Celebrating Seven Decades of Volvo Wagons in America: A Drive Through Iconic “Longroofs”
For ten years, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in the automotive world, from the humblest of commuters to th
e most exotic supercars. Yet, there’s a particular segment that has always held a special place in my heart, a segment where practicality elegantly dances with performance and safety is not an afterthought, but the very foundation: the Volvo station wagon. This year, a significant milestone has arrived – Volvo Cars of North America marks its 70th anniversary. To commemorate this occasion, I was granted an extraordinary opportunity: to get behind the wheel of some of the most significant and beloved Volvo “longroofs” ever to grace American roads, a journey I undertook at their design studio in Camarillo, California.
Volvo, a brand synonymous with Scandinavian design, unwavering safety, and of course, its distinctive station wagons, first planted its roots in the United States in August 1955. While the Swedish automaker, born in Gothenburg in 1927, has offered a diverse range of sedans and SUVs, it’s their wagon lineage that has consistently captured the imagination of enthusiasts, myself included. Until recently, my personal experience with Volvo wagons was limited to models newer than 2017. This 70th-anniversary event provided a unique bridge, connecting me to the very models that sculpted the brand’s enduring reputation for robust, family-friendly vehicles with a surprising amount of character and, at times, outright sportiness.
The Foundation of Fortitude: The 1982 Volvo 245 GLT Turbo
The narrative of Volvo’s legendary safety began even before the 240 series, with the introduction of the three-point seatbelt in 1959 – a revolutionary invention credited with saving countless lives annually in America. However, it was the robust 200 series that truly cemented Volvo’s safety credentials. These vehicles were engineered with an uncompromising focus on crashworthiness, so much so that the U.S. government utilized the 240 as a benchmark for evaluating new car safety. But Volvo’s commitment to safety never meant sacrificing all semblance of spirit. The turbocharged variant of the 245, introduced in 1981, was boldly proclaimed as one of the world’s fastest station wagons.
Stepping into the 1982 Volvo 245 GLT Turbo I drove, it’s crucial to understand that “speed” in this context is relative to its era. While by today’s standards its performance is modest – a 2.1-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing a mere 130 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of 9.6 seconds – the experience transcends mere numbers. This car is a genuine time capsule. The interior, adorned in a harmonious blend of burgundy and tan, exuded the comforting aroma of aged plastics, a scent as evocative as that of well-worn books. The steering wheel, vast and commanding, felt as if it belonged on a semi-truck, offering minimal feedback. Similar to some focused sports cars of a different ilk, the steering column lacked adjustability. On the road, the 245 GLT Turbo exhibits a characteristically soft and occasionally vocal ride, yet its panoramic outward visibility is nothing short of spectacular, rendering modern-day backup cameras and blind-spot monitoring systems almost superfluous. It’s a testament to a design philosophy that prioritized the driver’s awareness of their surroundings.
Unleashing the Beast: The Legendary 1995 Volvo 850 T-5R Wagon
By the mid-1990s, Volvo had significantly recalibrated its definition of a fast wagon. The limited-production 850 T-5R wagon, a car that captured the imagination of many, was widely regarded as the pinnacle of performance for a front-wheel-drive wagon of its time. Powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter five-cylinder engine, it churned out a substantial 240 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, capable of launching the wagon to 60 mph in a brisk 6.7 seconds, as documented by Car and Driver. The specific “Cream Yellow” example I piloted was one of a mere 49 units imported into the United States, joining siblings in “Black Stone” and “Olive Pearl.” Beyond its aggressive stance, accentuated by a roofline-extending spoiler, I was equally impressed by thoughtful touches like the integrated child booster seat that folded discreetly from the middle of the rear bench. For those needing even more seating, a pair of rear-facing jump seats in the cargo area brought the total passenger capacity to seven.
The true character of the T-5R is awakened by activating its Sport mode, a subtle button tucked away on the center console, adjacent to the substantial gear shifter. Finding a quiet stretch of asphalt, I initiated a launch from a standstill. The immediate response was a delightful surge of torque steer, accompanied by a jubilant squeal from the 205/45R-17 Pirelli P Zero front tires. The 17-inch, five-spoke wheels were a visual highlight, perfectly complementing the car’s purposeful stance. While the ride was decidedly firm and body control, by modern standards, could be described as somewhat loose, the distinctive five-cylinder engine delivered a hearty soundtrack and satisfying turbo whooshes. Volvo’s foresight in incorporating sporty interior elements, such as the faux-suede inserts on the door panels and seats, was commendable and ahead of its time. This 850 T-5R wagon is a prime example of how Volvo blended performance aspirations with its inherent practicality, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item for many performance wagon enthusiasts.
