Volvo S70 first generation

Volvo S70 first generation
Photo: IFCAR / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The Volvo S70 first generation (1998–2000): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 15 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: P80

Dimensions, weights and capacity

SpecificationEuropeNorth AmericaWikipedia
Dimensions
Length4,720 mm RDW–4,722 mm
Width1,760 mm RDW–1,760 mm
Height1,400 mm RDW–1,402–1,448 mm
Wheelbase2,660 mm RDW–2,654–2,664 mm
Front track1,521 mm ASTRA––
Rear track1,468–1,491 mm ASTRA––
Weights and towing
Kerb weight1,384–1,449 kg RDW–1,428–1,635 kg
Mass in running order1,484–1,549 kg RDW––
Gross vehicle weight1,890–1,930 kg RDW––
Towing, braked trailer1,600 kg RDW––
Towing, unbraked trailer500 kg RDW––
Seats and space
Seats5 RDW––
Doors4 RDW––
Boot space––470 L
Luggage space (EPA)–396–425 L EPA–
Passenger space (EPA)–2,775 L EPA–
Fuel tank––69 L
Performance
Top speed195–225 km/h RDW––
Torque206–350 Nm ASTRA–170–340 Nm

Tyre sizes (most common first): 195/60R15, 185/65R15, 205/50R16, 205/55R15, 205/45R17

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, pl, sv), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at testPass rateUK averageTests
13 years and older72.1% (68.9–75.1)69.2%792

What the MOT finds

AreaThis modelUK average, same ages
Suspension37.1%41.6%
Brakes34.0%36.4%
Tyres25.8%31.2%
Lights and electrics25.0%28.8%
Body, chassis and structure21.0%18.6%
Noise, emissions and leaks15.3%17.1%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

584 complaints for model years 1998–2000. 31 crashes · 5 fires · 37 injuries

  • Speed control 135
  • Electrical system 103
  • Engine 57
  • Brakes 47
  • Lights 22

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 15 versions of the Volvo S70 first generation

Show all 15 versions

United States 10 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxDriveConsumption (combined)CO₂
1999–2000CLKUP2.3 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
1998–20002.3 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive19–21 MPG (11.2–12.4 L/100 km) EPA263–291 g/km
1999–2000CLKUP2.4 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
1999–2000CLKUP2.4 LPetrol4-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA291 g/km
2000CLKUP2.4 LPetrol5-speed automaticFront-wheel drive21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA263 g/km
1998–20002.4 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive21–22 MPG (10.7–11.2 L/100 km) EPA251–263 g/km
1999CLKUP2.3 LPetrol4-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA291 g/km
1998–19992MODE CLKUP · CLKUP2.4 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA263 g/km
19982MODE CLKUP2.3 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA291 g/km
19982MODE CLKUP2.4 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km

Canada 5 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
1998–2000Mid-size2.3 LPetrol4-speed automatic11.6–12.6 L/100 km 5-cycle267–290 g/km
1998–2000Mid-size2.3 LPetrol5-speed manual11.3–12.4 L/100 km 5-cycle260–285 g/km
2000Mid-size2.4 LPetrol5-speed automatic11.4 L/100 km 5-cycle262 g/km
1998–2000Mid-size2.4 LPetrol5-speed manual10.9–11.4 L/100 km 5-cycle251–262 g/km
1998–2000Mid-size2.4 LPetrol4-speed automatic11.3–12.5 L/100 km 5-cycle260–288 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.