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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  Dream Car - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Al - April 21 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased the car today and took it fir a long drive down Cutler Road in Miami what an sunny day and nice breeze off the bay. We have not driven and enjoyed time together like that with my wife in a long time, With the top down we felt we were sailing in time, I want to Thank Phil at Deel Volvo for his patience and honesty they all made the process so simple and honest. I will give you all an updates as the weeks pass,

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  The car I want to love - 2001 Volvo C70
  By samp - April 15 - 10:00 am

  What a gorgeous car! The largest and most comfortable interior of all. Unfortunately it is in the shop about every 4-6 weeks. From doors that pop open while driving, interior parts coming unstitched/falling off, seats that dont work, cheap interior materials, check engine light that malfunctions - the list goes on. Volvo and my dealer have been very helpful and accommodating in repairing the vehicle, plus always suppling a loaner car. Every time I get excited about the car,it needs repairs. This is the most expensive car I have ever purchased and the only one that has ever gone into the shop for warranty repairs. I dont know how much longer this beautiful automobile will grace my garage.

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  Volvo 4 Life in Atlanta - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Stephen, Atlanta - April 9 - 8:53 pm

  I always wanted a convertible but steered clear of soft tops - loved the old C70 but only would have purchased a hard top. When I saw online Volvo building a new hardtop convertible I had to have it (though I also steer clear of new models their first year or two due to the manufacturer working out the bugs). Having had two BMWs prior I struggled with not getting another one but am thrilled with my decision. This car even got a round of applause at a local eatery when I put the top down for the drive home. I also own an XC90 SUV - both cars are white so a neighbor asked me if I work for Volvo now. I would highly recommend a Volvo!!

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  Fun but I wouldnt buy another one. - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Sue - April 3 - 4:23 pm

  I just discovered that this car has no spare tire. I was never informed it was an option. Who ever heard of such a thing? And Volvo is supposed to be so safety conscious. The interior storage space is terrible. Not even a road map fits in any of the side pockets. Is a cell phone supposed to fit in that little well on the seat divider? Whose?

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  Great Car - 2011 Volvo C70
  By T - March 14 - 3:03 am

  I have had my new 2011 C70 for one week and so far so good. They changed the three major objections I had to the 2010 - boring front lights, blah rear lights and cheapy plasticy interior. I was ready to buy in Q4 2010 but waited until late February when the new 2011s arrived - definitely worth the wait for the improved vehicle. The $1000 loyalty program was an added bonus.

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  sorry i bought it - 2002 Volvo C70
  By kpb - February 7 - 11:16 pm

  I was swayed by the looks when I bought this car. It has been in the show more than a dozen times in one year. The windows rattle, the top flaps in the wind, the turning radius is almost unsafe, and twice my brakes have malfunctioned and needed major repair - with only 25K mileage. Good looking is the only good thing I can say about his car.

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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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  Great car almost perfect - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Paul "E" - January 28 - 8:33 pm

  I saw the car at the 2006 New York auto show and fell in love with it. The lines on the car are beautiful with the top up or down. The ride is good and its quiet inside. The interior is a little on the plain side when compared to other luxury brands. The front wheel drive is great in order to cope with New York winters. I would not even consider a rear wheel drive car.

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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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  First Volvo. Will be last Volvo. - 2008 Volvo C70
  By clt - December 20 - 12:06 pm

  Seems to be one repair after the other. First was a top malfunction. Then speaker, trunk and suspension rattles which were not repaired first time and still have speaker noise. Now, problem with low beam lights so cannot drive at night. Feel like we got a lemon. At Volvo more than in home garage. Traded 1995 vehicle with no problems, for a Volvo with too many repairs needed, especially for the price paid. At this point I am afraid to travel to far from home in it. Have already started looking for another make to replace the c70 after this repair is completed. Sad thing is that I love the look and convertible, but, its just not up to the "old" Volvo reputation.