2013 Volvo C70 Review
Price Range: $6,999 - $18,590





+73
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Luxurious cabin
- quiet and comfortable ride
- roomy trunk, even with top down.
Cons
- Subpar acceleration and braking
- confusing navigation controls.
What’s new
For 2013, the Volvo C70 gets a few more standard features (including automatic wipers and headlight washers) but otherwise continues unchanged.
Edmunds says
The 2013 Volvo C70 boasts a retractable convertible hardtop, a luxurious interior and a smooth ride, though its middling performance doesn't measure up to pricier rivals.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
12 listings
- $7,880fair price$136 above market
- 155,456 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 5cyl automatic
- AutoDot (38 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Sykesville, MD
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: YV1672MC7DJ139218
Stock: 2001809
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $12,990
- 107,200 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 5cyl automatic
- Capital Auto Sales (135 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Vineland, NJ
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: YV1672MCXDJ144025
Stock: 1514
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
With its handsome styling, comfortable seating and relatively practical nature, the 2013 Volvo C70 has plenty going for it. The C70's classy exterior design manages to hide the typically awkward rear-quarter cut lines that sully the profiles of other retractable-hardtop convertibles. Inside, the cabin is also cleanly executed and boasts comfortable front seats and a decent-sized backseat and trunk.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 engine good for up to 250 horsepower. It's not the most dynamic engine in this segment, but it generally gets the job done. More importantly, the C70's retractable hardtop provides coupelike quietness along with a level of security and foul weather practicality that a soft top can't match.
The C70's interior doesn't quite have the luxury vibe of rivals such as the Audi A5 convertible, while its performance and handling are no match for the BMW 3 Series or Infiniti G convertible. Still, the 2013 Volvo C70 costs considerably less than most of those models, while also being more practical. So even in the face of several other worthwhile choices, the C70 offers a combination of style, substance and value that's hard to ignore.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 Volvo C70 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 engine rated at 227 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque. Opting for the Inscription package includes a higher-output version of that engine with 250 hp and 273 lb-ft. Front-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission are standard.
In Edmunds performance testing, the C70 Inscription ran from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds -- energetic enough for most folks, but slow for the class. EPA fuel economy estimates for this powertrain are 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.
Safety
The 2013 Volvo C70 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat-mounted side airbags, front seat curtain-style airbags, an automatically deploying rollover bar and active front head restraints.
In Edmunds brake testing, the C70 came to a stop from 60 mph in 133 feet, which is about 10 feet longer than average.
In crash tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the C70 its highest rating of "Good" for frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength protection.
Driving
What you think of the 2013 Volvo C70's performance depends a great deal on your expectations. If you're looking for sports car handling you're bound to be disappointed, as the steering feels a bit numb and the suspension allows a good deal of body roll and brake dive when pushing the car hard on a curvy stretch of asphalt. The turbocharged engine, while no slouch, can't match the punch delivered by the motors in more expensive competitors like the BMW 335i and Infiniti G37 convertibles.
The majority of convertible shoppers will find driving the C70 to be a pleasant experience, however. The car's supple suspension delivers a very civilized ride quality. With the top up, the cabin is luxury car quiet while the breeze is well-controlled with the top down.
Interior
The C70's passenger cabin earns high marks for form, with a sleek, stylish design accented by Volvo (http://www.edmunds.com/volvo/)'s trademark thin center stack panel that appears to float in the space between the dash and the center console. Quality materials, including leather upholstery and both the standard aluminum and optional wood trim, complete the effect. The front seats are very comfortable and the Platinum package's 14-speaker surround-sound audio system is one of the best you'll find in a convertible.
Function is more of a mixed bag, however. While the familiar "mode man" climate controls are intuitive, the audio controls can be frustrating and the optional navigation system has one of the worst control interfaces on the market. Rear seat legroom is a little tight, though still better than what you'll find in an A5, 3 Series or Infiniti G.
As with all retractable-hardtop convertibles, you'll lose trunk space with the top down. But the Volvo goes from a very generous 12.8 cubic feet with the top up to a still-usable 6.0 cubic feet with it lowered. That doesn't seem like a lot, but it's better than many competitors. Pressing the trunk-mounted Load Assist button lifts the roof assembly to make it easier to access the remaining space within the trunk.
2013 Volvo C70 models
The 2013 Volvo C70 is a four-passenger luxury convertible with a retractable hardtop. The single T5 trim level comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power-retractable hardtop, foglights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, driver seat memory functions, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, HD radio, an iPod/USB audio interface and an auxiliary audio jack.
Opting for the Premier Plus package gets you LED running lights, rear parking sensors and keyless ignition/entry. The Platinum adds to that a navigation system and a 14-speaker premium surround-sound audio system.
The Inscription package includes a more powerful engine, unique 18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, LED running lights, a rear spoiler, a sport steering wheel, aluminum sport pedals, monogrammed front seats/floor mats, and leather covering for the dash, center armrest and hand brake lever.
Other options include the Climate package (heated front seats and an automatic cabin air filter), the Dynamic package (18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and a sport steering wheel) and a blind-spot warning system.

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Compare 2013 Volvo C70 trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$170/mo for C70 T5
C70 T5
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Average
#18 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$560/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
2.38x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
12.1%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Volvo C70 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Much more than I expected
4.5 out of 5 starsmaccoroner, 11/13/2011
2012 Volvo C70 T5 2dr Convertible (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 5A)
We had originally wanted to get a VW EOS but when we discovered the C70 everything changed. A few days ago we took delivery at the factory in Sweden and put 800+ miles on the car in two days. We commented that at the end of each day we were not tired or stiff like in our previous cars. Yes the controls for the Nav, phone and temp take a little to get used to, but after the first day they … were intuitive. We like the smooth power and shifting this car has. Back roads or Autobahn were equally smooth and enjoyable. We bought the U.S. model and will take it back to the states when we go. The navigation system is great. It notified us of trouble and detoured us well before the slow down.
