2010 Volvo C70
- 2009 Volvo C70
- Used Volvo C70
Based on analysis of 51 C70 reviews and test drives.
Volvo C70 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Volvo C70 ranks 10 out of 15 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 51 published reviews and test drives of the Volvo C70, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Scheduled for a major redesign next year, the Volvo C70 is an aging but still attractive hardtop convertible that should meet the needs of casual drivers. It faces stiff competition from a number of newer, sportier hardtop convertibles that outperform the C70 in most respects, but the C70 still offers a strong safety record and a sharply-styled, comfortable cabin.
A new breed of convertible has taken over the upscale midsize car segment. They are rear-wheel-drive, sporty cars with hardtop roofs and coupe-like profiles. Their folding steel roofs mean they are usable year-round in moderate climates, and boast similar crash test scores to many sport coupes and sedans.
The Volvo C70 was one of the first. But its design has aged, and new competitors have raised the bar. The C70 still has virtues, but it now trails most of its class in many ways.
The C70 is a front-wheel-drive car with a five-cylinder engine and sedate handling characteristics. Competitors like the BMW 3-Series and Lexus IS C are rear-wheel-drive cars with performance-tuned V6 engines and sporty handling. And while the C70 has long been regarded as beautiful, many critics now see the Infiniti G37 Convertible as the best-looking droptop on the market.
Still, the C70 is a solid choice. It offers an outstanding list of safety features, including some its new competitors still can’t match, like anti-whiplash headrest at all four seating positions. It also has the largest back seat and the largest trunk of any hardtop convertible. Shoppers will want to test drive some of the newer designs before settling on the Volvo, but the C70 may still make sense for those who are looking for a comfortable top-down cruiser, and who don’t care about their car’s zero-to-sixty time.
The C70, we should note, will be updated with a new design for the 2011 model year. For those impressed with the current car, that may mean bargain prices late in 2010, when the 2011 model has begun to appear on dealership lots.
The C70 is available in a single trim level in 2010. A new Multimedia package combines several entertainment upgrades under a single price, and a new cabin air filtration system is available.
- “Like most Volvos, the C70 is high on style but lacking in driving excitement. The folding metal hardtop gives the security of a coupe and year-round usability, but it lacks the driver appeal of a BMW, Audi, or Infiniti convertible." --Car and Driver
- "It's a step below most like-priced convertibles for all-around performance, but the C70 is a pleasant, stylish, well-built blend of top-down fun and fixed-roof security. A comfortable ride and decent trunk space add to its appeal." -- Consumer Guide
- “With its retractable hardtop, attractive interior, well-mannered ride and long list of safety features, the 2010 Volvo C70 is a prime contender in the premium convertible segment, but milquetoast performance means some competitors will leave it behind.” -- Edmunds
- "This solid-topped, shudder-free convertible has put the bad cowls out to pasture. It prances down the roadway like a thoroughbred." -- Boston Globe
C70 Performance - 7.3 (Good)
The 2010 Volvo C70 wins praise for its solid feel even at highway speeds with the top down, but otherwise, is a merely adequate performer. Its price puts it in competition with convertibles based on rear-wheel-drive sport sedans, and reviewers say that the C70 doesn’t stack up to those cars. But it should meet the day-to-day needs of most commuters. Read More
C70 Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
Just a few years ago, the Volvo C70 won the convertible beauty pageant easily because it was the only hardtop convertible on the market in this price range. Today, most of its major competitors feature similar hardtops. Its coupe-like top-up profile is still sharp, but reviewers now say the Infiniti G37 convertible is the best looking hardtop. Read More
C70 Interior - 7.8 (Good)
The interior of the 2010 Volvo C70 is one of its best selling points. It leads all other hardtop convertibles in rear seat head- and leg-room, and in cargo space. It features a fashionable design theme, with clear lines throughout and Volvo’s unique slim console setting off the look. The front seats are exemplary, and the rear seats are as close to comfortable as it’s possible to find in a hardtop convertible. Read More
C70 Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 Volvo C70 has not been tested by the federal government or the insurance industry, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the car high marks for crash protection. The C70 includes an extensive list of safety equipment. Read More
C70 Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2010 Volvo C70 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Volvo includes a four-year/50,000 mile warranty on the C70. The company also covers all scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles of ownership. Read More
