2001 Volvo V70 - Page 1 Review

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Shopping for a 2001 Volvo V70? MSRP: $29,450 - $34,950

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Lars Eric Lundin is just the type of person who Volvo would like to have as an owner of its new Cross Country. He is an active, youthful and adventuresome individual who enjoys such activities as flying and automobile racing in his spare time. However, Volvo will not be hard pressed to sell him on the Cross Country; he is the project manager of the latest iteration of Volvo models, the V70 wagon, Cross Country and soon to debut S60 sedan.

After spending time with the all-new V70 based Cross Country, we were left with the impression that Lars Eric did an admirable job steering the development of this vehicle. It represents a quantum leap improvement in nearly every area compared to its predecessor.

When it first debuted in 1997, the changes made to the V70 to make it a Cross Country were relatively minor in comparison. The new one has quite a few more differences. The new Cross Country sits higher than a normal V70. Its increased height nets better ground clearance for adverse road conditions and more importantly, a higher seating position for the occupants of the vehicle. But the most noticeable difference between the new V70 and new Cross Country at first glance are the Cross Country's unique dark colored bumper fascias and fender flares. Sixteen-inch wheels wrapped with aggressive Pirelli Scorpion tires augment the rugged appearance of the bumpers.

Rugged and capable

And while Volvo makes no claims that the Cross Country is optimized for off road performance, its rugged appearance is not all show. From our experience with the vehicle on a mountain trail in Manchester, Vermont, we can say with surety that this vehicle is more capable off paved roads than one might expect. With all-wheel drive coupled with four-wheel traction control and 7.6-inches of ground clearance, it is more capable than a good many of the all-wheel drive competitors in its category.