Volvo XC70
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For 2013, the Volvo XC70 gets some minor equipment upgrades. Rain-sensing wipers, headlight washers and Tunnel-Sensing headlights are added across the line. A Sport mode is added to the T6's automatic transmission and depending on packages, keyless entry and starting, xenon headlights and Road Sign Information are now available.
Base versions of the XC70 are front-wheel drive (FWD), which became the standard in 2011. For 2012, trim choices jump from two to seven with the addition of Premier, Premier Plus and Platinum editions in all models. A redesigned instrument panel conveys audio, navigation and other information to the driver via a 7-inch color display, the Bluetooth interface now allows audio streaming and the lower center console has been redesigned with metal framing or wood inlays, depending on trim level. On the safety front, the 2012 XC70 comes standard with City Safety, a system that automatically applies the brakes in lower-speed situations to avoid a collision if the driver is distracted and fails to brake. A higher-power Polestar edition is available on turbo models; a software performance package bumps output from 300 horsepower to 325 and torque from 325 lb-ft to 354, and does not affect the car's warranty.
For 2011, a new front-wheel-drive model, the base Volvo XC70 3.2, joins line-up. Both the naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines see a gain in horsepower and torque. Sirius Satellite Radio is now standard, while a rear park assist camera has been added to the Multimedia package.
Some minor trim upgrades and new package options mark the big changes for 2010. A new PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) 3.2-liter V6 is now available in certain states. The PZEV engine reduces engine emissions, but also reduces engine output from 235 to 225 horsepower.
A T6 trim joins the base 3.2 model. It features a 281-horsepower turbocharged engine, 17-inch wheels and visible dual exhaust pipes. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity is now standard equipment.
The Volvo XC70 can best be thought of as a rugged version of the popular V70 wagon. Not quite a full-blown crossover or SUV, the XC70 provides the manageable size and reasonable comfort of a wagon teamed with a sophisticated all-wheel drive system and superior ground clearance. Think of it as the twenty-first century version of the quirky AMC Eagle. The XC70's primary competition comes from the Subaru Legacy and Outback wagons and, to a lesser degree, the Dodge Magnum all-wheel-drive wagon.
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Even better than my 2005 XC70
By Ravenman (Baltimore, MD) on Saturday, May 17, 2008
overall rating 10 of 10rating details
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"Everything is better in my 2008 XC70. Very quiet,smooth ride,luxurious interior,more stylish exterior,great options (Blind Spot Info Sysytem, folding outside mirrors, keyless entry and starting, self closing tailgate, great sound system, Active Bi-Xenon headlights, and more...). My wife loved her 2005 XC70, but she's even happier with her 2008 XC70. It rides better and handles better than the SUVs we tried, including the Acura MDX and all the others. It has the refinement of a car with the utility of an SUV. It's one of a kind and stands above the other choices."
10 people out of 10 found this review helpful
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Great car - expensive
By Sacto (Sacramento, CA) on Tuesday, July 13, 2010
overall rating 9 of 10rating details
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"This is our 3rd XC70 - 2000SE, 2004 XC70 and this 2008 XC70. I like this one best. The 04 seemed to have better performance (sort of, it did have a turbo). This on is sluggish on the freeway onramps and passing, BUT if you use high octane fuel it performs MUCH better and even gets 2 mpg better! Have not worked the calculator on that one, we just use the cheap stuff 99% of the time. LIKES: Keyless entry, fold up mirrors when you lock the doors, power tailgate, fantastic upgraded stereo (although my BMW logic 7 will blow this one's doors off), super leather seating, each seat is comfortable, confident driving feel, superb safety features (like the sensor that tells you an accident is eminent and brakes, lights up the lower windshield and beeps like an airplane), this is a BIG car - like driving my Dad's '72 Cadillac - only with that tight European feel, distinctive look inside and out, a winner! DISLIKES: No bluetooth (really?), sometimes the power mirrors don't open up when you open a door other than the drivers door or do not use the keyfob to unlock the car, 16mpg city and 21mpg highway (Mr. leadfoot I am), optimistic outside thermometer (reads 118 on a 95 degree day at start up), makes funny whiring sounds sometimes - the power rear liftgate seems to strain to open and close, the auto a/c makes silly sounds while adjusting vents, etc. and a whinny sound at a cold startup. Lastly, I bought a full service plan for 36 months at $600 - RIP OFF ... I would buy this car again, my wife LOVES it, kids are rough on it, dog (70lb) loves the "head out the window" routine ... great piece of machinery, at 3 years it cleans up great and looks nearly new after a car wash."
8 people out of 8 found this review helpful
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Great car, if you're not in a hurry
By Rufus (Washington, DC) on Sunday, May 24, 2009
overall rating 8 of 10rating details
Reviewer Ratings
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- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
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"This is my first Volvo (I'm a long-time BMW owner) and find it to be a very comfortable, quiet, solid, ruggedly attractive vehicle. It has been completely reliable for the first 22,000 miles so far. My only complaint is that the 3.2 liter normally aspirated engine is overwhelmed by this vehicle's weight (over 5,000 lbs). This vehicle is as heavy as an SUV, it's slow and the engine is buzzy during acceleration. I have to plan merges into highway traffic carefully. I've driven the turbo XC70 and there is a huge difference. This will be a great vehicle for anyone who places a premium on luxury/safety and whose driving doesn't require merging frequently onto congested highways."
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful
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