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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  Best convertible I have had - 2008 Volvo C70
  By Joel C. Hart - April 20 - 1:43 am

  Bought the car on the overseas purchase program. Saved 8% and got a free vacation. Volvo people in Sweden are great and we drove 900 miles while there. Six speed manual is a dream. Side warning system is great for blind spots. Plenty of pep with manual transmission good road stability and quiet with hard- top up. Dynasound a must for CDs and Ipod. Some understeer but mostly a good solid ride. 29MPG in Sweden but gas is 95 octane and $8.25 a gallon. Does well on mid grade in USA mileage on cruise control at 70MPH is 28MPG. City is about 26MPG. Very comfortable and smoth. My wife loves the car. We traded a 2004 BMW 325CI and I like this car better. So far so good. No mechanical problems

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  This Car Relaxes Me - 2009 Volvo C70
  By miabchdave - March 30 - 10:33 am

  This car will make you want to cruise, listen to good music, and enjoy the scenery. I find it very comfy. The trunk room and rear seats have no other competition in the hard top convertible space. The interior storage is definitely adequate. Those three main reasons are why I went with the C70 over the BMW 328i hardtop even though the lease on the BMW worked out to be $10 cheaper a month. Its simply a more usable car... its even rated to tow! The car does have some oddities that need to be addressed, though. See below.

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  HATE THIS AR - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Debora - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I hate this car. It has been at the dealerships repair shop more than in my garage. Main problem are rattles and other noises while driving. However, I had other problems beside the noises. 901 expensive stereo system did not work. Battery dead two days after I took the car home. Dealership dinged wood trim on replacing stereo. Windows rattle. Top rattles. The entire car is one big RATTLE. Windows stopped going up and down when the top went up and down.

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  First Volvo Ever - 2011 Volvo C70
  By Mitch - March 3 - 1:00 pm

  I have owned most cars from Porsche to Mercedes to GMC to VW but this is my first Volvo. I absolutely love the look of this car. Great Grey with Cranberry interior. Everything is great with the exception of the sub-standard reception all throughout the area on the HD radio and Sirius. Despite TOO MANY trips back to the dealership, Volvo has done nothing! Probably my last ever Volvo and I will look to put it on swap a lease. Why you might ask if I love the many other aspects of the car? I love my music and while the upgraded audio is amazing, you need a signal to play music through the speakers!

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  HOT & UNIQUE! - 2000 Volvo C70
  By J Jay - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Tired of seeing yourself in every driveway and on every highway? Want a car thats luxurious and hot at the same time? Well, this is it!! Had the car for 3 years and its been GREAT! A much better value vs the CLK, which was $10k more at the time I bought the C70. Volvo blew it when they stopped making the coupe, but I guess that will make it even more unique and desirable in years to come!

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  EX - Benz - P11 Turbo - Man Finds Volvo - 2004 Volvo C70
  By atlantadining - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I just like this car - I just turned 50 and did not need the insanity the porshe brings out in me. I can rationalize this cara - not have to hide it from clients - and the police are not ready to pounce on me -

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  Love at first drive - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Dan Tetirick - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Sitting behind the wheel of a C70 is a return to the pure pleasure of driving. Driving this vehicle allows me to counterbalance the fast pace of other aspects of my life. I have never previously owned a Volvo. I hope the love affair continues well into the future.

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  Dont ever buy a volvo!!!! - 2000 Volvo C70
  By jennyd9 - January 19 - 7:21 am

  The worst car I have ever bought! the door panels came off a week after I bought it, the door locks stopped working and I had to buy new ones and those still didnt fix the problem, the rear window caved in for a second time, every single light on the dash has indicated something wrong with the car, the transmission is giving out and now the check engine light is on and there is a rocking motion that wont go away. VERY hard to turn, almost like I am driving a bus, and the rocking motion is just like that of a yellow bus starting to move. When I go for a short distance on city streets it starts smoking. This car is so scary to drive and very frustrating. Never again will I ever buy a volvo.

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  I love my C70! - 2003 Volvo C70
  By Deshkat - January 14 - 2:00 am

  The C70 is the best of all worlds. Fun to drive, full of safety features, reliability and great performance. The optional wind screen lets me enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and my hair doesnt even get messed up! The C70 has great acceleration and provides a smooth ride. I love this car!

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  Whod a thought a Volvo - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Raymond Wylie - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I told my wife to look for her dream convertible, thinking she would go for a BMW. I was out of town and she called and said she found a beautiful white C70. This is the most beautiful car, in my opinion, on the market. I cant say enough about the comfort, handling, power and top down fun. Just a few bugs. Battery went completely dead while in the garage after a few months. The radio/CD failed and had to be replaced. The tires are low profile- high performance and tend to start cupping. Rotate often and have an alignment performed often. Service is first class. Never had a problem.