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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  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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  Wheres the fun - 2001 Volvo C70
  By rc jim - June 21 - 3:30 am

  We bought the volvo for fun. The honeymoon wore off real quick. This has to be the noiseiest car i have ever ridden in. I have the same issues as other reviewers, bad cup holders, cant see out the back window, non moving sun shade, gas cap light (check engine). Enough bad it is a great looking car and the lifting and lowering of the top turns heads.

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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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  not up to par - 2001 Volvo C70
  By ttkober - May 30 - 6:23 pm

  This car was not meant to be driven on a regular basis. Every interior piece made of plastic thats almost the whole interior has fallen off or craked off since purchased. including drivers mirrors. shade visors dashboard lower panels , door moldings . In addition the transmission has has to be adjusted on a regular basis. the wheels are in constant need of refubishing to to being to thin to deal with winter pot holes in NY , finally threw them away and got sturdire stell wheels and hub caps not pretty but saves on blown tires. about 8 in three years at 65 per tire . I may keep the car as a subday toy for the kids but will probably go back to the Cadillac that I previosly had. Oh the AC CD pl

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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)

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  THE ONLY TRUE 4 PASS CONV. - 2004 Volvo C70
  By CRAZY - May 17 - 10:00 am

  WE CAN TAKE THE WHOLE FAMLY ON A LONG OR SHORT TRIP IN COMFORT AND SAFETY

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  No longer waiting - 2007 Volvo C70
  By larryh - May 10 - 6:13 am

  I already have 1300 miles on the car and have only had it since 11/30. I have been able to put the roof down twice and have experienced no problems other than my seat belt flapping. I also find the brake pedal to close to the gas pedal, I constantly bump it when moving my foot to the gas pedal. This car is definitely worth the money that I paid for it. I bought the flint gray with off black interior, the combination really looks great. The most annoying problem is getting into the back seat, I just dont like the seats work, would be better if manual.

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  Made Me Crazy! - 2001 Volvo C70
  By Shannan - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This was the most annoying car I have EVER driven. It would NOT stay on the road (and I got it virtually new). It was downright dangerous. With the top down you could not have a conversation with a companion. It was incredibly loud. The cup holders are the flimsiest things. This sounds petty, but after you have spilled a few drinks while cornering it ceases to be trivial. The top is stunningly slow to put up and down and can be cranky. Aside from all this... it is hard to make the carefree feeling of convertible driving mesh with the ultra conservative reputation of a Volvo. There is a reason they do not make them in 2002. Good decision.

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  Love this Car - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Gilberto Rivera - April 27 - 3:30 am

  Weve owned our Volvo C70 for 18 months and so far no problems. Quality, build and fit is excellent. Car rides a little harsh but that is due to the 18" performance tires which wear out rather quickly ($300 a pop to replace). We get a lot of positive comments on the sharp looks. Have one major gripe. That is, the navigation system is a real "Dinosaur" to operate. The Japanese beat the Swedes in the electronic software department, again.