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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  C70...Thumbs up! - 2002 Volvo C70
  By C70...I like! - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall the best car for the money. I thought Volvos were boring until I drove this car. The seats and driving comfort are so nice especially compared to the BMW 3-Series...firm yet soft. I find the controls on the BMW small but the C70 is very straight forward. The only down side to this car is the lack of shifting ability for the automatic compared to others but do yourself a favor leave it 3- gear on some back roads and let the turbo rev like it should! I must mention that the torque-pull is strong if you have a heavy foot...thats ok Ill take the power.

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  New Toy - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Dennis - February 16 - 6:33 pm

  I have only had this car a few weeks and it has exceeded my expectations, Fun to drive, love the hard top convertible. It wont mess your hair. I upgraded the sound to the dyna system and I was literally blown away, I have owned BMWs, Audi and Acura. This is the most fun I have had. I hope I am as thrilled a year from now. Only complaint is not enough accessory outlets, one for my gps and one for my cell. They have to share!

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  Unique class, sporty & affordable. - 2000 Volvo C70
  By Imamechanic - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I thought I would buy a wagon but fell in love with the C70. Outstanding value as a used car, and sheer silky pleasure to drive anytime, anywhere. It does everything well and has the Volvo safety and reliability to back it up. Note: I had a small problem with the electronic throttle, but the dealer has been unbelieveably fast and great to deal with - even for warranty work. Putnam Volvo, Burlingame CA. Ask for Raphael.

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  Best convertible for the money! - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Constantine - December 27 - 7:10 pm

  After driving the competition the 2008 C70 was a no brainer. Lots of power, beautiful design in and out, the best seats ever (even by Volvo standards) and best of all I can have two car seats in the back (infant and forward facing) with lots of room to spare. I got the upgraded sound system which is amazing and worth every dollar, the climate package which keeps me warm in the morning and free Sirius radio for 6 months. What will amaze you is how big the trunk is with and without the roof in it, how smooth the transmission is how elegant the interior is and how many storage compartments they put in this car. Bravo Volvo!

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  Slacks to shorts with a push of a button - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Jerry - December 22 - 12:23 am

  The summer days in Northern California are perfect for top-down driving in the mornings and evenings. The coupe incarnation of the C70 is quiet and comfortable and you do forget that the car is also a convertible. This car is indeed roomy enough for four adults and by packing light we were able to accommodate overnight luggage for four in the reduced trunk space of the convertable mode. The three-piece retractable roof is definitely an eye- popping piece of engineering. The C70 is fun to drive and fun for passengers. Two favorite moments were driving top-down over the Golden Gate Bridge with friends, and taking a quiet evening drive along the Silverado Trail of the Napa Valley.

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  Awesome Car! - 2004 Volvo C70
  By ralpha - December 6 - 10:00 am

  There are 4 convertibles in the near- luxury class that all sell for about the same dollars: SAAB 9-3, BMW 3series, Audi A4, and the Volvo C70. Dont buy any of these cars without first checking out the Volvo! Ive had mine for 4 days now. It is the nicest car Ive ever driven! Even though mine is the lpt, it has plenty of giddy-up. Gives a nice smooth ride; softer than the 9-3 or the A4. Handles wonderfully. All the goodies (leather, CD player, heated seats, alarm, etc) come standard. The seats are especially confortable. I know this is a nice car because my wife and my 2 sons (18 and 23) all want to drive it!

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  C-70 with Automatic - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Squashie - November 25 - 12:43 pm

  Ok, Ive looked at BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, and all other convertibles. This is the best blend of top down. Fun to drive, fuel economy, and good looks out there. Im a rather large person, 65", close to 300 lbs k, with rather large feet. I found the spacing on the manual 6 a little too close, but the auto 5 is great! Besides, I dont drive F-1 so all of that shifting may, or may not be, necessary. The fit and finish are great. Love the seats, the lines and the admiration of others. (white car, light leather interior and tinted windows) Mid-life crisis with no direct link. Looked at a red one, but liked the white better. Could use possibly a more higher profile tire, Texas roads

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  Buyer Beware! - 2000 Volvo C70
  By Big Dummy - November 24 - 8:00 am

  Nice looking car. That is where it ends. A full array of electrical problems, transmission issues. The dashboard looks like a x-mas tree from day 1. Absolutely a horrible vehicle,. Looks nice, but I went with a BMW this time. A 40,000 hunk of electrical nightmares.

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  Worth the wait and effort - 2001 Volvo C70
  By rickG - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I looked long and hard for this car. It took over 3 months of searching to find a 5 speed in the HPT. It was well worth the wait. Handling is phenomenal. A joy to drive on a winding country road. The pick up is great. First gear to about 15 mph. Shift into second, hit the gas and the turbo kicks in to push you back in your seat. Even at highway speeds there is plenty of power left for a quick acceleration to pass or avoid another car or just for the fun of it. The C70 is traditional Volvo quality and sturdiness. Even with hard driving I am able to mainatian gas mileage of 20.7 MPG. My recommendation is go out and get one now.

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  worst car ever! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By paul collica - October 10 - 1:30 pm

  I will never buy another VOLVO. This car has had the engine replaced, new brakes, roof squeaks and master computer went. The car in 2 years old and has ony 10,000 miles The biggest waste of $49,000!!! Stay clear of this car