Market Position:
The Volvo S70 and V70 of this era represented Volvo's entry into the mid-size premium sedan and wagon market, focusing on safety, comfort, and Scandinavian design. They competed with established European and American luxury brands.
Market Segment:
Premium mid-size sedan and wagon.
Competitive Analysis:
Competitors included vehicles like the BMW 3 Series Touring (for V70), Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, and Saab 900/9000. Volvo differentiated itself with its strong emphasis on safety innovation and a more utilitarian yet comfortable approach.
Key Features:
Renowned Volvo safety cage, comfortable Scandinavian interior design, reliable turbocharged engines (often), spacious cargo area (V70 wagon).
Coverage Areas:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, safety features, driving controls, convenience items, basic troubleshooting.
Coverage Focus:
Designed for the end-user to understand their vehicle's capabilities and how to safely operate and maintain it at a basic level.
Page Count:
Estimated 200-250 pages (typical for this model year owner's manual)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Systems Covered:
Dashboard and controls, lighting, climate control, audio system, power accessories, seating and storage, fuel and refueling, driving techniques, basic safety systems, warning lights, fluid levels, tire maintenance, jump starting, changing a flat tire.
Systems Covered Specifics:
Detailed explanations of instrument cluster warning lights and their meanings, proper tire inflation procedures, safe towing guidelines (if applicable), basic interior adjustments.
Procedures Included:
Adjusting seats and mirrors, operating climate controls, using cruise control, checking oil and coolant levels, changing wiper blades, understanding dashboard indicators, basic tire pressure checks, fueling procedures.
Procedures Included Interior:
Operation of power seats, seatbelt adjustments, child seat installation guidance.
Technical Depth:
User-focused, covering everyday operation and basic user-level maintenance. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
Primary Engine:
2.4L Inline 5-Cylinder (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged variants)
Engine Configuration:
Inline 5-cylinder (transverse mounting)
Performance Naturally Aspirated:
Approx. 168-170 hp, 170 lb-ft torque (2.4L NA)
Performance Turbocharged:
Approx. 190-200 hp, 200-220 lb-ft torque (2.4L Turbo 'T5' variants)
Performance T5 Engine:
2.3L Turbocharged (B5234FS/FT) offered in T5 models, producing around 236 hp and 243 lb-ft torque.
Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Codes:
B5254F (NA), B5234FS (Turbo), B5254T (Turbo)
Exterior Length:
S70: Approx. 186.1 inches; V70: Approx. 188.8 inches
Exterior Width:
Approx. 68.9 inches
Exterior Height:
S70: Approx. 54.7 inches; V70: Approx. 54.9 inches
Weights Curb:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (depending on model and configuration)
Weights Gvwr:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating varies by model, typically around 4,500 - 4,800 lbs.
Cargo Volume V70:
Approx. 37.1 cu ft (rear seats up), 71.2 cu ft (rear seats folded)
Safety Ratings:
Good reputation for safety, though official NHTSA/IIHS ratings from this era may vary and be less detailed than modern standards.
Active Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control System (TRACS) on some models, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.
Passive Features:
Reinforced 'Safety Cage', front and side airbags, crumple zones, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) on some later models or as an option.
Passive Features Child Safety:
Rear door child safety locks, ISOFIX/LATCH system provisions may be present on some models.
Infotainment Audio:
Factory premium audio systems with cassette tape and CD player options, AM/FM radio. Some models featured Dolby Surround Sound.
Infotainment Controls:
Dashboard-mounted buttons and rotary knobs for audio and climate control.
Driver Assistance Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control functionality.
Connectivity:
Limited by era; typically basic antenna and speaker systems. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports.
Convenience Features:
Power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry (on most models), sunroof, heated seats (optional), automatic climate control (optional).
Service Intervals Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Service Intervals Timing Belt:
Every 70,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical for interference engines).
Fluid Spec Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, API SJ or higher.
Fluid Spec Coolant:
Volvo Blue Coolant (Propylene Glycol based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Fluid Spec Transmission Auto:
AW-1 (or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid prior to full AW-1 specification adoption).
Fluid Spec Brake:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Fluid Spec Power Steering:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent.
Known Issues:
PCV system clogging (leading to oil leaks/seals), ABS module failures, ignition coil issues (coil-on-plug or distributors depending on year/spec), transmission solenoid issues (automatic), power seat module failures, coolant leaks from plastic components (e.g., expansion tank, thermostat housing).
Known Issues Suspension:
Front control arm bushings and sway bar links can wear over time, leading to clunking noises.
Filter Part Number Oil:
Mann Filter W914/2, Bosch 3300, Mahle OC50
Filter Part Number Air:
Mann Filter C27150, Bosch 2802
Brand Heritage:
Volvo has a long-standing heritage rooted in Swedish engineering, with a primary focus on safety, durability, and reliability.
Model Evolution:
The S70 and V70 replaced the Volvo 850 series. The S70 is the sedan variant, while the V70 is the sportswagon. They represented a styling update and refinement of the 850's platform.
Model Evolution Design Language:
Continuation of the distinctive Volvo design language, characterized by robust build quality and functional aesthetics.
Production Years:
S70/V70 (P80): 1997-2000
Production Location:
Primarily Sweden (Uddevalla and Torslanda plants)
