Volvo C70 Review

2008 Volvo C70 T5 Convertible Shown

In years gone by, Volvos were known as boxy, square lumps -- reliable and safe, perhaps, but never a styling trendsetter. 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. It combines the best of both worlds with a handsome new retractable hardtop that opens and closes at the touch of a button.

Current Volvo C70

Slightly shorter and lower than its predecessor, the current Volvo C70 is based on the same platform used for the S40 sedan and V50 wagon. Unlike the first-generation car, which came in both coupe and convertible trims, the current C70 comes in just one trim -- a convertible with a high-end power-retractable hardtop. When the C70's steel roof is up, it gives the car coupelike styling, added rigidity and better noise isolation. When the roof-lowering process is started, 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.

Available in only one trim level, T5, the C70 comes well-equipped with most modern convenience features. A few option packages allow one to add items such as leather seating, a navigation system and an upgraded audio system.

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 standard six-speed manual transmission, and a five-speed automatic is optional. Though acceleration is certainly not blistering, the turbocharged engine provides enough low-end torque to get the C70 moving briskly enough from a stop.

Our editors agree that consumers interested in a comfortable four-passenger convertible should take a close look at the Volvo C70 T5. Pricing might be a concern for some, as the C70 occupies the same price points as more fun-to-drive European competitors -- and it's also more expensive than similarly equipped American offerings. Still, a strong case can be made for the C70 given its attractive design, long list of safety equipment and comfortable ergonomics.

Changes to the second-generation C70 include a slight power bump in 2008 from 218 hp to 227 hp, among other minor changes.

Past Volvo C70 Models

The first 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.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.