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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  A blast to drive! - 2009 Volvo C70
  By Ken - August 24 - 2:33 am

  Smooth handling and head-turning style go hand-in-hand in my 2009 Volvo C70. On a recent trip to Southern California, the C70 averaged 32.6 mpg. The car has plenty of low end acceleration and if one is not careful, it can creep up to 75-80 (or faster) mph very quickly. Interior styling, while conservative, is ergonomically sound. When the metal top is lowered, people stand and stare as the jigsaw puzzle neatly tucks into the trunk. For a convertible, the C70 does not disappoint in adequate trunk space. I carted two full sized reptile tanks and two pieces of luggage with no difficulty. Compared to an Audi A4 or BMW 3 series (both more expensive), the C70 holds its own very nicely!

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  C70, Love it - 2000 Volvo C70
  By tzroberts - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I had my doubts about this car when I was first looking, but I took the plunge and bought it and have love every moment of driving it. This is my first non-american car and I dont know if I will ever go back. I put on a huge number of miles every week and in the three months I have had this used car there has not been a single problem.

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  Another Happy Customer - 2000 Volvo C70
  By Marjorie - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I extremely pleased with my 2000 Volvo C70! It has been extremely reliable, and fun to drive. It still gets many compliments even though this model has been on the road now 4 years or so. I have approx 49,000 miles on the odometer and I am the only owner. It has been in the heat of the desert and in the snow with chains! I still have 50% wear left with my original brakes! Super comfortable on some of my long road trips also! Hope that helps........

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  Lemon? - 2007 Volvo C70
  By Sharon Lewis - July 22 - 6:33 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with this car. It began at about 3,000 miles with a new fuel injector, gas tank & line, then moved on to strange noises upon starting, broken button on seat, first the passenger window quit working, now the driver window wont stay closed. I have had it in the shop 5 times for 8 problems. I am in the process of trying to sell them back this car.

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  Great in class, but not best Volvo - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Paul in Seattle - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The C70 is best in class. Its competitors are BMW 3 series and Mercedes CLK. For the money, you get more engine and features with the C70, by far. That said, we love our 98 Cross Country wagon and dont think the C70 convertible is close in terms of quality, esp for the price. But, if you want a 4-seater, Euro convertible, the c70 is a blast and affordable.

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  My second Volvo C70 - 2004 Volvo C70
  By convertible - June 17 - 2:50 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. The ride is comfortable but still has the feel of the sports car. It handles well on the road in the snow. Volvo is conscientious about the quality of service received.

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  2004 Volvo HPT Convertible - 2004 Volvo C70
  By VolvoHPT2004 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Great Appearance, powerful engine,many features come with car that were optional

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  First Convertible - 2001 Volvo C70
  By Gentoo3 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car especially with top down. When it was new had lots of people asking me about it. Not a sports cars more a grand touring vehicle. nly problem was passenger front window came off track.

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  On my second - 2002 Volvo C70
  By Randy Miller - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my second C70 Conv. in 3 years. I almost bought a 5-series BMW, however, I still wanted something a little different. They dont make many C70 convertibles; and I still love getting thumbs-up as I drive around or the validating compliments from would be buyers. The performance will not dazzle you, however, the car is just so damn fun to drive. The build quality is exceptional and comfort is beyond comparison when matched-up to its competition.

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  A Fun Ride - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Patricia in Maryland - May 11 - 10:00 am

  With the top up, i feel safe in my Volvo, with the top down, I feel like im flying!