Our 1999 V70GLT has side airbags. I think they became standard on at least the GLTs in 1996 or 1997. Be careful in that SIPS does not mean side airbags. Rather it refers to a reinforced steel bar system in the doors. Is stronger than one without, but is not an airbag. Our 1993 940 has SIPS, but no side bags.

I realy love our 1999 V70. Have driven the new ones and they are great, if not better. One low point are the stereo controls, really lousy. One nob is turned to get to each preset, instead of individual buttons. They must have tried to be like the BMW 700 series with that nonsense. I may be prejudice, but I still like the overall interior of the 98 to 2000 V70 better.

We have a new V70 2.5T with "premium" and "performance" packages. The ride is great and it scoots like a freightened cat when I press on the go pedal. It stops and turns and it is one comfortable car. It has 3 airbags for driver and passenger and also antiwhiplash (deformation spring loaded negative decelleration} seats in front.

We drove BMW 325 wagon before buying Volvo. Volvo is better overall design but BMW is great but too small.

We started out looking at plain piperacks V70 with no extras - almost as good - but the extras are worth the price. If you need to save money get the basic model.

We have had zero problems - but then everything is new, so time will tell.

We bought a 03 V70 T5 new last May. So far we have had zero problems or issues with the vehicle. On trips we have seen as high as 32 mpg (70-75 mph) and as low as 28 mpg (75-85 mph). In regular day to day go to work commute it averages 23 mpg. I do all routine maintance myself so far costs have been minimal. Climate control, brakes, and ride comfort are excellent. If I were to have a complaint it would be that due to the available horsepower it is toooooooo easy to exceed the posted speed limits....... This is one fast wagon..... I wonder how much faster a "V70R" is.

I bought a 2002 V70 2.4T new and so far have had no problems. Routine service costs have not been significant.

I really like the V70, it has a well thought out interior, handles good and is the perfect size for my needs. It's also loaded with safety equipment; front air bags, side airbags, side curtains, all speed traction control, anti lock breaks and more. And it's fast. The climate control system in this car is the best that I have ever had. As far as gas consumption goes, it's not what I would call an economy champ, but it gets better milage than any previous car that I have owned (I am satisfied with the mpg).

If you are buying used, Consumer Reports customer reliability survey shows the 2002 and 2003 model years are best. Also, based on the comments I have read in this forum, the all wheel drive model seems to have a problem, so you might do well to get the FWD.

Good luck.

I bought an 01 V70 new, and have had few problems. (so far) (knock on wood) The routine maintenance cost is higher than the 245, but the power and comfort are nice.

If you like the reliable RWD volvos, your best bet would be a '95 940 wagon, which comes with airbags in both sides and SIPS(side air bags) and ABS system.

They are much cheaper in price and more confortable than a 240 classic wagon, much cheaper to maintain than a FWD volvo, and just as reliable as the 240.
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'92 740, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay