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Volvo S70 2.3 Turbo (250 Hp)
Overall Rating
7.9 / 10
Volvo S70:
The Volvo S70 is a compact executive car produced by Volvo Cars from 1996 to 2000. The S70 was essentially a facelifted 850 saloon. The S70 was replaced with the Volvo S60.
Introduced in Europe in late 1996 for the 1997 model year and later in the U. S. for the 1998 model year, the Volvo S70 was an updated version of the Volvo 850 saloon. The S70's body style was overall more rounded compared to its predecessor. Changes included a redesigned front end with new lights, fully colour-coded bumpers and side trim, and clear indicator lenses for the rear lights, as well as a redesigned interior. According to Volvo, a total of 1800 changes were made....(Read more on Wikipedia)
S70 Overview:
Volvo S70 (S70). With 350 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1473 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.7 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year
N/A
Adult Occupant
N/A
Stars
N/A
Expert Note:
The Volvo S70 generation was not directly tested by Euro NCAP. However, Volvo has a long-standing reputation for pioneering safety features and robust construction, suggesting strong passive safety for its era.
The Volvo S70 generation was not directly tested by Euro NCAP. However, Volvo has a long-standing reputation for pioneering safety features and robust construction, suggesting strong passive safety for its era.
2.3 Turbo (250 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Excellent, very rapid acceleration, establishing it as a true high-performance sedan.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, especially given its impressive performance capabilities, not designed for economy.
Best Use Case:
Performance/Enthusiast driving, for maximum thrill and speed.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
Allowed: 79%
Neutral: 0%
Issues: 21%
4.1 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 14 discussions
Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
Personally I'd look at 5 or 6 cylinder engines. The 4 bangers are pretty decent, but the other 2 will drive you to the sun and back if you take care of them.
Their only Achilles heels are the PCV system (a Volvo quirk it seems, because our V8 is sensitive for it too) and the water pump
The 5 cylinder engine specifically was available in all but 2 platforms between 1991 and 2015, those being the
👍 POSITIVE
The t6 is a good start, this engine will outlast any body.
👍 POSITIVE
I would say that all Models are generally speaking welk built. Big differentiator will be the engine. The 5 cyl petrol engines are very solid, I believe the 2.0 petrol 4 cyl is great as well. We just bought a 2012 v70 T4 (1.6 petrol), what appears to be a Ford Ecoboost engine. According to the reviews they are reliable, but maybe nog the best companion in mountainous aereas, compared to the bigger
👍 POSITIVE
I can only speak for myself but I’ve owned two Volvo C30’s (2009 pre-facelift and 2012) both were the 2.0 petrol, 4-cylinder and both proved really reliable. No turbo and no cambelt (rather a timing chain).
Maintenance wasn’t too expensive and they were decent on fuel. I did an oil change service every 10k kilometers (even though the recommended interval was 15k).
Avoid the Powershift dual-clu
👍 POSITIVE
Hi friend! I just bought a Volvo 850 GLT 2.5 non-turbo yesterday. I understand they're VERY good and reliable cars, but I'd appreciate it if someone could correct me if I'm wrong haha
👍 POSITIVE
you have gotten great recommendations, all i know, if it says D2, D3, D4 or even D5 its a really good diesel engine, if there is issues with the car, it wont be the engine. (ofc do services)
but i deffintly know that the 5 cyclinder engines are top of class.
i had an D4 v70 2014 that was amazing, so smooth, so nice to drive. an amazing car
all in all, i rearely hear that the engine is an issue
👍 POSITIVE
2007 xc70 — we’ve had it forever and have had no problems. Husband is a Volvo mechanic and we specifically looked for that model and year because of its reliability. 2 kids learned to drive in that car and we still use it every day.
👎 NEGATIVE
Stay away from up to 2012-16 due to the oil consumption issue that led to the class action lawsuit. There was a very real issue with the piston rings. They fixed the issue after those years but many including myself had an engine blown early. Did not start to show until you hit close to 50k in mileage. Love the cars but not in those years. Anyone saying anything else is just not being honest.
ht
👍 POSITIVE
I bought the 2025 in March and have had no issues. It’s a great car. We installed a level 2 charger so we can charge it faster. I can run errands around town without using gas - the highway not so much. The only issue I have is the awkward and clunky screen display/controls - to change from hybrid to pure etc. you have to click through to the right page which isn’t ideal while driving.
👍 POSITIVE
I’ve had two T8s in nine years - including a 2016 (first one registered in my country). Zero reliability issues. The BMW I had prior was far worse.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent safety features for its era, a hallmark of Volvo
- • Comfortable and spacious interior, ideal for long journeys
- • Robust build quality and durable construction
- • Strong turbo engine options available, offering impressive performance
- • Distinctive, understated design with a timeless appeal
- • Good value on the used market for a premium sedan
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high on performance models, especially the T5/R variants
- • Aging platform means some modern features are missing
- • Interior plastics and trim can show wear over time
- • Limited direct Euro NCAP data for this specific model generation
- • Some parts can be expensive due to its premium brand status
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volvo |
| Model: | S70 |
| Generation: | S70 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 Turbo (250 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 250 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 107.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 350 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B5234T4 |
| Engine displacement: | 2319 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.8 l |
| Coolant: | 7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.9 kg/Hp, 169.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.2 kg/Nm, 237.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1473 |
| Max. weight: | 1920 |
| Max load: | 447 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 470 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4720 mm mm |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm |
| Height: | 1390 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2660 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1520 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1470 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Your first impression of the Volvo S70 in one word? Go!