1998-2004 Volvo C70 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Volvo C70. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Volvo C70.

1998-2004 Volvo C70 Review

After making its reputation for decades with conservative, boxy sedans and station wagons, Volvo sought to update its image. Leading the charge into the future was this swoopy C70 coupe, which was Volvo's first coupe body style in seven years. Based on the front-wheel-drive S70 sedan and V70 wagon (which were 1998 updates of the 850 series), the coupe has similar exterior dimensions. Seating four instead of five, it wore curvier 2-door styling. Unlike the S70/V70, which offered a choice of three 5-cylinder engines, the C70 coupe came only with the most powerful version: a turbocharged dual-overhead-cam 2.3-liter, rated at 236 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, but most buyers were expected to take the optional automatic, which had Sport, Economy, and Winter shift modes. Only one well-equipped model went on sale, with standard front and side airbags, antilock brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a power tilt/slide moonroof. Factory options were limited to a firmer sport suspension with 18-inch wheels, as well as a package comprising traction control, heated front seats, full leather upholstery and a 425-watt, 14-speaker audio system. Rivals included the BMW 3-Series coupe, Lexus SC 300/400, and Mercedes-Benz CLK. A convertible joined the coupe later in the season. Equipped with a power top and electrically defrosted glass rear window, the convertible and "base" coupe now used a turbocharged 190-horsepower 2.4-liter engine with automatic transmission. A sportier coupe model kept the initial 236-horsepower, 2.3-liter 5-cylinder.

Year to Year Changes

1999 Volvo C70: Not much was new for 1999, with either the C70 coupe or convertible.

2000 Volvo C70: Once again, the coupe and convertible went on sale with minimal change.

2001 Volvo C70: No significant changes were made for 2001.

2002 Volvo C70: Standard instead of optional for 2002 were traction control and heated front seats. Otherwise, no changes of note.

2003 Volvo C70: Coupe version is discontinued. Both engines gained 7 horsepower.

2004 Volvo C70: C70's base price is cut by $4245 in 2004.

1998-2004 Volvo C70 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Rear-seat room

Steering/handling	Rear-seat entry/exit

Side airbags	Ride (17-inch wheel models)

Standard antilock brakes

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

As on the performance-oriented T5 versions of the S70/V70, the coupe has a firm and somewhat choppy but acceptably supple ride, without the prominent tire thumping that plagued performance-oriented 850 sedans. Even so, the available 17-inch tires elicit harsh reactions to bumps. A convertible or "base" coupe rides more softly on 16-inch rubber. Steering is numb on-center, but provides good feel otherwise. The sporty-handling C70 has ample grip and little body lean in turns. Acceleration is satisfying with the base model, and very strong if the 2.3-liter engine is installed. Standing-start movement is good with either engine, and passing power is excellent. Volvo claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, but our test C70s have not felt quite that fleet. As for economy, a 2.3-liter model yielded 19.9 mpg. Neither inline 5-cylinder engine is as smooth as some of today's V6s and "turbo lag" (a moment's delay in power delivery) is still bothersome at low and midrange speeds. The back seat is tighter than in sedan models, and it's much harder to get into or out of. The convertible's narrower back seat is even less accommodating. Volvo tried to improve rear entry/exit with a power sliding feature for both front seats; but the seats move forward like snails. Leg room is ample in front and head room is good despite the standard power moonroof. The driver's seat is comfortable and supportive, and visibility is good to all directions--except in the convertible when its top is up. Driving position is easily tailored to fit. Trunk space is reasonable for a coupe, holding a weekend's worth of luggage for a couple, but less than the S70 sedan would offer.

