1998 Volvo C70 Review
1998 Volvo C70 Review
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Used C70 for sale
Appraise This CarVolvo C70 model years
Volvo C70 types
- Coupe
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Dashing good looks. Performance and handling. Seat comfort. Dolby Surround Sound system. Safety systems.
Cons
- Poorly conceived power easy-entry feature for front seats. Tacked-on look of Dolby center dash speaker.
What’s new
Modeled on the S70 chassis, the C70 shares sheet metal with the S70 from the windshield forward, and is powered by the same set of turbocharged power plants.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Volvo C70 LT Turbo 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$213/mo for C70 LT
C70 LT
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Forget what you think you know about Volvo. Well, almost everything you know. Volvos are still very safe cars, but they aren't to be relegated to granola crunchies and conservative suburbanites any longer. The new C70 is proof of that.
With the mission of going after buyers looking for a little excitement, Volvo engineers have transformed the sturdy but boxy S70 into a svelte coupe and somewhat pudgy convertible with impressive performance and room for four bona-fide adults. Sheetmetal forward of the windshield is shared with the S70 sedan and V70 wagon, but aft of the front glass the C70 is all curvy coupe or weatherproof drop-top.
Under the beautiful sheetmetal of the coupe, buyers will find the chassis of the S70/V70, along with the turbocharged powertrain that T-5 sedans and wagons use for propulsion. Making 236-horsepower at 5,100 rpm, the blown inline five-cylinder engine will create enough g-force when spooled up to push passengers back into the large, supremely supportive seats. Convertibles make do with the less powerful 190-horsepower light-pressure turbo engine from the S70 GLT, for now. The interior is lifted from the S70/V70, but an optional Dolby Surround Sound pod can sit atop the instrument panel in the C70. Trust us. It rocks.
Well-equipped coupes start at $39,500; convertibles go for a few grand more. Buyers can add traction control, huge 18-inch alloy wheels, premium leather upholstery, and heated front seats. Those with a hankering for lighter wood trim or smaller all-season rubber can get them at no additional charge.
Structural rigidity was a priority with the coupe, and the results show when driving it along winding roads. This car is rock solid. The convertible, however, exhibits more cowl shake than one might expect. And, in keeping with Volvo's tradition of providing safe transportation, the C70 has dual front airbags, side airbags for front passengers, three-point inertia reel safety belts at all positions, anti-submarining front seats, and the SIPS side-impact protection system. A strengthened steel safety cage surrounds the convertible's passenger compartment and a Rollover Protection System (ROPS) designed to deploy when sensors determine that the car may flip prevents crushed skulls.
The C70 will battle the shapely new Mercedes-Benz CLK and the upcoming redesigned BMW 3-series, among others, in the marketplace. It will also change the way people think about Volvo, and should fare well in the battle against existing luxury coupes and convertibles.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Volvo C70.
5 star(70%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
20 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
my saffron 98 c70
bradleywestra, 03/05/2012
1998 Volvo C70 2dr Coupe
i bought this car as my first car and man oh man i love this car the car has given me no problems itis a very reliable car
4.25 out of 5 stars
Incredible car
karhas, 02/06/2011
1998 Volvo C70 2dr Coupe
I've owned this car for 11 years.
One of the best I've driven.
Car is now at 350K and yes, maint is expensive, but worth it.
Oil changes every 3 months and i would suggest owners budget atleast $1200 a year for maintenance.
Besides oil changes & tuneups -
Issues:
ABS module - approx $300 to fix.
Heater core - @250K - approx $800
Window switch - approx $200
Rear antenna - approx $100
4.88 out of 5 stars
A lot of style and performance for the $
Mike, 01/22/2005
1998 Volvo C70 2dr Coupe
I purchased this car in '02 with 43,000 miles and have since driven it to 78,500. I truly enjoy this car each day and am surprised that this now 7-yr old vehicle still draws admiring comments. Great acceleration, but wish it was an all-wheel or rear-wheel drive. Not many used cars in this price range can achieve the 6.2 or better to 60 MPH. Only complaints thus far is an annoying … noise in the roof that accompanies heavy dew or rain, flaking paint on front bumper and cheap plastic switch that has broken under seats disabling power functions... (fixed with a rubber band!)
4.88 out of 5 stars
Well Pleased.
James Woode, 03/10/2007
1998 Volvo C70 2dr Coupe
Was looking for a "Personal Car" as have a M-B "Family Car) and found it in the Volvo C70. It was my second Volvo and was impressed with the overall engineering that goes into their products. The car has served me well and continues to draw "raves" for appearance. Gas mileage is in the 32- mpg area on the highway. The sound system is outstanding. Currently have 49,000 miles on the … car and has held up very well and shows no "age". Great Car!!!!
1998 C70 Highlights
Coupe
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $213/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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