The Volvo V70 is a five-door station wagon that was first introduced to the market in 1996. This mid-size vehicle is currently in its third interpretation since the first one rolled off the assembly line. Most V70s are sold in Europe, and Swedish consumers account for about one-third of annual sales.

The earliest versions of the V70 account for the 1996-2000 model years. At that time, consumer could choose from models known as the C70 (the Coupe), the S70 (the Sedan), or the V70 (Versatility - this was the Station Wagon Model). This model was an upgraded version of the Volvo 850 and offered buyers a better quality engine, a less boxy appearance than earlier models, and an updated dashboard and interior.

At that point, buyers had the choice of several packages. The "Sports" version featured fog lamps, a rear spoiler, and alloy wheels. The top of the line version was known as the "Design" package. It must have spelled pure luxury, with its leather upholstery, wood-grain trim, and a wood-and-leather steering wheel (in red).

North American car buyers were able to buy the next version of the V70 starting in 2001. This new generation was designed with an updated, curvy appearance. The model was given a minor facelift for the 2005 model year that included updated tail lights and front fascia, along with improvements to the vehicle's interior.

The latest (third) generation of the V70 was introduced to the buying public in 2007. This newest version was the same size as the previous one, but was retooled to be attractive to a more upscale market. Passengers seated in the rear seats were given a bit more leg room when changes were made.

The cargo-carrying capacity of the V70 was increased by 55L with this new design and buyers were likely impressed by the fact that the interior was updated to the extent that it is considered the most luxurious of all models in this class.

This latest version of the Volvo V70 is not immediately recognizable from its outward appearance as a Volvo. The boxy appearance of previous generations is gone and buyers can choose from either an all-wheel or front wheel drive. The Subaru Outback is one of the V70's most persistent competitors. Seats for all passengers (front and rear) have been designed for maximum comfort and back support. A blind spot sensor system is an important safety feature available on this latest version. It's that dual focus on performance and comfort that keeps devoted Volvo drivers true to this maker.