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:

• 

  Wonderful car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Todd - December 31 - 10:16 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 2 years now and love it. Its comfortable, fun to drive and gets looks everywhere I go.

• 

  Not worth the money - 2007 Volvo C70
  By FLRabbit - December 28 - 8:33 am

  This car has been a maintenance nightmare. Ive had to fix things on this car Ive never had to think about on any other car, and parts and labor are a fortune. Volvo closed the dealership where I bought it so now I have to drive an hour each way to get service. Not that they care, because you often have to keep going back before they admit to or find the problem. This car is fun to drive when its in shape, but unfortunately thats almost never. It goes through tires like a big dog goes through bones. You get weird little rattles and shimmies everywhere (that Volvo will blame on road conditions) and random things breaking that cost hundreds of dollars to fix. Not worth it at all.

• 

  2006 C70 - 2006 Volvo C70
  By STEVE - December 4 - 5:00 pm

  This is then bestr car I have owned. Powerful easy to drive, responsive to road conditions. top down is easy

• 

  2 Summers of Fun - 2004 Volvo C70
  By jipsu1988 - October 31 - 10:36 am

  2nd review, sold the car after 2 great summers. Great ownership experience with no mechanical problems at all. Always looked great/unique, the 2 kids had lots of room in back. Smooth Georgia roads with turns brought out the best of this car. Interior comfort and quality were great (unlike some others experience). Not a firm, sporty drive (like BMW and Audi A4) but a fine GT cruiser. Avg 23 mpg in mixed driving, 28 on highway. Extended warranty if youre buying used may be required w/reference to others mech problems. I would stay away if you live in a city with rough roads. If you can find one used at low-mid 20s it should still be worth 15K in 3 more years. Good fun for not much coin!

• 

  Unique and Beautiful - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Pete - October 21 - 11:53 pm

  Excellent exterior and interior styling; interior is understated and straightforward with intuitive controls. Trunk and backseat are both surprisingly roomy (best in class) for a retractable hardtop. Roof function is smooth and quick. Low-end torque is a little weak, but the turbo makes for a zippy little passer once it is underway. Fuel economy is great. This car is a well- kept secret, making it pretty unique.

• 

  My First Volvo - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Dan Tetirick - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Having last purchased a new vehicle in 1993, I made a decision earlier in the year it was time to re-enter the new car market. After a month of vehicle research, test drives, etc., I had narrowed my choice down to either a Toyota 4Runner or a Volvo XC90 but when it came to signing on the dotted line I just could not suppress the attraction I had developed for the C70. It am so delighted I purchased this vehicle and I have absolutely no buyers remorse in doing so. The C70 drives like a dream, hugs the asphalt, and has plenty of pep. (My vehicle has the larger turbo engine.)

• 

  Way behind the Technology - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Steve - August 7 - 11:00 am

  The looks are great, inside and out. Ride is comfortable, especially the highway driving I do. Handling is a little mushy. The car is quiet as a hardtop, top up, not bad, top down. Seats are incredibly comfortable and definitely recommend the sovereign leather. Technology is embarrassing. The Navigation is like a built is Garmin. The phone is HORRID; very few phones are compatible, and any time I have tried to upgrade phone software, wont sync to the phone book. The other problems are the gas pedal is 1-2 inches lower than the brake pedal, which is awkward, and the Climate Control is weak. After 6 months, Im going to see if I can trade it if I can do it without losing too much money

• 

  a great first convertible - 2001 Volvo C70
  By tonyo - July 27 - 10:00 am

  The only problem that should be looked into by volvo is the decision to put Pirelli tires on the vehicle. They were defective from day one and nobody did anything to help. At 1 year, I replaced all 4 tires. They rode hard and wore out fast. Other than that, this car is a keeper.

• 

  nice looking but unreliable - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Ellen San Diego - July 21 - 12:46 pm

  The car was good the first two years, but then things started going wrong and wrong and wrong. Dealer could not fix recurring problem with starting. Needed to always carry all three keys because you never knew which one would start it. Funny smell that dealer could never locate. It is my fourth and last Volvo.

• 

  Volvo C70, A Wonderful and Safe Car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Nancie - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the C70 for the past three years has been the best. I enjoy just finding an excuse to get in it and go somewhere. Long trips are smooth and comfortable. Short trips are fun and sporty. The first year I had my C70, not one day went by without someone complimenting me on my Volvo C70. Its been a great car and has added many happy trips for my family.