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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  Charlie - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Charlie Belcher - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Great car. I was able to negotiate a very good price on the car. The dealer had much more room to negotiate than either Saab or BMW which were my other two choices. Of all the convertables we looked at only BMW was a better car and at way too much more money. The BMW ended up costing about $8500 more.

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  Never Again - 2002 Volvo C70
  By sldghmr - April 20 - 4:33 am

  Like everyone says, its fun to drive. Thats true. My wifes car and its been the biggest pain to own. We tell our friends that when you look at the car you do not see a single original part, its all been replaced under warranty. No kidding our stack of maintenance receipts looks like a magazine, a thick one. One day while driving I was passenger, the dash just snapped in half. Problem after problem. As I write, it is in the shop for a new fan and fan assembly which is on back order because they ran out. Symptom was smoke coming out of it, never a good symptom. Engine block is the only original under the hood. Its only safe because it rarely runs. But she loves it.

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  Perfect Ladies Convertible - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Shelly - April 18 - 6:20 am

  While not up to the performance of a BMW, this car is smooth as silk. Acceleration and handling in normal driving are very good. The hardtop works amazingly well. It is quiet with the top down. You can actually listen to music with the top down at 70 MPH or have a conversation. The seats are supportive and comfortable even for my husband at 62" and 230LBS. The car looks great with the top up and fantastic with the top down. No fooling around with a cloth top or boot. Sound system is quite good and I just have the standard one. I can listen to music with top down just fine. This is not a car for a sports car enthusiast, but for me going to the golf course and work it is just great.

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  a pleasure to drive - 2004 Volvo C70
  By bob rushing - April 16 - 9:03 am

  bought from a local dealer 26 months ago. pleasure to drive especially during the summer. have had more people than we can count compliment the look and style.

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  Best of both worlds - 2007 Volvo C70
  By JB - April 16 - 5:36 am

  I am coming off a Infiniti G35 Coupe. The Volvo is extremely well built. The car is "tight and it handles well. The best feature is the hard top convertible. In less than 30 seconds you go from coupe to convertible. Back seats are spacious for a 2 door car. Ample trunk space with top up, not bad with top down. No spare tire. No XM radio option. Standard radio is above average. Interior design is simple and clean.

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  When my wife lets me drive her C70... - 2002 Volvo C70
  By rpgorman1@aol.com - April 14 - 10:00 am

  When my wife lets me drive her C70 it can be day when I ejoy driving again. This is a great car. When yuo hit the turbo hold on. My usual commuter car is a 2000 BMW 528i but in comparison the Bimmer is just taking the family car to work. The C70 is just plain fun to drive.

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  YIP E - 2011 Volvo C70
  By thirdwiley - March 25 - 8:36 pm

  After one month, this is my favorite Volvo in initial quality and design. I have owned a 850 GLT and currently own an S80. The C70 is quieter at interstate speeds than my S80 and my wife and I feel like we are in a snug, safe, comfortable cocoon when driving. Its just plain fun to drive and we also like the head-turning effect.

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  Great car, so far - 2007 Volvo C70
  By rschleicher - February 22 - 2:06 pm

  Its only been a month or so, but my wife and I love our new C70. Great styling and design, great build quality, and zero initial problems. Sure the engine power is not earth- shaking, but its plenty adequate. The car handles well, brakes well, looks great, and has lots of distinctive touches. Retractable top is great, the Dynaudio sound is top-of-the-line, and you wont see yourself coming and going, due to the limited volume being built. It truly is two cars in one, and looks as good with the top up as down. Its not an all-out sports car, but rather its a heck of a stylish, fun, top up/down touring car. That said, it wont be embarrassed in the twisties. Oh yeah - its safe, too.

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  Stylish Annoyance - 2001 Volvo C70
  By sixtto - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive when the top is down. Otherwise back seat is useless and annoying to put anything in due to annoyingly slow motorized seats. Visibility out rear view mirror with top up is annoyingly non-existent. Mechanical problems have been annoying but fixed at no charge --recurring front end turning issue that goes away briefly only to annoyingly return. OPening window or door in rain gets car wet.

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  Falls Apart - 2000 Volvo C70
  By Burned by Volvo - February 10 - 7:40 am

  Like others here, my door panels fall off ($1000 each) switches fail, sunroof constantly comes loose from the frame, the leather seats have peeled and the cqar is a basic nightmare. The throttle body has also failed, steering arm...the list goes on and on despite taking great care of this lemon. Volvo has been no help what so ever despite agreeing that ALL of these are known problems with this disaster.