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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  Made Me Crazy! - 2001 Volvo C70
  By Shannan - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This was the most annoying car I have EVER driven. It would NOT stay on the road (and I got it virtually new). It was downright dangerous. With the top down you could not have a conversation with a companion. It was incredibly loud. The cup holders are the flimsiest things. This sounds petty, but after you have spilled a few drinks while cornering it ceases to be trivial. The top is stunningly slow to put up and down and can be cranky. Aside from all this... it is hard to make the carefree feeling of convertible driving mesh with the ultra conservative reputation of a Volvo. There is a reason they do not make them in 2002. Good decision.

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  Troubled C70 - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Randy - December 24 - 10:40 am

  I chose the C70 over an Audi due to the hardtop. I have had it in the shop seven times and 90 days since May 08 for roof issues. Fortunately none of them have been major, but a major inconvenience on my time. My biggest problem has been getting anyone from Volvo corporate to give me a call to discuss some kind of resolution.

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  Never Again - 2008 Volvo C70
  By bruceko1 - December 11 - 9:37 am

  I purchased this car used with about 22k miles on it. It now has 36k miles. Its been in the shop twice to fix a front wheel/hub issue that impacted braking function and a third time to replace A/C compressor. A/C still doesnt work correctly and now check engine light is on. Ive owned 50 plus vehicles before this one. Ive never had a vehicle that required so much time in the shop. So 4 times in the shop in 14,000 miles. Cant wait for the next 14. Ill be dumping this pc of junk before the warranty expires.

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  Good looking Lemon - 2001 Volvo C70
  By alltaurus - March 9 - 5:03 pm

  Horrible suspension causes breaks and leaks. No turn radius. Its a beautiful car that is fun to ride, but too many trips to the dealership for a high priced luxury vehicle.

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  nice looking but unreliable - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Ellen San Diego - July 21 - 12:46 pm

  The car was good the first two years, but then things started going wrong and wrong and wrong. Dealer could not fix recurring problem with starting. Needed to always carry all three keys because you never knew which one would start it. Funny smell that dealer could never locate. It is my fourth and last Volvo.

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  Never again - 2006 Volvo C70
  By chris292 - February 15 - 7:55 am

  I have had this car for 5 years and it has 104k miles. First off, tires. This thing eats them. The best weve done is 20k miles, the worst was 10k. Ive put 6 sets on it, and we have them rotated and realigned every 4k miles. Brakes. These have been replaced 4 times so far. Other replacements include the nav (twice), alternator, motor mounts, suspension (entire thing) and several "fixes" to the top. The car is driven on regular public roads and we go slow over speed bumps. The seats have twice now decided to move backwards on their own while I was getting stuff out of the back seat. On both occasions I was stuck and had to have help to get out.

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  2002 C70 Review - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Tempel Riekhof - January 10 - 1:40 am

  The C70 is very enjoyable to drive with the top down. Otherwise it is one of the least enjoyable cars we have owned. The suspension is too stiff for a convertible as that has led to numerous squeaks and rattles for which the dealer has no solution. One would never know it has power steering and the turning radius is far too wide. Trunk is negligible as is true with many convertibles. There is no indicator on the dash showing what gear you or in - just a small silly orange arrow pointing up if you are not in top gear. The parking light assembly simply fell out. Leather seats are showing significant wear after only about 30,000 miles. The mechanism for lowering the top works well.

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  Wouldnt buy another - 2001 Volvo C70
  By Get A Bimmer - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car instead of the BMW 3 series convertible and lived to regret it. I would never recommend a Volvo after the problems I had with the car. Additionally, the dealer lied on several points, and Volvo corporate did everything they could to avoid taking responsibility for their car with all its problems.

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  Not allowed to use a carwash - 2008 Volvo C70
  By cricket3 - October 1 - 3:33 am

  The C70 is a beautiful car. The only problem that I have had is that I cant take my car through a car wash. It leaks inside my car. Now, this would not shock me too much if I had a cloth top. I have the hard top. I took it to the dealer 2 times and also reported it to corporate. After they tested my car, they agreed it did leak while in the car wash. There recommendation was that I can either hand wash my car or drive it to their dealership and take it through their light carwash. Would not mind if I didnt have to drive 25 minutes to get there and being that my car is leased, this would be extra miles which I prefer not to put on my car. Volvo does not stand by product. Sad!!

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  Interior Falls Apart - 2000 Volvo C70
  By Glue Guy - July 24 - 10:06 am

  Fun to drive and safe, but mine is literally falling apart. Both door panels have fallen off and needed to be replaced at the price of 1000 per door, switches fail, the sunroof constantly has the glass peel away from the assembly, switches fail, the leather is peeling, switches fail. The car is tremendously well taken care of but the electronics and interior cabin build quality are horrendous.