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 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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  Check your rims - 2006 Volvo C70
  By Jeff - December 3 - 8:23 pm

  We love the C70 but it has been in the shop a number of times due to the tops sensor going off while driving in the rain and when someone is walking behind the car as I back out of a parking space. Basically I have to reset the top by opening and closing it. Not a fun experience in the rain. Another ongoing issue is both right rims seemed to have gone oval for no reason. One rim was even cracked on the interior. The dealership and Volvo USA say they are not responsible. The top rattles, water gets in at the car wash. The battery died which unlocks the car and rolls down the windows. Its a safety feature.

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  Not Ready for Prime Time! - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Missb - November 10 - 5:56 am

  My 6 month old C70 has been in the shop twice because of roof rattles, roof still rattles. Volvo just sent out a "Campaign Notice", recall? Another trip to the dealer! After a minor fender bender, repairs took 2 months, primarily due to parts being on "national backorder". One came in a mislabeled carton, it took an additional week until the right part came from Sweden. A week later, the roof and trunk stuck half way open necessitating an emergency tow and more shop time! Apparently few techs are trained to work on the C70. Volvo is not supporting this car with parts inventory/tech training. Some customer service reps were surprisingly rude. Not what youd expect from Volvo, a disappointment.

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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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  Below Average Car - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Ex Volvo Driver - October 21 - 2:00 am

  We have been extremely disappointed with our Volvo C70 and the Dealer. The car is very difficult to drive due to all of the blindspots with the top up or down. The front end is so low you cant go over the smallest bump w/o scraping it. To get into the back seat takes forever due to auto seat speed. Buy the less expensive Saab!

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  Its Not Truly Top Quality - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Totally Frustrated - October 14 - 10:20 pm

  I love my C70, but it is not the quality product I expected. Since purchasing it new, I have attempted resolution of a leaking top and windows with no success. Thus far, they have replaced both rear side windows and all the seals. It continues to leak. I only hand wash it with a mild stream of water from garden hose. The leaks persist. I am totally frustrated and am preparing to take this to the media. The local dealership and Volvo will not get my repeat business nor referral.

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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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  Unreliable - Never again - 2001 Volvo C70
  By Va - July 19 - 2:16 am

  This is the most unreliable auto I have ever owned in over 30 years. Interior switches and plastic parts fail or fall apart, electronics fail, wind noise is pronounced, the power steering has leaked, the electreonic key will not hold a code - countless trips to the dealer, bulbs constantly burn out, the upholstery peels. Nice looking but pure, unmitigated junk.

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  Pirelli tires - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Lori Perron - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had bad experiences with the low profile tires on this car. I had to replace 2 front ones at 8,000 miles and at 12,000 mile had another blowout and had to replace one front again. This vehicle also does not take bumps or ride smooth.