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Volvo S60, C30 and XC70 Earn AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards
More than 72,000 Volvo owners surveyed.

The S60, C30 and XC70 were all recently honored with 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA), presented by automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific.

IVAs are based on owners' ratings of new 2011 model year vehicles across 15 key attributes such as power, acceleration and interior. Customers surveyed were asked if they would change anything about their vehicles, and those vehicles that owners would change the least are rated most ideal. More than 72,000 participants took part in the survey.

The S60 was named the most ideal aspirational luxury car, receiving high praise for its ride, seat comfort and handling. The C30 earned the distinction of most ideal premium compact car with owners touting its seat comfort, ride and power. Both the S60 and C30 outdistanced the second place vehicles in their respective classes by wide margins. Rounding out Volvo's IVA selections, the XC70 was named the most ideal luxury crossover SUV. Owners like its exterior size, large wheels and firm seats. The XC60 finished second in the luxury crossover SUV class, giving Volvo a clean sweep in that category.

Volvo also recently received the 2011 best-in-class Vehicle Satisfaction Awards from AutoPacific in the premium compact car category for the C30, S40 and V50.

"IVA winners deliver the most of what consumers are really looking for in their vehicles," said George Peterson, President of AutoPacific. "Shoppers can use the IVAs as a benchmark for vehicles that are designed and built with customers in mind."

Owner satisfaction is a key indicator of a quality product. The results are in, and Volvo owners have spoken. Not surprisingly, they wouldn't change much of anything when it comes to their cars. Volvo takes pride in designing and producing cars that consistently exceed customer expectations.

By Laurie Bogart Morrow

Introduction

If you haven't read my car reviews yet, this is my standard introduction, so you know who I am.  If you have read my car reviews before, you can either read this Introduction again and get to know me all over again, or just scroll down to the car heading, below.

I'm a mom, a grandmom, and I got that way because I was a wife in the first instance and by the time I got round to being a grandmother, I was someone else's wife.  In short, I'm like a lot of women-married with children, divorced with children, and now remarried with my children's children gathered 'round.  And, despite the ever-present chaos of having a large, loving, loud family, I like it that way.  Being a "hands on" grandparent is, at least for me, a blessing.  Like our own children, we don't have them all that long?you blink, and suddenly they're all grown up. 

I'm telling you this because I think this is the best qualification I have to review cars.  A car should fit an individual's lifestyle, so when you read my take on cars, understand it's through the eyes of a 56-year-old woman who feels younger most of the time and gave her size 8 dresses away to the Salvation Army years ago because there was no sense in keeping something I'd never be able to wear again, ever.  The fact that I have been an automotive journalist for twenty years and a longtime member of the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA); have traveled the globe testing new cars, some still in development; and, in my capacity as one of the precious few women outdoor journalists in the country, have driven some ungodly roads into the back of beyond is a secondary consideration. 

I believe a car should be judged by more than its wheel base, horsepower, torque, transaxle type and suspension.  That's a guy-thing.  Headroom, leg room, hip room and shoulder room-especially hip room-yes, that's something we gals need to know about--and more.  So I've devised this simple 20-Question checklist-tough questions that each of the cars I review will have to go through.  Let's see how they past muster. 

First out of the gate was the Ford Taurus, the the Toyota Venza and now...

The 2011 VOLVO CROSS-COUNTRY AWD WAGON

What's it called?  It's the Volvo XC70 AWD 3.2 , a.k.a. the Volvo Cross-Country Wagon (also available with a six-cylinder engine, the XC70 AWD T6, for about $5G more)

· What is it? It is, to me, at least, the ultimate station wagon.  If you can swing the price and the maintenance, this is destined to be the car of your life.  What's more, this car is the safest car on the road-Volvo practically invented driver safety and are second to none, in my book.  Heck, f I go into all the safety measures Volvo has included in this car, you'll need a second cup of coffee, so instead, click onto this link and see for yourself:

· How many grownups can comfortably fit inside?  You can shove your whole family, including dogs, into this chariot. 

· Is it kid-friendly?  Ohhhhh, yeah.  For young children there's the option of integrated child safety seats and other child-specific stuff; for big kids-your teenagers, and big kids like your husband (and admit it, maybe even you)-there is a huge selection of optional lifestyle sports equipment, such as bicycle carriers, ski and snowboard holders, and windsurfing, sailboard, canoe and kayak holders and cradles.  There are even load carriers and roof box carriers to contain your peripheral outdoor gear and luggage.

