1998-2004 Volvo C70: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.