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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  Fun & relaxing - 2007 Volvo C70
  By JHANON - March 9 - 3:20 pm

  The drive is smooth, the back seats roomy enough for groceries but tight for people -- though not so tight as the more expensive kind -- and look is appealing in its lines and styling. One drawback is the accelerator is too close to the brake pedal. Other than this it is a superb auto/convertible.

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  2 cars in one. - 2006 Volvo C70
  By laxdad - February 28 - 4:30 pm

  This is a solid car, the hard top convertible makes the car a perfect choice for year round driving. The car is very quiet with the top up, and a blast to drive with the top down. The interior styling is excellent - no clutter and controls are easy to use. Front seats are typical Volvo comfort, and back seat room is larger than I have seen on other convertibles. Build quality is excellent.

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  My first volvo - 2011 Volvo C70
  By nodregob - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Volvo..It wont be my last! It is fast, comfortabe.well designed inside and out and fun to drive. I am very satisfied with the mileage,getting 29mpg city and open road. Fit and finish is great and to date not a single concern.

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  Underappreicated! - 2012 Volvo C70
  By hieatt - January 5 - 2:00 pm

  I spent long time comparing hard top convertibles, and I remain struck the the lack of awareness/appreciation for the C70 - as it ended up being a no-brainer choice from my standpoint. Priced up to $10K less than German competitors, while offering equal/better interior space, trunk space, safety features, comfort, build quality, reliability and styling. The C70 does give up a bit to its competitors in terms of performance - but with the Polestar upgrade it is more powerful than a 328i, and hardly underpowered. It doesnt have the handling of a BMW or Audi, but still fun to run through twisty roads and rides more comfortably. Overall the C70 has more going for it and is a great value.

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  Fun convertible - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Fin - December 25 - 7:56 am

  Smooth as silk when shifting this manual 6 speed. Excellent interior headroom, not a claustrophobic feeling like some front windshields give you in convertibles. The hardtop splits into three pieces which still allows for excellent storage in the boot.

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  Wow Wow Wee Wow - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Mike - December 2 - 1:26 am

  This is a fun vehicle and very fun to drive! What originally caught my eye was the sleeker design in contrast to the other Volvo models. The hard top convertable is also an excellent plus! Like Mc Donalds "dah dup dah dah daaaaaah Im lovin it!"

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  Professional Convertible - 2009 Volvo C70
  By PJ - November 5 - 9:43 am

  As a VW driver for years, I talked myself out of another VW when my last lease expired. I do like my C70 and find it stylish, but I miss the zip of my 4cylinder turbo charged VW Passat.I test drove an Eos in my search for a new car, and bowed out due to unsteady feeling of that car. In retrospect, Id have given this purchase more thought....

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  Fun Car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Maureen Chuga - October 14 - 6:26 pm

  I have found this car fun to drive. Ive gotten 26 mpg highway. Im able to easily zip in and out of traffic when entering highway and changing lanes. Easy to park. Has trunk space for 1 large and 2 small suitcases with extra space for shopping bags.

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  Driving Pleasure - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Ric - September 24 - 8:56 pm

  I purchased this car used, with only 2070 miles on it! The car is a pleasure to drive, very sporty looking, and gets great gas mileage (32.3 MPG highway. The quality of the build is typical Volvo, everything fits as it should, and solid as a rock.

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  2006 - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Herb Feinzig - September 21 - 7:00 am

  Car handles well, is excellent on highways and at speed. Not as good in towns. Turning radius too wide. Wonderful acceleration due to turbo. Great at passing as well. Convertible noisy with top up. Too much air noise. Great with top down. Speed control excellent. Does not have GPS system, major loss. Radio and CD player good to excellent. Overall, very good to excedllent in most respects.