· Is it dog-friendly?  Many of the Volvo people behind the development of this car are, to my certain knowledge, owned by dogs-and it shows, in the interior design of the car, especially the rear storage area, which takes a dog gate and/or dog crates beautifully-plenty of headroom here.

· Can you fit in a week's worth of groceries in the trunk?  Fold down the second seat, leave a note for the milkman, pack food and clothing for a month, and drive to Alaska.  The Volvo Cross-Country is meant to fit your lifestyle in ways like that.

· What if my husband gets overzealous at Home Depot?  Take away his credit card.  He can fit most of whatever you need at Home Depot, including lumber and pipes, into this baby or strapped to the roof.

· What if I get carried away at WalMart?  Then your husband had better take away your credit card.  Remember that futon in aisle 22 that you had your eye on??

· Will this car embarrass you if you have to go some place fancy?  People will swarm around your Volvo like a moth to a light, wherever you go.  This classy car is in a class by itself.

· Is it going to drain my wallet when I fill it with gas?  You're going to get around 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, which frankly, is pretty okay, considering.  Thing is, by the time you add some of the can't-live-without options on the 3.2 engine model, you'll surely crest $40G and the V8 starts at almost $43,000.  But this car is a tank.  With regular maintenance (and provided you don't drive it into a river and tear out the undercarriage against boulder, like one guy I know of did), then this car won't last  you years-it will last you decades and beyond.

· Are the dashboard controls easy to figure out or do I run the risk of driving off the road while trying to figure them out?  I'm very sensitive about dashboards, as you may have read in my review of the Toyota Venza.  But I can read the dashboard panel and instruments on the Volvo XC like an encyclopedia.  The Swedish translation of a comprehensive, easy-to-reach, thoroughly understandable dashboard should be a universal language.

· How great is the radio?  Close your eyes (providing the car is in park) and you'll think you've got orchestra seats at Lincoln Center.  Or maybe Radio City Music Hall, if you're not into classic.  Or in the old days, Filmore East, God rest its soul, if you're old enough to remember that concert hall of rock.

· Is it outfitted like a mobile TV room or home office?  Yes, yes, yes?Volvo has all those audio and navigation system options available.  But here's the thing: these bells and whistles don't overpower the reality that you're in one of the smoothest-driving, quietest, most solid cars ever manufactured, so enjoy the road trip for all it's worth.  Your kids can watch Star Wars when you get home.  Let them see the world through tinted-glass windows.

· How does it drive?  I mean, does this car have an attitude?  To reiterate, it doesn't get much better than this.  Solid, road-hugging, turns so smoothly your body doesn't lunge left or right, stops on a dime without you hitting the windshield.  That says it all.

· And one of the most important questions: what about the coffee cup holders?  Actually, this is a sort of funny thing.  For some reason, Volvo historically has fallen short on coffee cup holder design.  But I think they finally got it right with this car.

· When I look at the speed gauge, am I driving slower or faster than I thought?  You do have to be careful.  This car is so quiet and so powerful and has such smooth pick-up that you may be amazed when you see those tell-tale flashing lights behind you, and the heart-wrenching reality that you'll have to pull over to the side and take out  your license and registration, m'am.

· If I get caught driving in nasty weather, will I need a Martini to restore my nerves once I finally get home?  No, never.  If you decide you want a Martini, it's because you want to have a Martini-not because you need one.  Go onto Volvo's comprehensive website at  because you need to get first-hand from the Volvo folks just what they've done to make that Martini something you desire, not require, after driving through snowstorms, mudslides, and deluges of rain.

· Does it come in a color that I love?  Volvo has always presented a very appealing, tasteful selection of car colors, which isn't necessarily the case with some of the other car manufacturers.

· Can I easily see what's coming from behind when I look over my right shoulder or will I be in for a surprise?  No blind spots in rear view mirrors or when you look over your shoulder.  If you get a surprise, it's not the fault of the car's rearview visibility.

· On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the car of my dreams, how does this rate?  Flat-out 10.  This may it for you and your family-and if, in a quarter-century or so, you drive it into the ground, invariably you'll be trading it in (and still get value) for a new model.

The Volvo XC70 is an all-weather version of the V70 midsize wagon that boasts all-wheel drive as well as increased ground clearance and SUV-like styling cues. The latter two features are mostly for show, however, as the XC70 has never had much in the way of serious off-road hardware. What the XC70 has consistently offered is the sure-footedness of all-wheel drive, and it has become progressively more stylish and luxurious through the years, while maintaining its SUV-grade cargo space and superior reputation for safety.

