This is a JDM.... Volvo!? 1997 V70R AWD Review and Drive

But, 22 years on, why would you buy one?

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[zakelwe]

The old Volvo estates always seem to have far more boot space and better shaped than modern estates.


A yellow T5R with the anthracite 5 spokes for me please ....

[Playstationguy]

That car is super clean! You just can't find them in such nice shape these days, at least in the US. The 1997-mid 1999 V70Rs in automatic were actually 4-speed autos, which is why the gearing is so long... I used to have a 1996 850R sedan with the same transmission. In 1997-1998, you could actually get these cars with a 5-speed manual, in both AWD and FWD versions! In mid 1999, they upgraded the 4-speed to a 5-speed automatic for the V70Rs, as well as increasing the turbo size and boost. While you still don't have a semi-automatic mode with the 5-speed auto, the gearing is leagues better. I have a 2000 V70R AWD myself (last year of production for this generation) and it's been a fantastic car... so much quicker than the previous years, which I have all test drove when searching for a successor to my 850R. However, that being said, I love all of the '90s Volvo R models, especially the ones with cool colors like the saffron orange in this video :)

[irvings]

Have an 850R, amazing car! So really enjoyed a Volvo video this time

[swedfilms]

In Sweden, most of the V70 R models have been used as donors, and the engines end up in older 2/740's. The T5 has good potential! Some guy ripped a 2JZ out off his Supra and replaced it with a T5.

[greathey]

I lusted after the saloon version of this Volvo when I was in university. Damn, how fast time passed.

[uffukgan]

These so called unusual cars makes you the Great Man you're becoming in YouTube.

[britishbiker]

My dad had one of these and I remember it very fondly. My favourite car that he owned as I was growing up actually. He used to say however he drove it it would always return either 20-22mpg! Also the auto has a ridiculously long 1st gear for some reason. If I could find a manual (rarer) I’d be very tempted. Great video as always, cheers!

[King_Ears]

Sounded rough on that opening pull away

[themanipulator]

As if you release this video 2 days after I say I'd love to see some old school volvos. What a legend you are.

[ichhasseamerika]

Love my 2000 V70. used to drive it out to techno parties in the California desert and it never missed a beat . took a licking and kept on ticking. some of the most Hardy and wonderful cards ever made.

[freekfaro]

What it needs of course, is a Rica chip tuning. I've had an S70R from Dec 1998 with that chip tuning, in saffron of course, it was super. A gentleman's beast.

[Sierra]

This car brings back memories of my first job at a Volvo main dealer in Chelmsford back in the mid 90’s. We had an exactly the same colour and model in the show room. I always preferred the 850 t5-r and r’s best though.

[thevolvobrickchallenge]

Volvo estate memory lives on! From 1995 suburban errands and school runs to being reborn to race on the track and backroads! These Volvo's often have just as unique quirks and history much like their owners!

[spotter]

Would love to have a car like this in mint condition. Been driving Volvo for 45 years. Still got a 240 sedan/83 in a condition like new. My car's status now is a "classic car" here in Norway.

[Lim_pro]

The V70r color is so cool.
I used to be a 850-turbo owner.
I'm on the S60 2.5t now.

[TyCetto]

Bloody loved this car, when I drove it in the late nineties! PROPER mid-range acceleration! You don't need quick 0-100; you need quick 80-160 - and in this range the faithful Volvo is FAST! VERY FAST! (Forgot to mention that I drove a manual...)

[randomrangoon]

I've been on the hunt for a v70r for a while now with no luck.
That is a beautiful one

[thedetailingdoctor]

The condition of the paint is fantastic not a swirl in sight 👌

[arjanb]

7:40. Ha! That's me, and a lot of other people. This cars are quite cheap to buy. And if your'e a handy home mechanic, these are very cheap and easy to mantain. I had a 850 T-5 automatic, AW50-42 trans broke within 10.000 km, swapped it with a M56 manual. It was a 2.3T on LPG-G3. With a 3" downpipe and race-cat. R-bumpers, 18" original Pegasus rims, and HIDS. About 280-290hp.topped it out once @265km/h at the speedo. Sold it with 320.000km.

[daveanderson]

I still own ‘96 850r FWD and use it for what it was designed....and as such it was the most solid, safest and most comfortable car of the day. Side Impact protection, roll over protection, 4 airbags, ABS & Traction Control. Built like a brick weighing @ 2 tons yet it returns 29 highway mpg if I just tickle the throttle.