Overview & Reviews

In years gone by, Volvos were known as boxy, square lumps -- reliable and safe, perhaps, but never styling trendsetters. The Swedes finally joined the styling parade in the late '90s with the introduction of the slightly more curvaceous Volvo C70. Available as a coupe or convertible, the two-door C70 shared much of its underlying hardware with the S70 sedan of the time. Detail improvements through the years -- including trim level and color changes, and minor engine upgrades with low- and high-output turbo options -- kept the first-generation C70 fresh enough for its relatively low volume of customers.

A fully redesigned Volvo C70 debuted for 2006, and it was a whole new ball game. Rather than offering separate coupe and convertible models, Volvo decided to join the herd again and offer a handsome new retractable hardtop that opens and closes at the touch of a button. Fortunately, the attractive shape of the first C70 has largely carried over to the second. The C70 is no sports car, but it should appeal to those who want style and comfort in a luxury convertible.

Current Volvo C70
The 2012 Volvo C70 is a four-passenger luxury convertible with a retractable hardtop. It comes in a single trim level. Standard highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, HD radio, an iPod/USB audio interface and an auxiliary audio jack. A couple of option packages are available that add items such as rear parking sensors, keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system, an upgraded audio system, heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and adaptive bi-xenon headlights.

The Volvo C70 is based on the same platform used for the recently discontinued compact S40 sedan and V50 wagon. For power, the C70 relies on a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine developing 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic with manual shift control. When the C70's steel roof is up, it gives the car coupelike styling, added rigidity and better noise isolation than a soft top. When the roof is powered down, the C70's dual-hinged trunk lid opens in a reverse motion and the roof pieces arc backward and stack inside the trunk. Overall, the process is seamless and takes about 30 seconds to complete.

Though acceleration is certainly not blistering, the turbocharged engine provides enough low-end torque to get the C70 moving briskly from a stop and to allow easy passing and merging at highway speeds. If you're looking for sports car handling you're bound to be disappointed, as the steering feels a bit numb and the suspension allows a good deal of body roll when pushing the car hard on a curvy stretch of asphalt. However, most convertible shoppers will likely find the C70 to be a pleasant experience, as it feels solid and provides a compliant ride over the bumps and ruts. With the top up, the cabin is luxury car quiet, and the breeze is well-controlled with the top down.

Our editors agree that consumers interested in a comfortable four-passenger convertible should take a close look at the Volvo C70 T5. Though it may not be quite as fun to drive as its European and Japanese competitors, a strong case can still be made for the C70 given its attractive design, lower price, long list of safety equipment and comfortable ergonomics.

Used Volvo C70 Models
The present second-generation C70 debuted in 2006. Notable changes since then include a slight power bump in '08 from 218 hp to 227. Prior to '09, Bluetooth was unavailable, and the C70's optional navigation system was not hard-drive-based and lacked some of the current system's features. Volvo also offered a six-speed manual transmission from 2006-'10.

The first-generation C70 appeared in 1998 as part of Volvo's effort to polish its brand image with a bit of style and desirability. Two models, a two-door coupe and a two-door convertible with a traditional soft top, were initially available. This first C70 was comfortable and competent, with attractive and elegant styling, but we found its uninspiring underpinnings made it a rather bland car to drive, particularly in comparison to hotter European coupes or convertibles. For power, Volvo installed either a 236-hp turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine or a less powerful 190-hp version.

Minor equipment changes carried the Volvo C70 through its first few years. The 190-hp engine was originally available on the coupe but then dropped in 2001. The high-output engine wasn't available on the convertible until 2000. In 2003, Volvo discontinued the C70 coupe; convertible production ended after 2004. At the time, we found the C70 to be generally desirable, though its dated underpinnings put it at an increasing disadvantage against fresher competitors as the years went on, especially in terms of handling performance.