The Rugged Sophisticate: The 1999 Volvo V70 Cross Country
The successor to the acclaimed 850 wagon, the V70, arrived for the 1997 model year, ushering in the era of the all-wheel-drive variant that would give birth to the Cross Country (XC) series – a designation that continues to define a significant portion of Volvo’s current lineup. The original V70 XC established iconic design cues: rugged body cladding and a subtly elevated ride height, all contributing to an adventurous aesthetic. Coupled with standard all-wheel-drive, the V70 XC featured taller tires and a revised suspension with increased travel, enhancing its all-weather and light-off-road capabilities. Much like its predecessor, the V70 retained the versatility of rear-facing seats in the cargo area, a feature that resonated with families. Personal highlights included the reversible cargo mat, offering carpeted comfort on one side and a waterproof surface ideal for muddy gear on the other, and the clever ceiling-mounted barrier that could be deployed to separate pets from children in the rear.
The V70 XC truly embodies the Volvo ethos: a stylish station wagon that offers exceptional comfort and capability. While it’s not intended for extreme off-roading, its enhanced ground clearance instilled a subconscious sense of confidence for navigating varied terrains. The interior reflected the luxury-adjacent standards of its time, easily mistaken for more overtly premium offerings. If there’s one aspect where Volvo has consistently excelled, it’s in the realm of seating comfort. Even after experiencing the classic V70 XC, my time in modern Volvos like the V90 Cross Country reinforces the notion that Volvo still reigns supreme in this critical area, a key differentiator for comfortable family SUVs and wagons alike. Powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the V70 XC provided ample motivation and a pleasing exhaust note. While its steering felt somewhat detached during spirited driving, it offered a secure and composed experience during more relaxed cruising. Having previously owned a Subaru Outback Legacy from a similar era, I can attest that the Volvo V70 XC offered a demonstrably superior blend of refinement and utility, making it a standout choice for all-wheel-drive wagons.
The Unsung Hero of Performance: The 2015 Volvo V60 Polestar
Long before Polestar emerged as a distinct brand focused on electrified performance, it served as Volvo’s dedicated racing and performance tuning arm. The V60 Polestar wagon, along with its S60 sedan counterpart, was a direct result of this potent collaboration. These performance-oriented models were produced in extremely limited numbers. For the inaugural 2015 model year, Volvo allocated a mere 120 units to the U.S. market, split between 80 wagons and 40 sedans. Identifiable by subtle Polestar badging, aggressive 20-inch wheels, and often a striking Rebel Blue paint scheme (though Black was also available), these V60s were true performance machines. The initial two model years featured a robust 345-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. Later iterations transitioned to a potent 2.0-liter four-cylinder with both turbocharging and supercharging (producing 362 hp) and an eight-speed automatic. The V60 Polestar I had the pleasure of driving was equipped with the former, legendary inline-six powertrain.
The first-generation V60 Polestar wagon holds a special place in my automotive pantheon, a status it earned even before I had the chance to drive one. Fortunately, this encounter with an automotive hero did not disappoint; it was, in a word, exhilarating. This car offers a driving experience that rivals, and in some aspects surpasses, many contemporary hot hatches lacking a performance pedigree. The steering precision of the Polestar is particularly noteworthy, outshining even the newer plug-in hybrid V60 Polestar Engineered in terms of directness and feedback. The driving position is near perfect, though the infotainment system feels dated by today’s standards, and the paddle shifters possess a somewhat plasticky feel. However, the true magic lies in engaging the shifter’s “S” mode – a far more intuitive approach than navigating multiple drive mode menus. This mode unleashes the full auditory character of the Volvo’s engine, opening exhaust baffles to reveal a sonorous growl, underscored by the thrilling sound of the turbo’s blow-off valve. The surge of torque is immediate and substantial, powerful enough to even trigger the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) warning on the windshield – a classic Volvo safety reminder in the midst of spirited driving. The vibrant blue paint is simply spectacular, and its exterior styling offers a refreshing contrast to many modern performance cars adorned with excessive wings and gaping intakes. In fact, the only vehicle I drove this year that I would place above the V60 Polestar was the original Acura NSX – a testament to the V60 Polestar’s exceptional performance envelope. For those seeking performance Volvo wagons and luxury performance SUVs, this model represents a significant benchmark.
A Legacy of Innovation and Enduring Appeal
As Volvo celebrates 70 years of its presence in the United States, this deep dive into some of its most iconic “longroofs” reveals a consistent thread of innovation, safety, and a unique blend of practicality and driver engagement. From the unshakeable safety of the 245 GLT Turbo to the surprising ferocity of the 850 T-5R, the rugged versatility of the V70 Cross Country, and the outright exhilaration of the V60 Polestar, these vehicles have not only served as reliable family transporters but have also cultivated a passionate following among driving enthusiasts. The enduring appeal of Volvo wagons lies in their ability to transcend the ordinary, offering a compelling choice for those who demand more from their vehicles. The brand’s commitment to safety, design, and a continuously evolving understanding of performance ensures that its legacy in the American automotive landscape is secure and will undoubtedly continue for decades to come, especially as they increasingly focus on electric Volvo wagons and hybrid Volvo SUVs.
If this journey through Volvo’s legendary station wagon history has ignited your interest in experiencing these remarkable vehicles firsthand, whether you’re in the market for a used Volvo wagon near me or curious about the latest new Volvo SUV models, the next step is clear. Explore the Volvo lineup today, and discover a legacy of automotive excellence that continues to redefine practical luxury and performance.
