Volvo C70

The C70 coupe has nicely weighted steering and good brakes. Its 2.4-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine is very responsive in everyday driving and was available with either an automatic or a manual transmission. Handling is capable and braking is good, but the ride is stiff. A convertible was also available, which was the only body style offered in 2004 -- the last year of production for this generation. A new, more sleekly styled C70 convertible with seating for four debuted for 2006 with a power-operated retractable hardtop and a turbocharged five-cylinder engine. Manual and automatic transmissions were again available.

New in 1998, the sleek C70 coupe is based on Volvo's front-drive 70-Series. It performs well, with nicely weighted steering and good brakes. The initial engine was a fairly unresponsive 2.3-liter turbocharged five-cylinder that produced 236 horsepower. In 1999, a 2.4-liter, 190-hp turbo Five was introduced. Despite its lower total output, this engine feels more responsive in everyday driving. Both automatic and manual transmissions are offered.