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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  convertible volvo - 2001 Volvo C70
  By myorchd - January 31 - 1:26 pm

  its a very fun car to drive with lots of options. it is very reliable and comfortable car as well.

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  New C70 Owner - 2006 Volvo C70
  By CPW - December 23 - 8:30 am

  Overall, I love this car and would highly recommend it, but there have been a few issues that you should be aware of. The roof/windows leak during washing. Both driver and passenger seats have 3 settings which is great, but I dont like that you have to hold the button vs. "one touch". It is very fun to drive and handles great. I have heard complaints about the navigation system, but I think it is much better than others I have used (including Lexus and BMW). I love the remote control feature with the navigation. With this said... it is a great car and a lot of fun!

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  Fun in the sun! - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Skippypac - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Amazing how little wind penetrates the passenger compartment with top down. Outside noise is not with the top up. I now understand the meaning of turbo lag. I think the car matches up very well with Mercedes CLK and BMW 328 conv, there are some vehicle integrity issues you would not expect from a luxury car, such as noise from the wheels when you turn the steering wheel all the way, a very slight rattle in the dashboard, & sometimes a squeak when window goes up. At low speeds when you first start the car up there is a slight vibration. With Volvo you dont get the bells & whistles that you do with a Jap or German car, but the bottom line is I love my C70.

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  Amazing! - 2006 Volvo C70
  By ANNA - October 25 - 6:46 am

  I got this car about a week ago and i love it so much. It is the most amazing convertible i have seen and the best part, it will get you a lot of attention. It drives great with top up or top down and looks great both ways also. I had looked at other convertibles in its class, but i am so glad i picked this one. This has so much more to offer.

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  What a great car! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Doug Caldwell - October 14 - 8:10 pm

  Bought our C70 through the Overseas Delivery Program. You get 2 round trip tickets to Europe (anywhere, anytime, even peak season!), a night at the best hotel in Gothenburg, a free tank of gas (worth about $170!), insurance while you are there, a nice tour and lunch, and of course the car is shipped back. We took the all night ferry to Kiel-a beautiful trip thru the fjords. Ask to book the ferry at the factory, and you get a Volvo discount. We drove thru Germany, France and Belgium then up to Amsterdam, about 2000 mi. The car turned heads everywhere, it gets good mileage and is a practical extravagance. Buy a portable nav with European maps in the US before you go- we didnt, and wish we had

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  Best convertible yet - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Morgen - August 26 - 3:36 am

  I saw my C70 being built in June of 2006 in Udevalla Sweden and took overseas delivery of it in September. It is loaded with the nav system and the premium sound system. The car has been flawless in performance. The car continues to draw appreciative remarks from people, especially when I put the top down or up. I still have the manufacturers plates on the front of the car. Look forward to purchasing another Volvo in 2010.

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  Sexy just like me! - 2001 Volvo C70
  By Sweet Sexy Ride - July 8 - 1:26 pm

  I Absolutely love this car! My honey purchased for me. He loves me! I always loved Volvo for safety but when I saw her I fell in love. This car has saved my life and is so dependable! It has the best "get out of the way" I have ever seen! Tractor coming down the road something extended on my side of the road, I couldnt see it until the last second. Cut the wheel at 70 and back. Never Lost Control! Im still here kids too! Yes a bit rough at times. So what! This is the Only issue I will gladly live with! The top is almost always down. And I can park without worrying about theft. Misplaced the keys once. Could not open the car even by reaching in and hitting the locks. It totally shut down. WOW!

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  Great car, best looking under $80K - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Jim - June 22 - 9:30 am

  Looked at BMW convertible. BMW had better performance and name, but C70 has great (better) looks and fine handling for $10K less than BMW. Still get people to see what kind of car it is. Excellent safety/accident reports are a bonus. 49,000 miles with no problems.

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  Fine, but needs fine-tune - 2001 Volvo C70
  By J. Nodding - June 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a fine car to see and to drive. It feels very safe and steady on the road, and gets attention. There are some minor, but frustrating things, however, that need change. 1. make the drivers side sunshade movable to protect against side sun; 2. change the stupid gas cap system that triggers a "check engine" symbol when it is not screwed on just right - there is no notice of this in the manual; 3. fix the front seats to move forward more quickly to get access to the back. Otherwise, it is a great car and the most comfortable we have ever had. JN

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  C70 Convertible -- great car, great fun - 2002 Volvo C70
  By gfl - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Although not the ideal car for carrying stuff around town -- the C70 convertible is great at what it was designed for -- touring around in style. This car rides great top up or down and has more than enough performance to get yourself into trouble easily. In its class, this is the only usable 4 seat convertible out there - the Saab and MB have less room in back (and front)