2008 Volvo C30 Consumer Reviews

Most excellent

Written by: ted on 06/27/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Excellent car, handles like a dream, gets off the line fairly quickly. It could use some extra torque though, and you should do everything in your power to stay away from potholes (I cringe at the slam of my 18 inch wheels over concrete expansion joints), but luckily with its superb handling, you can avoid them without difficulty. The sound system is unreal, the car is just one huge menu system. Everything can be changed, adjusted, and tweaked to your exact specifications. I wish the front didn't look exactly the same as the S40 and V50, but it's a small price to pay for having the coolest car around.

Favorite Features

The stereo is spectacular, the myriad controls over everything are like I've never seen in any car.

Suggested Improvements

More standard equipment would be nice, and although this is a tall order, All-Wheel Drive would be great. Also, with more torque would come better fuel economy, which should be a reality in a car of its size. Unfortunately, Volvo has never been king of the mpg hill, but we forgive them

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Wow, definitely worh every penny!

Written by: efrazier on 06/14/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I purchased this car after looking at a SRT4 Caliber and a Mazda Speed 3. I was just about set on the Mazda when I found this car by accident, as soon as I saw it and started researching it was a done deal without the test drive. Then I drove it...wow! This car is probably one of the most well balanced cars I have ever owned..even better than a BMW! I have no faults with this car whatsoever from an engineering perspective. The power, handling, comfort and design of the car are all superb! Once I drove it I was done..no need to drive anything else because nothing else compares. I actually can't wait to take it on a long trip.

Favorite Features

Inline 5 cyl turbo engine, memory foam seats, legroom in back seats, unigue styling, upgraded stereo and smooth/quite ride. Chances are you will not see another C30 like yours, or see another one period. The cool factor of this car is off the charts, this is one cool Volvo!

Suggested Improvements

Some of the a la carte options really should be standard, like a trip computer (MPG, DTE, etc). Seats that have memory on ptting back to original position. 6 CD indash changer would be nice.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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"Perfect If you Need a Headache"

Written by: VolvoC30 grossinger on 04/15/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This car is perfect/awesome if you need a headache and you have lots of money to spend this is the right car for you, I purchased my car last 2 weeks ago, guess what! For just 1 day of rain, storm and a lil snow huu surprise!, when I open the the door water was all over my seats, take note both driver side and passenger side, so instead of enjoying the car, the mechanics are enjoying it at the dealer trying to find out where the leak is coming from so basically perfect for a car under 30g.

Favorite Features

None

Suggested Improvements

Well the drive is smooth, engine is great and to be honest please improve your weather guards (strips) both passenger and drivers side...

8 out 47 people found this review helpful

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A Driver's Fun Vehicle

Written by: greenweenie on 03/11/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This vehicle was acquired in Jan 08. The worst winter in recent times for Michigan soon made it painfully obvious that the high performance Pirelli Rosso tires are not proper for locales that receive any measureable amount of snow. These tires immediately become road slicks and the vehicle will go nowhere. On dry or wet pavement, they are outstanding. Potholes are deadly for any tire, but for these Pirellis, it is certain immediate bankruptcy!

Favorite Features

Ride and handling tuning, while far from a Lotus Elise, is a good compromise for average driving conditions. One can have fun on mundane commutes.

Suggested Improvements

10 out 21 people found this review helpful

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A niche, but if you fit, this is the car

Written by: CarDude on 02/11/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I wanted something fun, but not one of the Racer Boy cars. I have kids, but I'm more likely to be alone and take the wife's VW Passat with the family. This car just FIT. Excellent fuel economy, power when you want it, and space to take things. Can even tow or mount stuff on the roof if needed. Interior is very unique. Some buttons take some getting used to, but overall a really nice stylish design. I like the two rear seats as they didn't try to squeeze in 3. Access with manual seats is great. Comfort is good as long as you put the short people in back. Volvo seats just seem to fit really nice for the long haul. Even the carpet in the back doesn't seem to be a dog hair magnet.

Favorite Features

Engine - torque from 1500 rpm. Seats, great cloth and comfort. Visibility - what blind spot? Handling - tires grip great and suspension allows fun while still being comfy. 60" of cargo with seats down - fit more than I thought. All kinds of tech available. Regular maint is fairly easy for DIY.

Suggested Improvements

While the list of options is impressive, many like cruise control, trip computer, and auto-dimming mirror should be standard equipment at this price point. GPS looks like an afterthought. Lose the $300 surcharge to add options. Screams for a DSG transmission. Power seats slow for rear access.

28 out 29 people found this review helpful

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Great Combo

Written by: Young 40 on 02/01/2008

Vehicle

2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I spent many hours on the internet and many weeks preparing to buy this car. Our family has a minivan and needs an Accord but this car won me over big time. There are many practical reasons to get a Honda, but the C30 adds so much to my driving experience while maintaining a sense of class that it became a perfect fit. I am 40, but not ready to drive a 40 year old no matter how much "sense" it makes. The C30 has a simple but well built and easy to use interior. The exterior styling is very unique. The T5 mated to the MT is the way to go. Almost got the AT at wife's request but the MT was too fun to drive and brought the car to life even more. Chose the 2.0 for styling and audio reasons.

Favorite Features

dynaudio stereo rocks. stock stereo is great too. driver seat comfort. aggressive but sophisticated styling. safety technology. power. combo of sporty but comfortable drive. control of custom build feature. Just a great balance of everything: price, comfort, personality, safety, and fun

Suggested Improvements

long reach to grab seatbelt. small hatch entrance for loading. not much else...

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Very Enjoyable.

Written by: Rob S. on 11/27/2007

Vehicle

2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

It gets a lot of looks! It gets up and goes as soon as you get around 3500 RPM. I'm use to cars with much larger engines however this car motors effortlessly without much engine noise. The controls are easy to manage and the upgraded sound system is great! A must have! The only one thing I dislike is that you feel every bump in the road. Otherwise great car.

Favorite Features

Color, styling, sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Bigger gas tank.

11 out 13 people found this review helpful

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I love it!

Written by: Pete on 11/26/2007

Vehicle

2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I considered buying Impreza WRX or Mazda Speed3, have driven both. The Volvo really matches my style of driving, low RPM with a lot of torque, firm and comfortable suspension. I love interior, and exterior. Built quality is very good, audio and driving experience is amazing. I do really recommend this car for your consideration.

Favorite Features

Safety features, engine and audio

Suggested Improvements

Trunk cover and trip computer should be standard.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Show Stopper

Written by: Jon on 10/09/2007

Vehicle

2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

The car is quick and reliable. I've had more than a few people stop and comment about my car. Not too impressed with the gas mileage but I did drive a civic before this.

Favorite Features

Design, acceleration, body kit, nice sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Not really good for driving your friends around in. Unless of course they are less than 5 ft tall.

6 out 13 people found this review helpful

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The real deal

Written by: JJay on 10/02/2007

Vehicle

2008 Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I was looking at the Mazdaspeed3 and while searching the internet, the C30 came up. I went to the local Volvo dealership and the test drive changed my mind. The car is fast, smooth, and well built. This car rides like a luxury car until you press on the accelerator and that's when the car reveals the power within. Gas mileage is good unless you have a habit of flooring the pedal.

Favorite Features

The style, performance, gas mileage, in other words I love all the features.

Suggested Improvements

No known.

16 out 17 people found this review helpful

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