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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  Yippee - 2010 Volvo C70
  By thirdwiley - May 31 - 5:50 am

  From its Pinifarina inspired design to its Volvo safety and solidity; this is a great car. After 5 months it is still free of squeaks and rattles. Road and wind noise are minimal at top-up speeds up to 85 mph and top-down up to 65 mph. I average 21 mpg at 25 mph and 26 mpg at 65 mph. The Edmunds review software forced me to select a Manual transmission; it only comes in automatic but the transmission works great.

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  Very nice car! - 2008 Volvo C70
  By 2007 Volvo C70 T5 2d - May 28 - 10:33 pm

  After test driving the BMW convertible, this Volvo became an easy choice. Better looks, perfect sound system (please get the upgrade) and best of all has more airbags than I can count. The seats are very comfortable, the interior is nice and easy to use buttons, I also got the Climate package, 6 mo free Sirius, 1 year free maintenance and best of all $10K of the sticker price. All I need now is some sun. Enjoy your purchase.

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  My Fun Car - 2001 Volvo C70
  By Errigal - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This was my first fun car and convertible and I have no regrets!!! This is truly a classy, elegant, sexy and sporty vehicle that also provides Volvo safety and practicality. My job involves regional travel and this baby has been a blast to drive with the top down. I am not the best driver of mountain roads but with this car I am confident. It just whips around those mountain curves and hugs the road while the wind whips through your hair and the music plays on one of the best sound systems. If you are shy and dont want to be noticed wherever you go, dont buy this car....otherwise, go for it!!!!

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  Midlife Crisis - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Philliptsr - April 11 - 2:00 am

  After buying I remember why I want a convertable again. The comfort and handling is just what was needed to allow me to again enjoy the open air and the looks that go with driving topless. The road performance and gas mileage for the car is a pleasant suprise. I live outside of town and commute 29 miles each way through traffic and still average 27.2 MPG.

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  best overall midsized convertable - 2004 Volvo C70
  By B.Combs - March 26 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle replaced a merz 560sl.Which was the 6th merz I had owned.I drove and checked out all midsized convertables on the market and found this car to be the best overall one on the market. The turbo is a must as the car without the turbo is too slugish.The safety features of the Volvo are well known for years but the style was always like a box.This model is very sleek and eye catching.The performance is excellant and the highest when facturing in the price. This car has gotten more comments than any of my mercedes and I love the car.

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  New Toy - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Dennis - February 16 - 6:33 pm

  I have only had this car a few weeks and it has exceeded my expectations, Fun to drive, love the hard top convertible. It wont mess your hair. I upgraded the sound to the dyna system and I was literally blown away, I have owned BMWs, Audi and Acura. This is the most fun I have had. I hope I am as thrilled a year from now. Only complaint is not enough accessory outlets, one for my gps and one for my cell. They have to share!

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  Unique class, sporty & affordable. - 2000 Volvo C70
  By Imamechanic - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I thought I would buy a wagon but fell in love with the C70. Outstanding value as a used car, and sheer silky pleasure to drive anytime, anywhere. It does everything well and has the Volvo safety and reliability to back it up. Note: I had a small problem with the electronic throttle, but the dealer has been unbelieveably fast and great to deal with - even for warranty work. Putnam Volvo, Burlingame CA. Ask for Raphael.

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  Best convertible for the money! - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Constantine - December 27 - 7:10 pm

  After driving the competition the 2008 C70 was a no brainer. Lots of power, beautiful design in and out, the best seats ever (even by Volvo standards) and best of all I can have two car seats in the back (infant and forward facing) with lots of room to spare. I got the upgraded sound system which is amazing and worth every dollar, the climate package which keeps me warm in the morning and free Sirius radio for 6 months. What will amaze you is how big the trunk is with and without the roof in it, how smooth the transmission is how elegant the interior is and how many storage compartments they put in this car. Bravo Volvo!

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  Slacks to shorts with a push of a button - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Jerry - December 22 - 12:23 am

  The summer days in Northern California are perfect for top-down driving in the mornings and evenings. The coupe incarnation of the C70 is quiet and comfortable and you do forget that the car is also a convertible. This car is indeed roomy enough for four adults and by packing light we were able to accommodate overnight luggage for four in the reduced trunk space of the convertable mode. The three-piece retractable roof is definitely an eye- popping piece of engineering. The C70 is fun to drive and fun for passengers. Two favorite moments were driving top-down over the Golden Gate Bridge with friends, and taking a quiet evening drive along the Silverado Trail of the Napa Valley.

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  Awesome Car! - 2004 Volvo C70
  By ralpha - December 6 - 10:00 am

  There are 4 convertibles in the near- luxury class that all sell for about the same dollars: SAAB 9-3, BMW 3series, Audi A4, and the Volvo C70. Dont buy any of these cars without first checking out the Volvo! Ive had mine for 4 days now. It is the nicest car Ive ever driven! Even though mine is the lpt, it has plenty of giddy-up. Gives a nice smooth ride; softer than the 9-3 or the A4. Handles wonderfully. All the goodies (leather, CD player, heated seats, alarm, etc) come standard. The seats are especially confortable. I know this is a nice car because my wife and my 2 sons (18 and 23) all want to drive it!