2008 Volvo C70 Review
2008 Volvo C70 Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Versatile and user-friendly convertible hardtop design, good visibility for a convertible, sophisticated safety features, accommodating interior with an ergonomic layout.
Cons
- Middling acceleration and braking performance, unimpressive steering feedback.
What’s new
The 2008 Volvo C70 sees a slight horsepower increase, up from 218 to 227. The car's interior also gets a few upgrades, with new wood accents, a leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, and redesigned air vents.
Edmunds says
With its gee-whiz retractable hardtop, the 2008 Volvo C70 is a strong pick for those seeking a premium convertible with a healthy list of safety features and a stylish interior. However, if performance is your mandate, there are better choices.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Volvo C70 T5 2dr Convertible (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M) 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 $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$223/mo for C70 T5
C70 T5
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The Volvo C70 got its start in the late 1990s and was one of the first models to break out of the Swedish brand's stodgy image and into territory occupied by truly stylish cars with sleek, sensuous lines. Initially available as both a convertible and a coupe, the C70's lineup was soon narrowed to include just a convertible. Unfortunately, the car's charm was marred by the fact that its antiquated underpinnings made it a lot less fun to drive than similarly priced competitors. Volvo placed the C70 on a brief hiatus and then redesigned it from top to bottom for 2006.
With the Volvo C70's overhaul came a new body structure based on the current S40 sedan, handsome exterior styling and the addition of a three-piece retractable roof that elegantly assembles itself with the grace of an Arabian veil dancer. Once the hardtop is in place, this convertible in essence becomes a coupe, tightly sealed against the elements.
Unlike some other convertibles, the Volvo C70 doesn't confine, with ample top-up headroom for those who stand north of 6 feet. Visibility is another pleasant surprise, with lean rear pillars offering good sight lines for reversing drivers. The 2008 Volvo C70 is just as agreeable with the top down, thanks to minimal wind buffeting. It's also one of the safest convertibles on the market, as it's equipped with side curtain airbags that deploy when the top is lowered. To accomplish this feat, Volvo mounted the airbags in the doors.
But alas, all isn't perfect in Volvo C70 Land. Though the car elicits more warm sparks than its predecessor, it's hampered by its unimpressive turbocharged inline-5. Handling is competent but hardly energetic. If pep and performance rank high on your list, you'll want to shift your attention to the more pleasurable (though more expensive) BMW 3 Series convertible. Volkswagen's Eos is another interesting alternative, given its very similar demeanor and lower price. Still, with its noteworthy trunk space and outstanding safety features, the 2008 Volvo C70 excels as a reasonably family-friendly choice for those in search of a sexy drop top that doesn't sacrifice versatility.
Performance & mpg
Powering the C70 is a turbocharged, 2.5-liter, inline five-cylinder engine. It's good for 227 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission. Those who'd rather not shift their own gears can go for the optional five-speed automatic. With a manual transmission, the C70 gets 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Automatic-equipped C70s get an 18/26 mpg rating.
Safety
This being a Volvo, safety is paramount. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction control and stability control. Side airbags are also provided, along with special door-mounted, head-protecting side curtain airbags; these are capable of protecting front occupants even when the top is down. In the event of a rollover accident, rollover bars mounted behind the seats automatically deploy for maximum safety. Anti-whiplash seats are also offered as standard equipment. Volvo's BLIS is available as an option.
Driving
Acceleration is hardly mind-blowing, but the 2008 Volvo C70's turbocharged engine offers enough low-end torque to efficiently hustle the car from a stop. On the move, the car's body's structure is rigid and stays flex-free when driven over bumps. The suspension is softly tuned, and the easy-to-drive C70 makes for a pleasing highway or boulevard-cruising companion. But pushed harder, the C70 is an unwilling partner due to uninspiring handling dynamics, numb steering and noticeable brake fade after miles of fast driving.
Interior
Activate the retractable roof and 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 rather seamless, though it does take a longish 30 seconds to complete. With the top up, there are a generous 12.8 cubic feet available for your gear. Top down, you're left with 6 cubic feet of trunk volume, however.
Most people will find the C70's front seats extremely comfortable. Legroom is tight for those in the rear, but it should be adequate for children and smaller adults. Fluid and graceful Swedish good looks abound in the C70's cabin; its lines are free of clutter, and highlights include a center stack that undulates with a ribbon's clean grace. Still, the C70 has a fair amount of cheap-looking plastics -- troubling for a car in this price range.
2008 Volvo C70 models
The 2008 Volvo C70 is a luxury convertible with a retractable hardtop design. Volvo keeps things simple by offering just one trim level, the T5. Standard features include 17-inch wheels, a power-retractable hardtop, cloth upholstery, eight-way power front seats (with driver memory), automatic dual-zone climate control, full power accessories, heated outside mirrors and an eight-speaker audio system with a six-CD changer and auxiliary audio input.
