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He Drove, She Drove
New Volvo is a road-gripper
XC70's all-weather stability inspires confidence for beginners, veterans.
Type: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, five-passenger wagon.
Price: Base, $35,495 (inc. $685 destination charge); as tested, $42,280.
Engine: Turbocharged 2.5-liter I-5; 208-hp; 236 lb-ft torque.
EPA fuel economy: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway.
Where built: Sweden.
Key competitors: Audi Allroad Quattro, BMW 3 Series, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Magnum, Ford Freestyle, Jaguar X-type, Lexus IS300 SportCross, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Saab 9-5 Sportwagon, Subaru Legacy, Volkswagen Passat.
12-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan: $1,449 (Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)
Anita's Vehicle rating:
Likes: World-class safety features. Practical, intuitive controls for radio, HVAC. Security and stability of AWD. Pretty powerful engine, with lots of torque. Modest makeover for '05 adds a more rugged look.
Dislikes: Harsh ride on rough pavement. Not as nimble as some competitors.
Paul's Vehicle rating:
Likes: Unmistakable family styling. Pleasant cabin with tasteful walnut, matte-metal trim. Comfortable leather seats with top stitching. Versatile, all-season family hauler. Huge cargo bay with "window shade." Maintained poise on glare ice. Dislikes : Not as much rear legroom as a Dodge Magnum. No heated seats on our $42,000 test car.
2005 Volvo XC70
What do you think of the 2005 Volvo XC70?
Comment on this story
Volvo's XC70 AWD wagon was something of a pioneer in North America as one of the early "crossover" vehicles that attempted to bridge the gap between traditional station wagons and sport utility vehicles.
Ford Motor Co.'s Swedish subsidiary eventually added its own SUV, the XC90. But the smaller XC70, which received a modest makeover for 2005, continues to attract a steady following, especially from families who don't feel that comfortable in a big SUV.
We tested a well-equipped XC70 with more than $7,000 worth of options, including rear park assist and water-repellent glass. The bottom line: $42,280.
HE: We've been driving a number of new all-wheel-drive wagons this winter, including the Dodge Magnum and Ford Freestyle, which actually shares its basic underbody design with the Volvo. The Magnum is probably a better value, at $10,000 less. But the XC70 -- known widely as the "Cross Country" -- still holds a warm place in my heart. We owned one of the early models, which we bought as a used car for our younger son when he was just learning to drive. You thought the Volvo would protect him; I figured it would protect everybody else by helping him negotiate bad roads and bad weather. We were both right.
SHE: Last week it was our turn to put the latest edition of the XC70 through its paces as we prepared to move from Grosse Pointe Woods to Ann Arbor. I was surprised by how little we could get in the vehicle -- typically, a couple of good-size boxes, a few throw rugs and a big bag of dog food. The ride was also a little harsh, with lots of wind noise at highway speeds.
HE: On the other hand, the XC70 is sort of a super wagon. And it really does have superior grip. On the way home last week, I hit some really foul weather, with lots of sleet coming down and the freeway icing over. The Volvo maintained its poise, even as other vehicles slid off the highway and into the ditch. That sort of all-weather stability really inspires confidence, whether you're a beginning or veteran driver.
SHE: For several generations of families, including ours, Volvo has always been about safety. The XC70 is no exception. Its standard equipment includes front side air bags and side curtain air bags for both rows, whiplash-protection front seats, traction control and antilock brakes -- and, of course, all-wheel drive that works automatically. But leave it to Volvo to add some nice new safety touches, such as flat-blade windshield wipers that sweep clean in bad weather.
HE: Those actually worked as described and helped keep me out of trouble when that sleet was falling .
SHE: I like the interior makeover. The controls for the radio and the climate system are very sensible and intuitive. The new walnut inserts on the dash and door panels are classy and the matte-metal touches are tastefully done. Still, I wished the front seats had flip-down armrests, like on my Lexus, and that the seats were more comfortable -- they almost felt like they were too small.
HE: Funny, but I'm about twice your size, and I thought the leather seats with the fancy top stitching were rather generous and very supportive.
SHE: The turbocharged five-cylinder engine wasn't overwhelmingly powerful, but had enough oomph for my needs. And I like the new exterior touches, including the jewel-like headlamps, egg-crate grille and exposed skid plates that wrap up into the bumpers for a beefier look.
HE: The XC70 still looks unmistakably like a Volvo, though, which is a huge attraction. That, plus the safety and security of all-wheel drive, and all the comfort and convenience features you'd expect on a premium European car, make this one of the most versatile all-season family haulers on the market.
Anita and Paul Lienert are partners in Lienert & Lienert, a Detroit-based automotive information services company.
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The Detroit News.
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