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2008 Volvo C70

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Volvo C70

Overview

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2008 Volvo C70 Review

By KBB.com Editors

The days of the canvas convertible top are fast coming to a close, and cars like the 2008 Volvo C70 are the primary reason. Although Ford pioneered the idea of a retractable hardtop back in the 1950s, only recently has the technology been perfected. While convertibles such as the Lexus SC 430 and Volkswagen Eos demonstrate the hard-top concept, Volvo has figured out a way to build in added safety features such as reinforced roof rails, pop-up roll bars and door-mounted side-curtain airbags. Unlike many convertibles, the C70 can seat four adults in relative comfort and, while not cheap, it is well within the price range of the average premium convertible buyer.

You'll Like This Car If...

Like to stand out from the luxury car crowd while demonstrating your canny practicality at the same time? The Volvo C70 coupe-convertible fills that bill very nicely.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you desire leading-edge performance from your European sportster, you might find the C70's performance a tad on the tame side.

What's Significant About This Car?

A horsepower increase from 218 to 227 marks the big news for the 2008 Volvo C70. A few additional improvements to interior functionality are added, as are new colors, Keyless Drive and Volvo's Blind Spot Information System.

Driving the C70

Driving Impressions The Volvo C70 is every inch a Volvo and that extends from the exceptional comfort of its seats to its satisfying on-road manners. While no one will find the C70...

offers the precise handling and exhilarating performance of some of its top competitors, it does a more-than-creditable job of finding the right balance between ride and handling for most luxury coupe-convertible drivers. Though acceleration is more than adequate, frankly we wished the 2.5-liter five-cylinder T5 engine with light-pressure turbocharging produced more than its advertised 227 horsepower. Torque is adequate at 236 pound-feet in what is a flat "curve" from 1500 to 5000 rpm, but a little more horsepower would turn the C70 from a satisfying ride to a thrilling one.

Favorite Features

Retractable Steel Hardtop
You have to love the fact that the C70 can be a quiet, cozy closed coupe in a rain shower and a wide-open convertible in the sun at the touch of a button.

Dynaudio Sound System
Green Day or Sinatra, music has rarely sounded as pure and clear as through the C70's audiophile-worthy system.

2008 Volvo C70 Details

Interior

The highly-praised Scandinavian design ethic gets a thorough workout in the no-nonsense interior of the C70. The super-thin central area of the dashboard is a serious "wow." It evokes thoughts of high-end audio equipment. Volvos have long been known for their fantastic seat comfort, and the C70 upholds that reputation, although rear-seat passengers might be a tad disappointed by their available legroom if tall passengers are in front. Handsome leather-covered seats are optional, but more intriguing are seats with the specially-developed Vulcaflex synthetic upholstery that has a skinlike feel. The car's many inboard storage areas are linked to the central locking system, which allows convenient locking even when the top is down.

Exterior

Volvo execs cut out a big challenge for the design team, asking for a vehicle that looks great with top up and top down, can accommodate four adult passengers and has better-than-average cargo space. Somehow the Volvo design team, aided by the experts at Italy's Pininfarina, achieved all those objectives. Even though the car has a very short nose, it still looks aggressive, while at the same time clearly demonstrating its Volvo family heritage. The car was designed as a coupe first but, according to Volvo designer Fedde Talsma, "the convertible's lines fell cleanly into place." The 12.8-cubic foot trunk capacity is excellent for a car in this class, and it even offers six cubic feet of cargo space with the top retracted.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Leading the list of standard equipment is the three-piece retractable steel roof that is actuated by a computer-controlled electric motor and hydraulic pump. To activate the top the vehicle must be stationary, but it does open and close in 30 seconds. As you would guess, the C70 is chockfull of active and passive safety systems. On the active safety front, the car offers anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Volvo's Dynamic Stability and Traction Control System (DSTC). The standard transmission is a six-speed manual—somewhat unusual for a luxury coupe but in keeping with its sporty nature.

Optional Equipment

Perhaps the major item on the Volvo C70's option list is the Dynaudio sound package; it includes a 14-speaker arrangement with a high-end 5 x 130-watt digital amplifier that facilitates Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound. Also optional are leather seating surfaces, Homelink remote garage door opener, five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, heated front seats, headlamp washers, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, rain-sensing windshield wiper system, Blind Spot Information System, Volvo's DVD-based navigation system, 18-inch "Mirzam" alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Keyless Drive and rear park assist.

Under the Hood

The Volvo light-pressure turbocharging is designed more for economical all-around driving than for performance, so forgive us if we craved a little more horsepower and torque from the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. The big plus is its laudable fuel economy.

