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 A lot of fun - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Steve Buschel - September 24 - 2:03 pm

  The car is wonderful. Handles great; Styling is excellent. Interior is very well appointed. Manual transmission is smooth to shift. A real fun car to drive. the retractacle roof opens and closes with ease. With the top up you would never know the car is a convertible. The road noise is almost non existent.

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  A Convertible For Adults - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Steve - August 10 - 2:13 pm

  If top-down driving inspires you but safety, build quality and seating for 4 motivate you, then this is your convertible. A head-turner with the top up or down, the converting process is guaranteed to stop traffic. Actual adults can fit in the rear seat, and if you drive like an adult (i.e. - dont need to prove your manhood by speeding, snaking through traffic or excessive horsepower) the C70 will keep you smiling for years to come.

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  Love my C70 - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Rick - July 5 - 1:16 pm

  This is my first Volvo and I had concerns about quality prior to my purchase. So far the car has performed well, no visits to the dealership except for routine work The car has a very solid feel and is quiet, not even a rattle. Biggest problem has been getting to drive it! My wife and 3 sons prefer this to our Lexus EX 330 and Acura TL.

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  Concerns - 2004 Volvo C70
  By John Hancock - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The car seems to have heavy shakes at 50MPH, especially in the morning when its cold. As it warms up shakes lighten up a little bit. Backing up with top up has a visual problem as there are no "portholes" in the canvas top and therefore visibility is blocked when backing up and trying to see, mostly to the right side approaching cars as well as blind spot just to see what is behind you. Electronic access to rear seat is slow and a pain, would be better to have manual seat backs that go forward.

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  Ultimate convertible - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Mike - June 5 - 7:33 pm

  Looked at convertibles for 2 years before settling on the C-70. Decided on C-70 because of feel of quality and safety rating. Very well designed car. Smooth, quiet, excellent acceleration and handling. Gas mileage has been pretty good at 23 mpg in mixed driving. Optional bluetooth system worth the $675 dollars. I like the BLIS and Dynaudio.

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  Love it to death! - 2009 Volvo C70
  By majajh - May 14 - 11:00 am

  We absolutely love this car. Wonderful to ride in this thing.

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  Excellent car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Lfront - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle, one that is fun to drive, very comfortable seating, ample room in back seat, draws many favorable comments. It is the only one in the area that we live in and gets many looks and comments. The front seats are the most comfortable of any car that weve ever owned. If there is a drawback, its that the car must be in park and emergency brake on to raise or lower the top, (which is quite fast to do).

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  Love this car! - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Cinnywoo - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery on this car in November of 2003, it has been great ever since. Ive had no problems with the performance. Like many others I would like the rear seat access to be quicker and better view out of the back. Otherwise, very happy with the car, including my 61 husband who NEVER was able to get in the back seat of the Celica. Im also happy knowing Im in one of the safest cars around.

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  Hot Car - Always gets an audience! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Tom - April 8 - 4:36 am

  Where do I begin? I have had 6 red cars and 4 different convertibles in the past 30 years. I wouldnt trade this one for all of them. Everywhere I go, people ask me about it and compliment its appearance. It is fun to drive, looks hot, and I have had only a couple of minor service issues (I am at 37000 now) and the dealer bent over backwards to correct them. This is my 2nd C70 and they really improved it over the old rag top version. Its quiet, doesnt leak in the rain, and i have the top dowm most of the time! Buy one and go get a date!

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  Great Car - 2003 Volvo C70
  By spmoran - March 14 - 7:00 am

  This car is fast, fun and pretty reliable. Ive had a few strange things happen. Once the climate control stopped working, but when I got to the dealership it started again and has been fine since. Once the engine light came on but they couldnt figure out why. Someone mentioned that it was because I just got gas. Anyway, it went off and hasnt come on again. Otherwise Ive had no problems.