Saturn SW vs Volvo V70

The Saturn SW is more fuel-efficient at 27 MPG combined, against 21 MPG for the Volvo V70. At EPA assumptions that is about $1,400 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)

Side by side

	Saturn SW	Volvo V70
Complaints (NHTSA)	31	242
Most reported problem	Cruise control	Brakes
Crashes and fires	4 and 1	20 and 9
Typical mileage at complaint	118,000 miles	79,000 miles
Recalls	0	5
Fuel economy, combined	27 MPG	21 MPG
City and highway	24 and 34	18 and 26
Yearly fuel cost (EPA)	$2,500	$3,900

What the numbers say

NHTSA has 31 complaints for the Saturn SW and 242 for the Volvo V70. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.

Safety recalls on file: 0 for the Saturn SW, 5 for the Volvo V70.

Work out the fuel cost of each on your own mileage