2.5-liter in-line 5 Light-Pressure Turbo
227 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
236 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1500 to 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 (manual), 18/26 (automatic)

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2008 Volvo C70 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 61 Ratings for the 2006 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.5/10

I love it

By jeff (NJ) on Friday, March 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this 1 1/2 years ago and love it. Compared to the BMW 3 series convertible (The closest alternative) this one has a more usable and bigger trunk and a pass through. Is much more comfortable - even in the back seat. Blind Spot warning is great. It has saved me from a major accident. I'll never buy another car without it. I will admit that the BMW handled a bit better at speeds and turns faster and tighter than anyone should be driving, but this handles just fine. I haven't had any problems, and it's only been to the dealer for normal service."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Fantastic Car

By BOisadonkey (SC) on Saturday, March 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Exterior/interior styling. Exclusivity. Solid feel"

Cons: "Nice if gas tank was a bit larger"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My 4th convertible including two BMW's. While my 2005 330CIC did excelerate quicker and was a bit more nimble, overall, I like the Volvo better. I think the car is quick enough and handles beautifully. It cruises quietly and is a more "liveable" daily driver than the 330. I have the optional Premium and climate packages with the sovereign leather as well as the Dynaudio and 18 inch rims all of which make the car a very attractive package. Top down driving with the wind blocker and superb stereo is very relaxing. I also love the fact that you just don't see many C70's rolling around. My only detracting comment is the brake pedal is too close to the gas. I'm used to it now but had my shoe partially hit the brake pedal a few times when hitting the gas. I also am not a fan of the exhaust note particularly when compared to the BMW or the FX45 that I owned a couple years ago. Minor issue that the car's comfort and overall performance more than makes up for."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I was in love but the car really sucks!!!!

By JCU (NM) on Tuesday, January 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,500

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "STYLE"

Cons: "PERFORMACE and SERVICE"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I have been having issues with my VOLVO c70 Inscription since day one. The car chokes on my when I needed the most. Now the defogger is not working at last but not least the radio stopped working. The dealer Master tech told me that the gas I was using was inadecuate. (I use only SHell and Chevron Premium) SO I ask the guy and he told me that POLESTAR recomend 97+ to maximize the car performace. I wrote to Polestar and it is not true. This is not my only Volvo but this will be my last."

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The best convertible value in its class!

By Student4Life (FL) on Thursday, January 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great Styling, Comfortable Seats, Best Value"

Cons: "Lots of warning lights, underpowered engine"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've owned my 2011 C70 for almost 2 years. I have never before received SO many compliments on a vehicle. From workers at drive-thru's to folks stopped at a light next to me...all giving shout-outs to how stylish this car is. Always when the top is down too! Mind you, I'm in South FL where there's tons of BMW, Audi, Mercedes convertibles on the roads, but since there aren't that many C70's produced (there is talk the factory in Sweden that manufactures it is being closed down and Volvo may not come out with a replacement convertible) the car is not as ubiquitous as other drop tops. Smooth and quiet ride, but wobbly handling and mediocre acceleration. However, it makes up for these shortcomings in style and safety ratings as well as decent trunk space for a hard top convertible. This is a great commuter car and I get 300+ miles on a full tank. Some quirks you should be aware of: 1. No spare tire- I learned this the hard way, had a flat with damage to the sidewall and had to be towed to dealer and buy a new tire for $300. There is a can of fix-a-flat spray in a compartment instead if your tire damage is on the tread. 2. Electrical warnings- a lot of warnings go on and usually go away on their own- if your car comes with the optional BLIS system you will see the check system light many times. I've always ignored it and the BLIS continues to work perfectly. I've also had the "top malfunction service required" warning where the roof wouldn't close back up. I simply parked the car and re-started the engine after 10 minutes and everything worked again and warning message went away. Even my service advisor at Volvo condones my not taking these warnings too seriously as they usually amount to nothing (on a newer vehicle still in warranty). I had similar electrical quirks with a volvo S40 sedan and a Saab 9-3 convertible...if these things bother you, don't get a Swedish car. This car is super stylish, comfortable and safe besides being a convertible which always ups the fun factor."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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I LOVE MY C70 T5

By Izy (HI) on Saturday, April 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 350

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "comfort, style and quite drive smooth"

Cons: "fuel mileage in city.."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Incredible ride...just bought it...is metallic red in color, white soft leather seat...I called it First Class Auto...so quiet, comfortable and fun to ride Hard Top comes down is like owning a robot...jajaja I take the Top Down in the evening after leaving my work...the breeze and the stereo sound and softness of the style is amazing...i always want to owe a VOLVO it is for real one of the nicest cars i ever bought...! I am in love with my car...lol"

8 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Love my froofroo car!

By HaM (AL) on Thursday, February 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, quiet for a convertible"

Cons: "Turning radius"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my C70 for over a year now and LOVE it! It is the first convertible I have owned and I have enjoyed the convenience of the power top and the quietness of the hard-top. The only thing I would improve upon is the turning radius -- you need a wider area to turn around in then I am used to. That minor complaint though will not keep me from buying another one."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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See all 61 reviews