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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  Would buy again! - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Liz - March 6 - 11:23 pm

  Spacious, comfortable convertible. Best convertible to accommodate tall driver and has the most room in back seat for passengers vs others. Power top fabulous. Well placed controls. This car is in addition to my Corvette when we needed room for three. Sporty, yet functional. Reasonable gas economy. Good mechanically. Very reliable. Dealers supply loaner. Very fair pricing for a fun car! Only recommend HT convertible with the higher HP and would even like more power, of course!

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  Designed for ME and Family! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By MNMS - March 1 - 7:16 am

  Great Car! I looked at the BMW 330CI and Audi A4 and the C70 is by far the best! I have the car one week and heads are turning. Ride is smooth and tight, mileage great, and really is two cars in one. Top up or down looks great. No air noise when top down. No regrets!

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  Nice features but awkward interior - 2008 Volvo C70
  By djfunkywill - February 24 - 8:52 pm

  I replaced my Toyota Solara convertible with this Volvo C70. Despite similar horsepower, the Volvo seems to have quite a bit less pep. I bought this car because it is nice looking and Volvos reputation for safety and longevity. Now that Ive settled into the car, Ive noticed that the interior is much smaller than my previous car. Im an average size male and Ive got my seat quite far back. Even this seat setting, I notice that my knuckles bump my leg when I make a turn. I couldnt imagine transporting anyone other than a child in the rear. It seems cramped on the inside but I hope to get used to it.

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  Never again - 2006 Volvo C70
  By chris292 - February 15 - 7:55 am

  I have had this car for 5 years and it has 104k miles. First off, tires. This thing eats them. The best weve done is 20k miles, the worst was 10k. Ive put 6 sets on it, and we have them rotated and realigned every 4k miles. Brakes. These have been replaced 4 times so far. Other replacements include the nav (twice), alternator, motor mounts, suspension (entire thing) and several "fixes" to the top. The car is driven on regular public roads and we go slow over speed bumps. The seats have twice now decided to move backwards on their own while I was getting stuff out of the back seat. On both occasions I was stuck and had to have help to get out.

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  Outstanding Automobile! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Rexis - February 12 - 4:23 am

  I just bought my 2007 C70 this past September and the car is simply outstanding! The retractable hardtop-- the signature feature--is a marvel of engineering and truly makes this vehicle 100% versatile--a convertible when I want be sporty, a quiet riding coupe when the top is up, and a nice family car for the four of us on long or short outings. The car is sophisticated but subtle, not drawing unwanted attention and does not scream "mid-life crisis" but is instead a good balance of fun, fashion, performance, practicality, and pride. The engine has plenty of pickup, and the leather interior is luxurious and first-class. All in all, a great car and a real keeper for this enthusiastic owner!

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  2002 C70 Review - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Tempel Riekhof - January 10 - 1:40 am

  The C70 is very enjoyable to drive with the top down. Otherwise it is one of the least enjoyable cars we have owned. The suspension is too stiff for a convertible as that has led to numerous squeaks and rattles for which the dealer has no solution. One would never know it has power steering and the turning radius is far too wide. Trunk is negligible as is true with many convertibles. There is no indicator on the dash showing what gear you or in - just a small silly orange arrow pointing up if you are not in top gear. The parking light assembly simply fell out. Leather seats are showing significant wear after only about 30,000 miles. The mechanism for lowering the top works well.

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  Wouldnt buy another - 2001 Volvo C70
  By Get A Bimmer - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car instead of the BMW 3 series convertible and lived to regret it. I would never recommend a Volvo after the problems I had with the car. Additionally, the dealer lied on several points, and Volvo corporate did everything they could to avoid taking responsibility for their car with all its problems.

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  The C70 is awesome - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Jersey Girl - November 29 - 10:50 am

  The C70 handles beautiful and is fun to drive. I was very surprised at how large the trunk actually is. The interior is comfortable and quite. The blue tooth connection is also a great feature.

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  First ever Volvo - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Carolyn - November 24 - 8:26 am

  I have never had a volvo. I had a mercedes and this compares to my mercedes, only with a convertible. I have had no problems with the car at all and she is so much fun to drive, I get compliments just about ever where I go! I will have another one and wonder why I waited so long!

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  Unfortunate problem - 2006 Volvo C70
  By elaine morehouse - November 9 - 3:53 pm

  A week after receiving my car, a cable that pulls the headliner taunt while raising and lowering the top, sheared off. The dealership is having difficulty getting the part for replacement and Im still waiting after 11 days. Has anyone else had a similar problem?