User Reviews:

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  Volvo C70 - 2007 Volvo C70
  By ADM - May 6 - 3:46 am

  This is my second Volvo C70. I really enjoy the hardtop and the Dynaudio system. I have had to bring the car back to the dealer numerous times for the same two issues. The front windows were not going all the way up when the doors closed. It took five tries before they fixed this issue. The other issue is the full spare tire. Every time I hit a bump of any type in the road the tires rattles around in the trunk. Volvo has looked at this issue at least 5 times and still cant figure out a way to stop it. They are looking into a foam base for it to sit on. They believe it might be a recall issue down the road.

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  Worth the wait - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Classic55 - April 18 - 12:53 pm

  This car is fun to drive fun to look at even with the top up.

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  Beautiful Car Inside and Out - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Magic BlueOne - March 22 - 11:00 am

  First off, I enjoy just looking at my C70, it is a beautiful car. Its handling, breaking and acceleration are all capable, so for my intended purpose of top down cruising it is a pleasure. For the reality as a daily driven commuter work horse the Northeast its proved both comfortable and reliable, and the hard top is a necessity. Its a sedan when I need it, a convertible when I want it. Nice job Volvo.

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  1972ChevelleMalibu checking in new pass - 2003 Volvo C70
  By TopDown - March 19 - 7:16 am

  20,500 miles. Not driving as much as I should! Everything on the car is in excellent condition. The only weird thing that happens is sometimes the windshield wipers stop without being all the way down while cleaning. Top is showing some mild discoloration on the flex spots, but I also use the top as much as possible (any day over 60 degrees) in New England. Car is superb on the highway. Cruises at any speed with control. Highly recommended as a used car (providing no accidents, etc). You get a huge discount off of new, yet car is 90% the same if well taken care of. Would buy again.

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  Good looking Lemon - 2001 Volvo C70
  By alltaurus - March 9 - 5:03 pm

  Horrible suspension causes breaks and leaks. No turn radius. Its a beautiful car that is fun to ride, but too many trips to the dealership for a high priced luxury vehicle.

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  Best convertible for the money - 2008 Volvo C70
  By LovethisCar - February 22 - 4:23 pm

  I looked at all the convertibles. This car is $10,000 less than the BMW 335i but has much better safety,rear leg room, and I think exterior styling. The engine is smaller than the BMW but is more than adequate for driving anywhere but the autobaun. I have had strangers come up and ask me to put the top up or down. It turns heads in parking lots. This is pure fun and large enough to truly seat 4 people.I get 19-20 MPG around town.

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  what a coupe !!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Volvo C70
  By dchase - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my C70 in January (about 4 months ago). I am an avid coupe driver, having owned BMW, Mercedes, and Jaguar, all in coupe variants. The C70 is a power house. 236 hp, awesome brakes, tight steering, and a killer sound system to boot! I traveled a little out of the way to get the car from Volvo of Fort Washington, one of the best dealerships I have ever experienced, and a very compassionate and fair sales person named Dory Chaefsky. This car is amazing, and definitely worth looking into !!!!!!!!

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  My C. - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Jasta - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, as Volvos are known for, but exceedingly pleasureable to drive when compared to other sport cars. My C is also very roomy, especially compared to the Jag I was thinking of buying. Lots of shoulder room and very comfortable. For the same price, one must squeeze themselves into a BMW or Benz of lesser beauty, performance, and comfort.

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  Good Looker....high maintenance - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Paul Hr - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had 5 Volvos and this is definitely the best looking and the least reliable of the lot. I have had great service and free loaners from the dealer, but have had some problems with the air conditioning system and the top especially. Everything else has been within reason. I also have had the "slow seat" problem, and a seat that failed when in the fully forward position, which necessitated towing. I must say though I have talked about trading it in for a new solara convertable or the new saab, but once they roll up the car when i come to pick it up I change my mind....it is a lot of fun especially here in south florida.

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  Exactly what I was looking for - 2000 Volvo C70
  By Randolphus Maximus - January 3 - 10:00 am

  My previous auto was a Toyota which finally died on me after 10 years. The Volvo feels even more solidly put together than the Toyota did. I do a lot of commuting miles and the leather interior is extremely quiet. The seats are extraordinary in their comfort and adjust every which way. Finally, the car is distinctive. It doesnt look like a BMW or a Mercedes but it definitely turns heads.