The current generation Volvo XC70 is downright stylish all over, and it continues to offer many of the same virtues as previous versions: confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive, top-notch safety, a luxurious cockpit and enough cabin volume to satisfy all but the most haul-happy families. With the base inline six-cylinder engine, however, performance is lackluster -- other midsize wagons and a handful of crossover SUVs are both more satisfying to drive and comparably or more frugal at the pump. The turbocharged T6 model addresses the speed issue at least. The XC70 is a solid family vehicle, especially for those living in colder climates. Still, there are competing models that have similarly appealing traits, as well as superior power and/or efficiency.

Current Volvo XC70

The Volvo XC70 technically competes in the midsize wagon segment, although its standard all-wheel drive and SUV-like features make it competitive with crossover SUVs as well. Compared to a regular V70 wagon, the XC70 stands out, thanks to increased ground clearance (2.7 inches higher than the V70) and more rugged styling details that include cladding on the lower body sides and different front and rear fascias.

Offered in base 3.2 or uplevel T6 trim, the XC70 comes standard with plenty of convenience and upscale features, including alloy wheels, skid plates, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker audio system. The T6 adds bigger wheels, dual exhaust outlets and a "watch dial" instrument cluster. Major options include leather upholstery, a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, satellite radio and adaptive bi-xenon headlights.

Under the hood of the base model is a 3.2-liter inline-6 that sends 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Those numbers may look good on paper, but the XC70's actual acceleration performance and fuel economy are decidedly unimpressive. The T6 shares the six-speed transmission and AWD system, but adds a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that pumps out a more satisfying 281 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The stylish XC70 should please any family that requires all-weather capability, carlike handling and an upscale cabin with plenty of cargo space. With the proliferation of crossover SUV offerings in recent years, however, there are numerous competing models that boast similar strengths along with better overall performance, particularly compared to the base 3.2-liter engine. We'd recommend taking a good look at what the market has to offer before you ante up for the current XC70, though those who ultimately go with the Volvo likely won't be disappointed.

Used Volvo XC70 Models

The present XC70 debuted in 2008. The most notable change since then has been the arrival of the T6 model with its turbocharged 3.0-liter engine; for 2008, the XC70 was available only with the base 3.2-liter inline-6.

The XC70 debuted in 1998 as the "V70 Cross Country" (XC for short) an upgraded trim level for the V70 wagon. With its advanced safety features (including side airbags from its inception), capacious interior, all-wheel-drive utility and trendy SUV looks, this endearingly boxy people mover quickly became a strong seller. Powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine, the first-generation V70 XC was rated at 190 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque -- adequate in its day, but not exactly scintillating. Many buyers probably weren't even aware that the V70 XC came standard with skid plates, one of the few examples of genuine off-road equipment on this "SUW."

In 2001, the second-generation V70 XC was introduced. Like its V70 sibling, the new V70 XC sported a sleeker shape and a new platform shared with the first-generation S80 sedan, as well as a striking interior layout largely borrowed from the S60 sedan. In 2002, Volvo changed business tactics, dropping the "V70" from the car's title and marketing it separately from the V70 line as the Volvo XC. In 2003, the "70" designation returned, giving us the first official Volvo XC70.

Second-generation cars could be equipped with a navigation system for the first time. The 2.4-liter engine was tweaked to produce 197 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, yielding satisfactory if not thrilling performance. In 2003, the 2.4-liter mill was replaced by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that pumped out 208 hp and a healthy 236 lb-ft of torque, which made the XC70 feel rather quick. Rear-seat room was improved over the rather cramped first-generation car, though we still weren't overly impressed, and a third-row seat was available in every model year except 2007. Other available features included adjustable rear seats, four-zone climate control and a DVD entertainment system with front headrest-mounted TV screens.

Well-optioned second-generation XC70s were pricey in their day, but depreciation has helped matters somewhat. Still, the European and premium status of Volvos frequently translates to an expensive repair bill, should you run into problems. Those looking for a used Volvo XC70 should consider a certified pre-owned car or one that still has the factory warranty. If you care about performance, 2003 and later XC70s are the logical choice, as they offer a useful 26 extra lb-ft of torque as well as 11 more hp. Otherwise, you won't be missing much if you go with the 2001 or 2002 model.