2004 Volvo C70: Road Test
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2004 Volvo C70 ▼
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- MSRP: $39,880 -$41,880
- Invoice: $37,518 -$39,398
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Our road test for the 2004 Volvo C70 includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Volvo C70 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Volvo C70, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Volvo C70 help you decide if a 2004 Volvo C70 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.4 | 2.3 w/17-in. whls., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7.7 |
Enough power for most any need, though both engines suffer frustrating turbo throttle lag. The 2.3 model is quicker, but the 2.4 has more-progressive power delivery. Neither engine is as smooth as those of 6-cyl rivals.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.4 | 2.3 w/17-in. whls., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Expect to average about 20 mpg regardless of engine or transmission. Premium fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.4 | 2.3 w/17-in. whls., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 |
Mediocre even with standard 16-inch tires. Optional 17s can produce jarring impacts. Patchy pavement induces undue body drumming.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.4 | 2.3 w/17-in. whls., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8.4 |
Strong, sure braking. Firm, accurate steering. Balanced through sweeping curves, but not that nimble in tight, fast changes of direction. Also, mild front-drive torque steer--unwanted pulling to the side in rapid acceleration.
QUIETNESS
| 2.4 | 2.3 w/17-in. whls., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
Engines vocal and crude-sounding at full throttle. Top-up wind rush is low, but tires trigger intrusive coarse-pavement tire thrum.
CONTROLS
| 2.4 | 2.3 w/17-in. whls., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Mostly user-friendly, but the steering wheel can obscure some switches. Even with standard leather upholstery, there's too much low-grade plastic for cabin materials to feel special.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.4 | 2.3 w/17-in. whls., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Good space even for large adults. Firm, chairlike seats are long-distance comfortable. Visibility is subpar with the top up. Alert basic driving position is easily tailored.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.4 | 2.3 w/17-in. whls., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | .6 |
Only preteens fit. Front seats power forward for entry/exit, but are snail-slow and still leave pinched passageways.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.4 | 2.3 w/17-in. whls., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
Enough for a weekend's worth of soft luggage for two.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.4 | 2.3 w/17-in. whls., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.6 |
C70s are high style--for Volvo. But their basic 1993-vintage design shows its age in mediocre chassis rigidity for the class, and turbo throttle lag aggravates. Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series rivals are better cars, and even with C70's '04 price cuts, also better values.
Total Score
| 2.4 | 2.3 w/17-in. whls., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 42 | 42 | 47.4 |
Total Score: 42
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