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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  Grand wedding over, marriage begins - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Paulvo - July 16 - 10:43 am

  I thought I was getting a sporty, luxurious convertible; after 2500 miles, its just a reliable Swedish 4- seater hardtop convertible; Sporty- car is too heavy & the suspension is like my old mans ‘92 Buick Park Avenue; acceleration- good; cornering not tight; steering- too loose; also, it looks sporty for a Volvo, but come on, consider your baseline; Luxury- nice overall amenities, but there’s room for improvement (see comments below; also, no sunglass case, for $48K?!); Convertible- definitely an attractive European hardtop convertible with a unique 4 seater feature (it won’t be for long– BMW’s version launches in 07); no buyer’s remorse (yet), but I’m not sure I would repeat my choice

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  An Amazing Hard Top Convertible! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By dave_justdave - June 18 - 11:01 pm

  This car is absolutely the most fun to drive of all of the cars I have ever owned. The leather seats are incredibly comfortable, the engine and transmission are very responsive, handling is excellent and you can cruise with the top down knowing that if there is a chance of rain, you can pull over and have the hard top up in 30 seconds with the push of a button. I love the handling, love the interior space - one of the best convertibles on the market still today!

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  Second time a charm - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Rob - June 14 - 7:30 pm

  I have owned both the 02/LT and the current 2004/HT C70. The 2002 had a "bad" rattle in the back right 1/4 panel and after Volvo could not fix it I traded it in for the 2004. both cars ran well and I love the HT and the mileage is equal to the LT. We get compliments daily and I drive the car 12 months in New England. dont like the CD changer or the difficult method to move the seats up to let a person in the back. Great "empty nester car" and long trips are like sitting in a lounge chair at home.

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  Perfect All Weather Convertible - 2010 Volvo C70
  By KW - May 31 - 1:20 am

  I purchased the C70 after trading in my XC90. I have never owned a convertible but am enjoying the all weather hardtop. With the top down, this Volvo is really quiet, even at highway speeds. The wind is controlled with the windscreen and the car is really an exciting ride. I have had the car for over a month now and feel the build quality is solid, so far no rattles or noises from the roof. The space in the trunk is great, even with the top down and 4 "adults" can ride in comfort. Overall, I am really happy with my purchase and would recommend this convertible for anyone looking for a spacious, fast, comfortable hardtop convertible.

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  This IS what its like to love your car! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By BDKFONT - May 20 - 4:06 pm

  Top up or down this car is quiet even without the windblocker! The ride is better than the two V6s I have owned in the last 7 years. The center console panel is every gadget persons best friend!! This is just a WOW car, the lines, the comfort, the style (top up OR down) it is incredible! The back seat is "cushy" (as my 7 y/o son puts it) and the trunk space is substantial even with the top down. Try it, you will love it!

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  BOM BOM POW! - 2009 Volvo C70
  By MYVOLVOC70 - May 20 - 12:13 am

  I am a loyal Volvo customer and have owned a Volvo since 2001. My latest purchase exceeds my expectation. The car has a well thought out design both inside and out. The "tranformer" like hardtop puts on a fun show. My car is smooth as silk. And the bass on the audio is awesome. The turbo has a nice punch and you can pick up speed pretty well, but I dont think I will be drag racing this car. The room in this car for a convertible is surprising and even my over 6ft men in my life have leg room. The safety features that Volvo has included along with that smooth ride makes you feel safe and secure even with the top down.

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  Volvo C70 - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Elaine - May 15 - 11:33 pm

  I have 2000 miles on my car and I have already had the cable in the convertible top replaced, the A/C compressor replaced and I am waiting for a new fuel pump to arrive. The headliner, which was damaged when the cable broke will be replaced in the Fall. Needless to say, I am not thrilled.

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  "La Negrita" - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Gilgamesh - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Volvo (the S40 2000 was my first) and I love this black beauty! I enjoy the tight handling and the superior excelation (a little turbo- lag would have prefered a super- charger). The looks and comments I get on her are amazing. Everytime I go into Manhattan and park her the attendants always ask how she drives and that it is the best looking coupe on the planet. Needless to say its a "chick-magnet" and thats a good thing! My sound system is the high end version and Ive added XM Satelite Radion to the mix!

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  Nice vehicle but Broken already - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Duner - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a C70 for the wife. Chassis roll is significant as is cowl shudder , Exterior Design is really nice , interior is good, Volvo missed with the 3 CD insert tray and interior Door handles can pinch your fingers when opening the door, electric seats are slow. automatic roof is very nice, prologic stereo is nice as well. Overall the vehicle is a very roomy and sporty Convertible. Engine drone of 5 cylinder is rather annoying under acceleration, plenty of HP . large gas tank . 500 miles and the power steering is making its death nell sounds, Brakes seem to nearly touch the floor. But the vehicle does stop.

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  bravo, Volvo - 2009 Volvo C70
  By seye - April 29 - 4:46 pm

  Purchased my black C70 in August. My initial impressions are great. I wasnt expecting Vette performance, so acceleration/ handling are adequate. No shudders/creeks in the body top up or down. Exterior design is beautiful- by far the most attractive Volvo. Interior also designed well-- drivers seat is comfortable and very adjustable. Chose standard sound system and I am pleasantly suprised by the acoustics. Both the iPod and Bluetooth interface are awesome. Some of the interior bits and surfaces could be of a higher quality (dash, wheel, door trim). The key is cumbersome, and I wish Id opted for keyless with this car. Overall, I love the versatility and design.