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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  Just purchased this vehicle and I love i - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Cthimes - March 19 - 3:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after reviewing several others including the V6 Mustang convertible. I am pleased with the quality and luxury of the design. The nav system is relatively simple and intuitive. The audio system is excellent. The aggressive ability of the acceleration is wonderful.

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  Head Turning Convertible - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Gilbert Rivera - March 10 - 12:20 pm

  As a life-long Honda lover this is my first Volvo. The fit and quality sold me on the vehicle. Love the top fold- down, and the trunk space for a convertible. Best feature: DynAudio stereo, great sound and bass. The car turns heads with the top is down. Got 24K miles on the car and no problems. Two gripes: 1. Pirelli tires a (18 in. wheels) dont last beyond 30K miles (cost $300 a pop). 2. Navigation system stinks. An address has to be manually entered. No voice activated features (like my Honda). For a premium brand this is a surprise.

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  Mikey Likes It - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Jerry Blum - February 12 - 11:53 pm

  This is a conv. not a sports car. Owned with this in mind, it is a nice vehicle--no cowl shake, peppy, comfortable seats, great exhaust note, gets lot of positive comments from bystanders, fuctional interior & controls.

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  Bought it only for its looks! - 2002 Volvo C70
  By PittPanther - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is pure eye candy and we have had lots of people comment how beautiful and elegant the coupe is. The is more room for tall people than in any other luxury coupe. However, given the still somewhat steep price tag the car offers suprisingly little features and doesnt ride and handle as well as many cheaper cars. The power seats are a mere joke, the stereo in the center console an after-thought and I would advise anyone not to use the cup holders while driving - spillage guaranteed. The T5 engine is so-so at low speeds and only comes alive when revved real hard. Parking the car is a chore in tight spaces. Bottom line: buy it for its looks.

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  C70 - 2001 Volvo C70
  By 2001-C70 - January 27 - 8:33 am

  I bought my C70 used with about 50K miles on it about 5 years ago. I love the way it looks, and love the way it drives even better. It is surprisingly quick for a Volvo. I had to replace the throttle body twice, but Volvo has covered it as a recall item, so it was on their nickel. I have had it in the shop for only one other significant issue. The mass airflow sensor went out while I was on a road trip and rendered the car not driveable, which was not at all convenient, but at least an easy fix. Overall, the reilability has been great. It definitely has been a great car for me.

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  The Man & His Machine - 2001 Volvo C70
  By Jimmy Bowen - January 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my "RED" C70 HPT COUPE almost three years ago. It is my second Volvo. I have just over 70,000 miles on the odometer. All I can say is "WOW"! This car is a future classic. The shape, the color, the way the turbo kicks in. It really turns heads.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Ross - January 11 - 10:20 am

  Really enjoy the car. Being 63", I need more head room than most. This car fits me well. Smooth engine, great looks. Only problems: slow acceleration up slight grades sometimes causes the tranny to slip a bit between 2nd and 3rd. No slip at heavier acceleration though. Also, get verbal abuse about the headlight wipers:Could do without them. Actually room under the hood to work on a few things myself. Only other nitpick is the slow power seat feature to enter the back seat.