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:

• 

  Awesome car - 2000 Volvo C70
  By tiberite - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Never had a material issue with the car and I drive it hard. Awesome performance. Full feature set at $10,000 less than the expensive add-on approach of BMW or Mercedes.

• 

  10 months into ownership - 2010 Volvo C70
  By doctom - September 23 - 6:16 am

  Quite a nice piece of work. It combines so many exceptional features. First off is the exterior design. Neatly sculpted and quite fashionable. Easy on the eyes and will draw a lot of envious stares whether the top is up or down. Most naturally I prefer the top down. Makes getting to and from work a delight and not a chore. While not the top dog in the horsepower race, it wont disappoint either. Particularly when you want to pass. It accomplishes that in convincing style. I have not to experienced the safety/crash features and hope I never do. Knowing that they are there is reassuring. Fuel economy is quite acceptable. Not having to use premium gas a real plus. I really like this car!

• 

  Dont miss out - 2004 Volvo C70
  By sladder - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The Volvo c70 is the perfect car—or at least the perfect car for anyone who wants to have fun driving and doesnt want to look silly in a cabriolet. Its beauitfully done--what a pity that Volvo didnt push harder. No doubt it will become a classic.

• 

  Tire issues are a problem - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Bay area gal - August 26 - 1:43 am

  Told first set of tires were just bad tires and replaced at 20 k miles due to excessive cupping. Within 10 k miles back tires cupping again dealer monitored and replaced back tires only after stating they fixed the issue. Volvo would not replace front tires. Told tires on front had at least 20k miles at least on them with plenty of wear left. 3 months after replacing the back, cupping noise back. Dealer stated they did in fact hear and see cupping starting again. Did alignment and asked me to bring back for check in 5k miles. Waited 3k miles 2 months and was just told back tires are fine, no cupping which is discrepancy from 3 months ago and told front tires need replaced. Incredible

• 

  Poor introducton of model - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Bob S - August 24 - 10:20 am

  My ownership experience has been less than satisfactory due to the constant irritation of having the auto at the dealership. Constant problems with programming with radio shutdown, GPS shutdown, barking dog in the fan control of AC were finally fixed with a programming fix. Two rings embedded in the back boot of the convertible cover resulted in boot being replaced after two attempts to get replacement from mfg. Blew out a tire & since no spare, took 5 days to get a replacement. Now I get a recall stating most of the problems I have already experienced. Found five shims in trunk that fell from someplace in convertible top & undetermined where they should be replaced.

• 

  First Volvo - 2004 Volvo C70
  By capteemo - August 9 - 4:33 am

  This car had been in an accident and had a salvage title, price right, but some concern because of that. However, once I put new tires and new engine mounts on the car (they had deteriorated in hot Florida weather) this car runs like new and is a pleasure to drive. Good pickup, great fun on an open winding road with the top down.

• 

  Excellent car -- love it - 2011 Volvo C70
  By MST - July 26 - 10:56 am

  Just a joy to drive. Simple, zen like interior. Peppy fwd engine. Real head turner.

• 

  My Little Volvo - 2004 Volvo C70
  By truderyme - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I need a car to get me from school back home which is a far drive. This car can handle great in the snow and has yet to disapoint me.

• 

  Great Ride - 2006 Volvo C70
  By atlfan - July 1 - 3:43 am

  Its like being on vacation every time I get behind the wheel. The top is an amazing piece of engineering. The car is very well built, and drives extremely smoothly.

• 

  Fun Car and Great Value - 2011 Volvo C70
  By Mike B - June 27 - 3:03 am

  Ive had the C70 for a couple of weeks. Compared the C70 to the BMW 3 series. Glad I bought the C70. Its a fun car to drive and very stylish. All the complaints Ive read in other reviews have been resolved with the 2011 model. It has plenty of power for my driving style and good passenger room. I have the convenience and climate packages. The car is a real head turner when parked at the local restaurant or gas station.