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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  great car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By GRZEL - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Driving for 25 years, and this is the first car that I LOVE to drive, top up, top down, local and highway. Commute to and from NYC daily, and find the car very comfortable, with lots of pep, great ride and tons of fun with the top down. Get lots of compliments on the looks, too. Cant wait to have somewhere to go.

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  Disappointing Beauty - 2001 Volvo C70
  By GregA - August 18 - 3:23 pm

  This is a beautiful automobile that will turn heads and is fun to ride around with the top down. However if it was not a convt. I would still not own it. I bought it used and got a great deal but if I bought off the lot at $43,000 list I would be very upset. I have had lots of small problems, cd player broken, leaks at window seals, bad wind noise with windows up, cowl shake, small engine issues, and the lights blow constantly. I am shocked to have these issues with a high priced Volvo. I would have gotten rid of this car by now if it was no for the fact that it is fun with the top down and you can actually get adults comfortably in the back.

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  Volvo C70 - 2004 Volvo C70
  By John Styslinger - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I was intent on buying a ragtop and the C-70 was my number 1 choice after driving a T bird, BMW, and Saab. The fact that you can fit 4 adults in it with no difficulty ( Im 62" ) was a huge plus. Unless you and your wife/husband are going out with Barbie and Ken, forget the BMW for about 6 grand more to boot,and the T Bird has no room for me even without a backseat.

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  Never Again - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Brian - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I was never more excited to get behind of the wheel of this car. Its sexy in black with a white interior. Although the inside isnt much to write home about, the outside catches eyes. Thats about it. In 3 years, its been in the shop countless times...broken AC, heat, another issue with the engine. The top has malfunctioned 3 times in the last 2 months...twice in the last week alone. Not what Id expect for the cost. Contacted corporate and they were nice to send out some rebate coupons if I wanted to buy more stuff from Volvo. yeah right. Its looking the brakes need to be replaced too after only 28K miles. Id rather have a KIA

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  Great car, but noisy? - 2006 Volvo C70
  By David Murphy - May 27 - 8:30 pm

  Love the C70-design,ride comfort, power. Agree that displays could be better. Mine however seems to be a noisy car. Maybe because I have not had a convertible in a long time. Heavy sounding rattles have been hard to isolate. Dealer replaced bearings on the struts. Recently seems to be noisy at the roof connections. Would not give it up but am a little disappointed at the noise.

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  Honey Can I Drive the C70? - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Simply Beautiful - May 12 - 3:10 am

  Simply a wonderful automobile... sedan by rainy day, dream car by sunny day! We love our 07 Volvo C70! Nice lines, better looking with the top down. Its an awesome car to drive. Compared it to the VW EOS and thought we would save money by getting the EOS. One drive in the C70, DynaSound, Premium Package and we were both sold! She loves it. I cant drive it enough! Moved from an S80 to the C70 and love the car. Get one!

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  Volvo C70 - 2007 Volvo C70
  By GB - May 11 - 1:56 am

  I have only had the vehicle for 7 weeks however I am very satisfied with the performance of the vehicle. The only downside thus far is the gas mileage. I have only been getting about 18 MPG in the city.

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  I love my new C70! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Ozefan - May 4 - 10:46 am

  The four months that it took for my C70 to arrive from Sweden were well worth it! Ive had the car for just over two months now and I absolutely love it. I have the manual, 6-speed. It handles extremely well, and is especially fun on curvy country roads. People stop and watch as the top goes up or down. Fuel economy is better than I expected. Its very comfortable - the bucket seat supports your back and a long road trip is conducted with ease and comfort. And there is genuine room for 2 passengers in the rear seats. Adequate trunk space.

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  Best in Class - 2004 Volvo C70
  By pbgeneraluse - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Tested Audi A4, BMW, Saab; Easily picked C70. All are stylish cars, but C70 is more elegant, classy; a head turning auto. Its the most spacious-comfortable of the 4; has most features-including safety. C70 is a dream to drive. My trip to work seems cut in half. Handling is perfect for normal driving and more than any adult would need. Rear window is smaller than a Sebring, which does not have an auto-boot, but larger than the Saab. Not the acceleration of the BMW, but how often do you really need to jam the gas? Love the solid sound when I close the door. Will last 20 years, still look great, and still feel like it "fits" a mature adult.

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  Tranny issues plague C70 - 2004 Volvo C70
  By ncmommy - April 10 - 1:29 pm

  I bought my 2004 in 2005 and love the look with the top down. The main thing to watch out for is the transmission!!! At 90,000 miles it began to slip and by 120,000 I had to have it rebuilt to the tune of $3500. Since having this work done Ive not had any additional issues but was sorely disappointed in this Volvo as Ive owned 6 and this one just pooped out. Another thing to watch is to never drive up too close to a parking curb!!! The bumper is so flexible and low to the ground as to let the car easily run up. Due to the shape it will literally rip off when you back up. This has happened to me 2x and I swear Im not being as stupid as this sounds.