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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  Loving The Sun - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Willy - April 4 - 9:30 am

  Overall, I love the car. Ride is smooth, power is more than adequate and handling is nimble. The beefed up Dynaudio Sound System is expensive, but AWESOME! The design of the system lets you totally enjoy the stereo even with the top down. Just wish my model came with iPod Dock. Interior is very comfortable and quiet, though not overly spacious. Theres plenty to love here, with a few minor annoyances: no iDock, the trunk cowl (required to be snapped down before lowering the top) could seat more securely, some dont like the back massage given by the big subwoofers behind the back seats, BLIS trips out occasionally.

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  Pre Retirement Toy - 2013 Volvo C70
  By Charles - March 12 - 1:28 am

  We wanted a "Adult" convertible with enough trunk space for a weekend trip. We also wanted to be able to enter and exit with reasonable ease. There is nearly zero wind buffeting with the top down. We drove it home from the dealer at highway speeds for over two hours. Truly amazing, and comfortable. This model has the premium sound system and it is great. I opted to have the Polestar software upgrade done. It adds +25 hp and 40 lbs of torque and No real change in the fuel economy, and its keeps the full Volvo warranty.

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  C70 HPT 10/10 - 2003 Volvo C70
  By Frank Majeau - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Perfect car. Love it. FM

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  Suspension and tire woes - 2006 Volvo C70
  By "Tired" Out - February 17 - 11:53 pm

  Wonderful to look at, and fun to drive, but a disaster on tire wear. Dealer states that suspension is designed for high speed driving, so tire wear will be an issue. Originals wore out at 14000, and this set will be about the same. Dealer suggests going with H rated tires for better wear, but they arent authorized to put them on. Im thinking a trade is in the near future. Hate to do it, because I love the car, but $1000 + for tires every 14000 miles is no good. Local tire dealer says the suspension system (camber) is not adjustable, so Im stuck. Beware and watch for tire cupping.

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  2007 C70 The Best Convetible - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Wisam - January 27 - 1:13 am

  This car is absolutely the most fun to drive of all of the cars I have ever owned. the engine and transmission are responsive, handling is excellent and you can cruise with the top down knowing that if there is a chance of rain, The leather seats are very comfortable,you can pull over and have the hard top up in 30 seconds with the push of a button. I love the handling, love the interior space - one of the best convertibles on the market still today ,I have 14 year old daughter and put a child seat for my 2 year old son easily , the trunk is big enough to put a big stroller and more staff and you can still open the roof without any problem!! First time for me to own a Volvo I have it for a year now and I love it,I purchased a warranty when I bought .I had to take it to the dealer to fix the convertible switch and it was covered by the warranty.

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  Best Hardtop Under $50K - 2007 Volvo C70
  By manus198 - January 18 - 3:00 am

  I wouldnt even consider buying a car without Sirius, locking gas cap, and good gas mileage. This car offers the above with the best audio quality of any car Ive experienced. The 6 speed manual with use of 87 octane gets me 21mpg between by highway and city driving. I would probably get better mileage with the suggested 93 octane. That is decent considering the car is built solid and the engine is 2.5L turbo. My only 2 complaints is the drivers left side elbow rest is uncomfortable during long rides. Second I continue to experience small issues with the convertible top software. The car sometimes thinks the roof is open when it isnt so you have to open and close it to reset the sensors.

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  a beautiful car! - 2004 Volvo C70
  By PEJ - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my convertible because of the Volvo safely rating and it was the best looking convertible Ive seen. A year later, it is still the best looking convertible on the road! I havent had any problems with the car and it feels very safe to drive. Its nice to be able to take the top down with the push of a button! I doesnt take bumps in the road very well and I have to be very careful of potholes in the road. Otherwise, I love the ride!

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  Best All-Court Player - 2003 Volvo C70
  By Jlinwood - November 29 - 10:00 am

  An all-court player, the C70 combines luxury, performance, and comfort in a stylish package thats fun to drive. While there are a lot of good-looking cars on the road these days, it still turns heads and we can still tool around town with tall friends in the back seat. Youll feel a lot of confidence on the on-ramps, and maintenance has been oil and gas.

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  Liked it so much, I bought another! - 2008 Volvo C70
  By 4mercoachrick - November 29 - 6:13 am

  We enjoyed our 08 C70 so much, we just purchased the slightly updated 2011 model. We kept the 08 for 3 1/2 years and just under 30K miles. It was never in the shop for anything other than scheduled maintenance and one warped brake rotor. The key-fob seat memory was a little balky...more of a nuisance than anything. Our avg mpg was 23ish for the total period, highway mileage was closer to 30 when we were trying to watch it. After owning the 04 ragtop version of the C70, the 08 was superior in almost every way. Very solid with the top up or down...no problems with the top or its operation. The FWD can get a little slippy if the driver sends too much power on slick roads, FYI.

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  Volvo C70 - one owner experience - 2007 Volvo C70
  By David Assegi - November 28 - 2:33 pm

  More fun in a Volvo than one could imagine. It is different too. Swedish cool that turns heads without being ostentatious. There are dozens of BMWs out there. So if you want something that does pretty much exactly the same thing, but isnt "me too", go for the C70.