2006-2008 Volvo C70: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Steering/handling
- Control layout/materials
- Brake performance
- Front-seat passenger room and comfort
Cons
- Back-seat passenger room and comfort
- Cargo room
Vehicle Highlights
Volvo's C70 had come in convertible form starting in 1998, but that fabric-roofed model and its hardtop-coupe companion disappeared after the 2004 model year. Now, midway through the 2006 model year, the Swedish automaker launched a four-passenger convertible with a retractable hardtop. This new C70 shared its basic front-wheel-drive architecture and wheelbase with Volvo's front-wheel-drive S40 sedans and V50 wagons, but was somewhat longer and wider to accommodate the three-piece hardtop that powers in and out of the trunk. The 2006.5 model came in a single trim level, called T5, borrowing its 218-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder engine from the S40/V50 line. Transmissions also were shared: a six-speed manual and optional five-speed automatic, with a manual shift gate. Standard safety features included specially-designed front side airbags that could pop out of the doors to act as head-protecting curtains in side-impact incidents. Front torso side airbags also were standard. In addition, rollover bars automatically popped up from behind the rear head restraints if sensors detected an imminent tipover. C70s also came with antilock four-wheel disc brakes and antiskid/traction control. Standard wheels were 17-inch, with 18-inch optional. Among other options were rear obstacle detection, bi-xenon headlamps, and a navigation system with remote control and satellite radio preparation. Leather upholstery was part of a $1395 Premium Package. With the revived C70, Volvo competed against the Audi A4 Cabriolet, BMW 3-Series convertible, and Saab 9-3 convertible. All three of those had fabric tops rather than a metal roof, though Volkswagen launched a retractable hardtop and BMW would soon do likewise for its 3-Series.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Volvo C70 T5 w/auto. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2006-2008 Volvo C70 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2006-2008 Volvo C70 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2006-2008 Volvo C70 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Although it ranks a step below most like-priced convertibles for all-around performance, the C70 is a pleasant, stylish, well-built blend of top-down fun and fixed-roof security. A comfortable ride and decent trunk space (with top up) add to its appeal. However, strong resale value tends to keep secondhand prices on the high side.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Volvo C70 T5 w/auto. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,750 |
| Alternator | $870 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $5,695 |
| Brakes | $750 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $1,350 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,250 |
| Exhaust System | $600 |
| Radiator | $600 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $2,120 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,250 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2008 | |||
| C70 T5 | $37,500-40,000 | $34,900-37,200 | $26,600-28,400 |
| 2007 | |||
| C70 T5 | $33,000-35,000 | $30,700-32,600 | $23,400-24,900 |
| 2006 | |||
| C70 | $29,500-31,000 | $27,400-28,800 | $20,400-21,400 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.9 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.4 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3772 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.9 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| Turbocharged dohc I5 | 2.5 / 154 | 218 | 236 | 6-speed manual: 21/29 5-speed automatic: 20/29 |
6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: 21.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%. Sideimpact 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%.
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