 with the 3.0T engine. I would be interested in seeing a review on the V60 Polestar with the 2.0 Twin charged engine; Has always taken my fancy and is still regarded as one of the most powerful 4 cylinder engines from the factory. Fingers crossed someone will offer one up for you soon. Great video as always.

[@ipsfryt]

I had an original shape V70R AWD, manual, 2.0l because it was for the Italian market. About 225hp originally. I bought it when it was 17 for €4k, from a Volvo enthusiast who had just changed the timing belt, and did the clutch for me too because my wife thought it felt "odd". It had about 260k km. So almost run-in. That shape of V70, essentially the same as the Touring Car 850, is in my opinion the best looking of the V70s. And for 5 years you could not wipe the smile off my face. It was very sure-footed with AWD and snow tyres in winter, and its performance was still for me quite astonishing. I had to get rid of it because at 22 it was becoming hard to maintain as a daily driver. I gave it to my son's pal who is a mechanic, and he fixed it all up and also drove it like it was intended. He loved the car like a brother, until it served its ultimate purpose as a Volvo and saved his life. A guy coming towards him round a bend lost control and tore down the driver's side of the car doing huge damage and tearing off the rear wheel with one of my beloved Nivomats. We said our goodbyes, but that was and likely will be the best car I ever owned. Am now in a V70 2.5FT from 2008, a youngster with 280k kms, but it's an automatic and more of a comfortable cruiser. Still a great place to be on long journeys.

[@dwarfshortage244]

Aged 23 I bought a 1990 Volvo 440 for £300. Needed something cheap to run for a year or two whilst I was studying. Was so easy to work on and never skipped a beat. One of the cars I regret selling!

[@GeoffArthur]

I worked in the motor industry in the 90s and 2000s and Volvo were always seen as a quality manufacturer and always with the best seats in the business but old fashioned and not cool enough to actually want to own one. That all changed with the 850 although having road tested one it did not tick all the boxes for me. When the V70R came out I tried one of those and was impressed but it was still not for me but I then tried a V70 T5 and finally a 1998 V70 2.5T which I bought and kept for 24 years. Every time I tried a different car after that, I went back to the V70. I have owned two of S60R manuals and they were very competent but highly strung and broke angle gears, a known fault. I have replaced the old V70 with a 2016 XC70 D5 Auto and it is simply the most competent car I have ever owned and certainly the peak of Volvo estate development. Alongside it I have a 2011 V60 T6 SE Luxe Auto with Polestar upgrade to 329 BHP and after 8 years of ownership I can say it is still simply astonishing how well it is made, how fabulous an interior it has and how excellent it is to drive on real world roads. It will be my transport of choice to Le Mans next year.

[@AVM-Music]

Also had the phase 2 D5 That was an impressive car; performance, fuel economy…the 163D5 was a very good car if not a bit wafty Most comfortable seats I’ve ever sat in, even on long haul

[@JuicingDailyTV]

I've got a Volvo S60 P2 2.0T 5 cylinder. It's uneconomical, slow but it's super smooth and makes a lovely noise. Most you want to do in it is 6/10ths

[@red75v67]

I'm with you completely. I've got a V50 which is my first Volvo after serial Alfa ownership. I love it, even if it's a rebodied Focus. Mate's V70 on the other hand is as you described. It's a wallowy yet harsh hearse.

[@andrewfrancis3591]

I looked at these along with Rover models. Ended up importing a MK2 Blit. Had estates since the 80's, the best

[@iamdiscothedrunkhippo5380]

Hi, 24 year old owner of two V70Rs here. I do adore both of mine but they really do require a very specific type of person to love them. I stick with Volvo due to them being very reliable (when well looked after), they are comfortable, & very practical. I also much prefer how easy they are to work on in comparison to its German & British rivals. The parts are slightly less money, they require fewer tools to work on, & tend to not have as many computers to deal with. The 4C suspension is very weird feeling but if you are on the right road & have the right modifications, you can really enjoy them. All that said, I don’t think Jayemm will find a Volvo he would like since they are very much a “you drive one, you drive them all” kind of brand. They are certainly not for everyone.

[@ianbint2181]

You summed it up when you said you do not get it, absolutely YOU do not get it, live with one for years as i have, drive it hard, drive it touring, it grows on you, it really grows on you. The P2 Volvo platform has the X factor and the R is the pinnacle. Be thankful the Swedes delivered it, sat in their eternal night drinking vodka, saying lets give it 300 bhp, yes and four wheel drive, and an excellent hifi, and fabulous seats, not to be like the German cars, or the British, but beautifully Swedish and I adore them.

[@ianbint2181]

On a track where you can set it up for bends and ballance it I would agree, the BMW is far better But on a street I take the Volvo every time.