| Premium sporty/performance car; Built in Sweden |
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| Good condition price range: $2,100 – $7,800* |
2000 Volvo C70 convertible
1998 Volvo C70 2-door
1998 Volvo C70
2000 Volvo C70 2-door
1999 Volvo C70 convertible
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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.
Overview
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.
Yearly Updates
| 1999 C70 Not much was new for 1999, with either the C70 coupe or convertible. |
| 2000 C70 Once again, the coupe and convertible went on sale with minimal change. |
| 2001 C70 No significant changes were made for 2001. |
| 2002 C70 Standard instead of optional for 2002 were traction control and heated front seats. Otherwise, no changes of note. |
| 2003 C70 Coupe version is discontinued. Both engines gained 7 horsepower. |
| 2004 C70 C70’s base price is cut by $4245 in 2004. |