Love the ride, hardtop allows year round use!
5 out of 5 starsVolvo C70 Caspian Blue Fan! Go Cats!, 03/19/2017
2013 Volvo C70 T5 2dr Convertible (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 5A)
I would recommend the BLIS system if you are used to having it. I purchased mine as a certified one since it one only had 7500 miles for a 2013, 0.9% financing, favorite calcite interior with caspian blue exterior. The interior is very luxurious; however, electronics/stereo could be updated. Then again, it is a 2013 car! I don't need entertainment.. just some music, bluetooth and the … car! Top down it is a beautiful car; Top up it is a nice coupe to be used year round! Hardtop design is pretty incredible.. and you still have some trunk space available with top down. I purchased seat protectors and windbreaker on ebay for additional use/convenience. Several reviews say power is insufficient, but i am quite happy with it. Has all the power I need in town and on the highway. Love it! Love it!
Update after 7 months of ownership: Love the flexibility of a true car with convertible option depending on weather or travel plans. Car has been wonderful with no issues! Can load my golf clubs easily in the trunk! Seats are so sweet and comfy! 2018 Update: I can put my golf clubs in the front seat with the top down! - just slide the seat back and they fit comfortably! Not a glitch one with this car so far.. oil change, rotate the tires and new wiper blades. Love the ride and reliability! 2020 Update:Still running great! One little noise issue,but trying to figure that out now. Otherwise, no issues with the car and love the convertible!
2022 Update: Still going wonderfully! Just replaced the battery and added two tires, oil change and she keeps moving on with no issues! Great car!
120k mile review
5 out of 5 starsRVA C70, 08/12/2020
2012 Volvo C70 T5 2dr Convertible (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 5A)
Too often, people write reviews when the car is (a) brand new, or (b) when they're having problems with it. Let this review serve as neither of those on an 8-year old, daily-driven Volvo C70 with 120k miles on it and in need of a $2k maintenance visit, which we'll be doing.
First off, this car is a joy to own and drive once you get used to it. The controls are different, but no more … different than any of the other hard top convertible controls (Lexus' are unintuitive, BMW's are complicated--you'll get used to either once you drive it a while). The sound system is great and Bluetooth works well. The backseats are usable even when (a younger) grandma needs to install child seats twice a year and refuses to give up her convertible. Styling looks great 8 years later, it is still comfortable and reliable, does exactly what it is supposed to do. Kudos for Volvo for offering unique color combinations. The seats are beautiful and more comfortable than any other brand hands down! We didn't opt for the model with navi due to the cost of maintaining navigation subscriptions long term, them becoming obsolete, additional complexity, and unnecessarily complicated to use. This car is not cutting edge, not especially sporty/ performance-minded (more of a Lexus competitor than BMW, Infiniti), but it is a very reliable, comfortable highway cruiser and does that job very well.
For the cons, it's nuts that Volvo doesn't have bi-xenon headlights or any safety equipment standard. The good news, the car is cheaper to fix (bulbs are $25ish) and repair bills at the body shop are lower too. Volvos need maintenance--all cars do. There's only 2 dealers (both are sub-par IMO) and 2 Swedish specialists in my city, so you pay a little more. Since out of warranty, we've replaced a battery, air conditioning switch, drive axle, a handful of bulbs (both headlights, tail light, rear turn signal), remote battery, emblem, fuses, a driver power seat regulator, tires, brakes, and fluids. It's been a great car. Repairs have cost slightly more than average but the frequency has been lower than average in my opinion. It is sometimes difficult to find parts and more than one time the wrong part has come in. The only outstanding repair that the car needs is about a third of one of the rear tail light LEDs is out (sometimes) and the part is not available. It doesn't affect safety or drivability and has been that way for 3years and hasn't worsened.
Whether the car is dealer, mechanic, or personally serviced, if it's well taken care of, these are great cruisers! Parts, bulbs, filters, etc. are available online for very reasonable prices and a lot of the easier repairs are so easy a caveman can do it. Some repairs are extra complicated (cabin air filter), but most are fine. The 120k service is expensive--it requires a timing belt, tensioners, water pumps, belts, both filters, few different fluid changes and runs about $2k, but it's a once (or twice if you LOVE your Volvo) in a lifetime of the car service. Build and paint quality, fit and finish, etc. are all excellent as we don't care/ detail our cars physically like we should and they hold up quite well. Tires are reasonable. The C70 is a dying breed, but a car I would absolutely recommend, buy again, consider second hand, etc. Crazy how cheap they are on the used market!
Underappreicated!
5 out of 5 starshieatt, 10/01/2013
2012 Volvo C70 T5 2dr Convertible (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 5A)
I spent long time comparing hard top convertibles, and I remain struck the the lack of awareness/appreciation for the C70 - as it ended up being a no-brainer choice from my standpoint.
Priced up to $10K less than German competitors, while offering equal/better interior space, trunk space, safety features, comfort, build quality, reliability and styling.
The C70 does give up a bit to its … competitors in terms of performance - but with the Polestar upgrade it is more powerful than a 328i, and hardly underpowered.
It doesn't have the handling of a BMW or Audi, but still fun to run through twisty roads and rides more comfortably.
Overall the C70 has more going for it and is a great value.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Volvo C70, so we've included reviews for other years of the C70 since its last redesign.
2013 C70 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $41,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $170/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
Key safety features on the C70 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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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