2004 Volvo C70 Convertible

Some cars just capture your fancy—and this beautiful Volvo convertible certainly did. Not long ago, reading the words "beautiful" and "Volvo" in the same sentence would have been unlikely. With a few exceptions (remember the pretty P-1800 sporty coupe—), Swedish-built Volvos through the years have been perceived only as solid, safe and reliable transportation appliances, about as blocky as the boxes they were shipped in. Unlike the quirky, high-personality Swedish Saabs, Volvos were also conventionally driven by their rear wheels.


All that changed in the 1990s as Volvo evolved its product line to more package-efficient and foul-weather capable front-wheel-drive powertrains—and a distinctive, increasingly attractive new styling theme. The sporty and handsome C70 coupe and convertible, introduced in 1999, were intended largely to enhance and hasten the marque's perception change, which they have effectively done.

Watching the C70's top in action is a treat in itself.

No one who spends time with a C70 can ever think of Volvo in terms of that old, conservative-perception box again. Styling is subjective, but most will agree that the C70 is lovely to look at, and it drives about as well as it titillates the senses.


Powered by a very eager 2.3-liter, 245-hp DOHC turbocharged aluminum 5-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transaxle, our test HPT (high-performance turbo) model scooted from 0-60 in just over 7 seconds. While the 5-speed shifter and clutch action are unusually sweet and smooth for a front-drive car, drag-style launches are tricky, since the torque kicks in above 2,000 rpm. Once underway, you'll easily chirp the tires on the 1-2 shift, and 60 mph flashes by in a turbo rush near the top of second gear. The base LPT makes do with a 197-hp light-pressure turbo version of the same engine, coupled to a 5-speed automatic transaxle.


Lumpy road ride and twisty road handling are both outstanding, even when pushed by a heavy right foot, thanks to Volvo's "Dynamic Chassis" suspension (McPherson strut front, patented "Delta Link" rear) and Pirelli P6000 225/45ZR17 tires on 5-spoke Canisto alloy wheels. For increased stability during cornering, a pair of steering links actually steers the rear wheels a few degrees in the same direction as the fronts. The less aggressive LPT rolls on a "Comfort Chassis" version of the same suspension with 205/55ZR16 tires on 17-spoke wheels.