Value for the Money
Looks can be deceiving on the used-car market, as shoppers learn quickly. Volvo's 2-door companions are suave in shape, perform admirably, and offer excellent amenities, but Mercedes-Benz just might have the edge in quality and refinement for this league. Overall, all recent Volvo models have been solid and well-built. The coupe is no different. Volvo has aimed the C70 at young-thinking empty-nesters ready for something with more style and sizzle than a minivan, sport-utility vehicle--or a Volvo sedan. Our experience suggests that the C70 is a worthy entry into that market and should be considered. Still, we'd pick the more refined Mercedes-Benz CLK320 coupe or convertible. Next to that example of excellence, Volvo's otherwise able C70 comes across almost as crude.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Volvo C70 coupe	Rating

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	5

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	2

Total:	47

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1998-2004 Volvo C70 Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Convertible top: The trim molding comes loose from the drip rail on convertibles. (1999)

Coolant leak: Water may enter the passenger compartment between the firewall and engine compartment. Adding sealer between the two may fix the problem. (1998)

Oil leak: Replacement copper washers might fix oil pump leaks from mounting screws on 2.5-liter engine. (1998)

Paint/body: The drain holes in the rocker panels may be clogged with body sealer leading to premature rusting. (1998)

Vehicle noise: A whining noise from the front of the car requires dampers on both half shafts. (1998-99)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$585

Alternator	$410

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$920

Brakes	$310

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$650

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,150

Exhaust System	$445

Radiator	$475

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,435

Timing Chain or Belt	$415

NHTSA Recall History

1998: Front-passenger airbag may be overly sensitive to certain electrostatic discharges; could possibly cause inadvertent deployment.

1998: Operation of headlight switch over extended period of time can result in inconsistent operation.

1998-00 C70: Over extended time period, headlight switch may cease to operate.

1999-02 C70 convertible: A dirty throttle housing and/or inefficient software calibration may force the vehicle into limp home mode. Dealers will install the current software upgrade onto the involved vehicles.

2001 V70: Bolted joint attaching the bracket for the child restraint, may have been incorrectly tightened. The seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.

2001 V70: Rear-outboard seatbelt-anchorage bolts may have been incorrectly tightened. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained.

1998-2004 Volvo C70 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1998
C70 convertible	$8,000-8,800	$7,200-7,900	$4,100-4,500
C70 coupe	$5,200-6,000	$4,400-5,100	$2,100-2,400

1999
C70 convertible	$8,600-9,300	$7,700-8,400	$4,500-4,800
C70 coupe	$5,500-6,700	$4,700-5,800	$2,300-2,700

2000
C70 convertible	$9,500-10,500	$8,600-9,500	$4,900-5,500
C70 coupe	$6,100-7,500	$5,300-6,500	$2,600-3,200

2001
C70 convertible	$11,000-12,500	$9,900-11,300	$5,900-6,800
C70 coupe	$8,000-9,200	$7,200-8,300	$4,100-4,700

2002
C70 convertible	$13,000-14,700	$11,800-13,400	$7,500-8,500
C70 coupe	$10,000-11,500	$9,000-10,400	$5,200-6,000

2003
C70 convertible	$16,000-18,000	$14,600-16,400	$10,200-11,500

2004
C70 convertible	$19,200-21,200	$17,700-19,500	$12,500-13,800

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1998-2004 Volvo C70 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door convertible	2-door coupe

Wheelbase, in.	104.9	104.9

Overall Length, in.	185.6	185.7

Overall Width, in.	71.5	71.5

Overall Height, in.	56.0	55.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3630	3365

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	8.0	13.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5	18.5

Seating Capacity	4	4

Front Head Room, in.	37.4	37.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.3	41.3

Rear Head Room, in.	36.6	36.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.6	34.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Initial models were powered by a turbocharged, dual-overhead-cam 2.3-liter inline 5-cylinder engine, making 236 horsepower. Another engine soon joined the fray, producing 190 horsepower and installed in the base coupe and the convertible. Two transmissions have been offered: a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Both engines gained 7 horsepower for '03.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

Turbocharged ohc I5	2.4 / 149	190-197	199	4-speed automatic: 19/26	4-speed automatic: 20

Turbocharged dohc I5	2.3 / 141	236-242	243-244	5-speed manual: 19/26 4-speed automatic: 18/25	5-speed manual: 20 4-speed automatic: 19.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Sweden

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1998-2004 Volvo C70 Review:

Volvo C70

Volvo C70 Road Test

Volvo C70 Reliability

Volvo C70 Prices

Volvo C70 Specs & Safety

Volvo C70 Photos

Volvo C70 Full Review