Buyers can beef up the C70's content with a quartet of packages. Choose the Premium Package for goodies like leather seats, a compass and HomeLink. The Climate Package gives you heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and headlamp washers. Pick the Convenience Package and get rear park assist, keyless start, power retractable side mirrors, a cabin air filtration system and Volvo's blind spot information system (BLIS) -- with BLIS, indicator lights issue a warning if a vehicle enters your blind spot. Make the most of your music by outfitting your C70 with the Dynaudio Package; it offers a 14-speaker Dolby ProLogic II premium sound system with 910 watts and two subwoofers. Stand-alone options include a navigation system, 18-inch wheels, satellite radio and bi-HID xenon headlights.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Volvo C70.
5 star(67%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Fun, comfortable & safe. Amazing Dynaudio sound!
Peter R, 07/15/2021
2008 Volvo C70 T5 2dr Convertible (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)
Once I sold my classic Corvair convertible, I was on the hunt for another convertible, albeit one with some modern upgrades, a more comfortable ride, and under $10K. I test drove the Miata, Mustang and Toyota Solara. The Miata was fun but too cramped inside. The Mustangs I looked at all seemed like former rental cars or were just not very well cared for by their owners. I liked the … Solara a lot, but it was a bit bigger than I wanted and I didn't like the unfinished look when the top was down...there's no boot or other covering over the folded roof. Once I test drove the C70, I was hooked. I found a low-mileage (55K) one in great condition in Zanzibar Gold Metallic! I've had it now for over a year but only put about 2K miles on it, so my review is based on that limited experience. I really like driving this car! The seats are nicely shaped and padded, the ride is sporty and comfortable, the visibility is good, the instruments are all logically laid out, and the Dynaudio sound system is outstanding. It is the best sound system I've ever heard in a car! It's that good. If you're looking to buy a C70, wait until you find one with the Dynaudio system. You'll be glad you did. Gas mileage is pretty good, averaging around 24 MPG. The turbo engine is responsive, although sometimes hesitates a bit from a stopped position. You get used to it though. I put all new Pirelli tires on the car which enhance the sporty and comfortable ride. I had to replace the timing belt and water pump (usually done together) at a cost of $1K, but it had to be done at some point anyway. Overall, I feel that the C70 is a fun and comfortable cruiser, which is exactly what I was seeking. Did I mention the amazing Dynaudio sound system?
4.5 out of 5 stars
Liked it so much, I bought another!
4mercoachrick, 10/10/2011
2008 Volvo C70 T5 2dr Convertible (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)
We enjoyed our '08 C70 so much, we just purchased the slightly updated 2011 model.
We kept the '08 for 3 1/2 years and just under 30K miles.
It was never in the shop for anything other than scheduled maintenance and one warped brake rotor.
The key-fob seat memory was a little balky...more of a nuisance than anything.
Our avg mpg was 23ish for the total period, highway mileage was closer … to 30 when we were trying to 'watch' it.
After owning the '04 ragtop version of the C70, the '08 was superior in almost every way.
Very solid with the top up or down...no problems with the top or its operation.
The FWD can get a little 'slippy' if the driver sends too much power on slick roads, FYI.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Volvo 4 Life in Atlanta
Stephen, Atlanta, 01/03/2009
2008 Volvo C70 T5 2dr Convertible (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)
I always wanted a convertible but steered clear of soft tops - loved the old C70 but only would have purchased a hard top. When I saw online Volvo building a new hardtop convertible I had to have it (though I also steer clear of new models their first year or two due to the manufacturer working out the bugs). Having had two BMWs prior I struggled with not getting another one but am … thrilled with my decision. This car even got a round of applause at a local eatery when I put the top down for the drive home. I also own an XC90 SUV - both cars are white so a neighbor asked me if I work for Volvo now. I would highly recommend a Volvo!!
4.25 out of 5 stars
Fun Pleasureable and reliable
fordmustang_27, 02/19/2012
2008 Volvo C70 T5 2dr Convertible (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 6M)
I bought this car used in march 2011. It came with 19,000 miles that woman put on before me. She traded it in and bought a new one. I compared this to the camaro, bmw and infiniti convertibles. These cars could not compete with the value and the feel of this car. The hard top convertible is amazing to watch go up and down. It has surprisingly good power with its 230 hp with its 2.5 liter … turbo 5 cylinder. Still gets good gas mileage. I average 22 city and 28 highway driving slow like i normaly do. But I want to pass someone its very easy. Im at 30k miles and had no problems. Very reliable. Only thing its expensive to maintain. Around 200-600 dollars every time i bring it in.
2008 C70 Highlights
Base MSRP | $39,240 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $223/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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 – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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