2001 Volvo C70 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Based on Volvo's previous midsize platform, the C70s offer a 2-dr coupe and a convertible with a power top and heated glass rear window. Both have a turbo inline 5-cyl engine. Convertibles get 190-hp or 236-hp versions, coupes get the 236 only. The 236-hp engine comes with manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic; automatic is standard with the 190 hp. Midseason, the coupe regained standard leather upholstery and sunroof, which were among its options at the start of the 2001 model year; its base price increased $2450 in the process. All C70s include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, and front seats designed to minimize whiplash injury.

Competition

This hotly contested segment has a clear benchmark; it is the Acura TL (and its 2-door cousin Acura CL). The TL succeeds in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. If you are leaning more toward the luxury scale, the Lexus ES 300 might be a more practical purchase.

We also recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored Audi A6, the comfortable Buick Park Avenue, the affordable and fast Infiniti I30.

News

Introduction of the new S60 and V70 models leaves the C70s as the only midsize Volvos still using the basic design of the original 1993 850-series. That means they're essentially obsolete and due to retired. Though it's hard to say when they might be dropped, we wouldn't be surprised if 2001 is their last model year.

Will Volvo field a new coupe and convertible to fill the void? The powers that be at Ford Motor Company's Premier Automotive Group, now Volvo's home base, are undoubtedly trying to answer that very question. But considering the C70's consistently low sales, we think the answer will be no.

2001 Volvo C70 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Instruments/controls	Road noise

Acceleration	Rear-seat entry/exit

Steering/handling	Ride

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2.4 conv	2.3 cpe, man.	Class Average
6	7	7.7

Enough for most any need. The 2.3 engine is stronger than the 2.4, but the 2.4 has a more progressive power delivery, though both suffer frustrating turbo throttle lag, especially when passing.

Fuel Economy

2.4 conv	2.3 cpe, man.	Class Average
5	5	4.7

We've averaged about 20 mpg regardless of engine or transmission. Premium fuel is required.

Ride Quality

2.4 conv	2.3 cpe, man.	Class Average
3	4	3.5

Choppy with standard 16-inch wheels, jarring with the available 17s. Patchy pavement and some freeways also induce undue body drumming for a near-luxury car, especially in convertibles.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.4 conv	2.3 cpe, man.	Class Average
6	6	7.8

Strong, sure braking; firm, accurate steering; balanced, predictable cornering moves. Still, C70s don't feel that nimble. Also, mild front-drive "torque steer" pulling to the side under hard throttle.

Quietness

2.4 conv	2.3 cpe, man.	Class Average
4	5	3.6

Engines are vocal and crude-sounding at full throttle. Wind rush is low, but there's audible coarse-pavement tire thrum, especially with optional 17-inch performance tires.

Controls

2.4 conv	2.3 cpe, man.	Class Average
5	6	5.2

Mostly user-friendly for placement and function, but the steering wheel can obscure some switches.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.4 conv	2.3 cpe, man.	Class Average
6	6	5

Good space even for large adults. Firm, chair-like seats are long-distance comfortable. Visibility is fine in the coupe, subpar top-up in convertibles. Alert basic driving position is easily tailored.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.4 conv	2.3 cpe, man.	Class Average
2	3	.7

Only preteens fit, and they may not be comfortable. Convertible's seat is narrower and even less hospitable than the coupe's. Front seats power forward for entry/exit, but are snail-slow and still leave pinched passageways.

Cargo Room

2.4 conv	2.3 cpe, man.	Class Average
2	3	2.1

Enough in either body style for a weekend's worth of soft luggage for two.

Value within Class

2.4 conv	2.3 cpe, man.	Class Average
1	1	4

High style--for Volvo--but at high prices, and basic 1993 design shows its age in mediocre rigidity for the class, ragtops especially. Similarly priced BMW 3-Series coupes and convertibles are better cars, with the Acura CL coupe the high-value alternative.

Total Score

2.4 conv	2.3 cpe, man.	Class Average
40	46	44.3

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		33
Average Score		44
High Score		59

2001 Volvo C70 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/23/2001

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.4-liter 2-door convertible	$43,550	$40,940	$625

2.3-liter 2-door coupe	$36,950	$34,736	$625

2.3-liter 2-door convertible	$45,550	$42,820	$625

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.4-liter

Powertrain

2.4-liter dohc turbocharged 5-cylinder 190-horsepower engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front seat active head restraints, rollover protection system (convertible), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, variable-assist power steering, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats w/driver seat memory, center console, cupholders, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger, illuminated visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, map lights, power convertible top, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, headlight wiper/washer, 205/55VR16 tires, alloy wheels.

2.3-liter coupe adds to 2.4-liter:

Powertrain

2.3-liter dohc turbocharged 5-cylinder 236-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, trip computer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

225/50VR16 tires.

2.3-liter convertible adds to 2.3-liter coupe:

Comfort and Convenience Features

AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 3-disc CD changer, outside temperature indicator, power convertible top.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: power sunroof, universal garage door opener.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Touring Pkg., 2.4-liter
2.4-liter	$585	$496
Trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, simulated wood interior trim.

Cold Weather Pkg.
2.3-liter convertible, 2.3-liter coupe, 2.4-liter	$800	$679
Traction control, heated front seats.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission
2.3-liter	$1,000	$1,000


Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 3-disc CD changer
2.4-liter, 2.3-liter coupe	$1,200	$1,020
Includes Dolby Prologic Surround Sound System.

Dolby Prologic Surround Sound System
2.3-liter convertible	$600	$510


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Canisto alloy wheels
2.3-liter convertible, 2.3-liter coupe, 2.4-liter	$400	$340
Includes 225/45ZR17 tires.

Propus alloy wheels
2.3-liter convertible, 2.3-liter coupe, 2.4-liter	$1,500	$1,275
Includes 225/45ZR17 tires.

2001 Volvo C70 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Volvo C70 2-door coupe	Volvo C70 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	104.9	104.9

Overall Length, in.	185.7	185.7

Overall Width, in.	71.5	71.5

Overall Height, in.	56.3	56.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	3365	3601

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.1	7.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.9	17.9

Seating Capacity	4	4

Front Head Room, in.	39.0	39.0

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.

Engines

	Turbocharged dohc I5	Turbocharged dohc I5

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /149	2.3 /141

Horsepower @ rpm.	190 @ 5100	236 @ 5400

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	199 @ 1800	244 @ 2400

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	--/--	21/28

5-speed automatic	21/28	20/27

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Volvo C70 2-door coupe

Volvo C70 2-door convertible

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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	8/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Sweden

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2001 Volvo C70 Photos

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