2009 Volvo C30 T5

Pros

Fast, handles like a Mini cooper but with a bit more comfortable ride

Cons

What cons? There are NONE

Purchased As New

Funky-beautiful looks, better than expected gas mileage, awesome sound system, fantastic acceleration and sports car handling. This is not your Dad's Volvo

Pros

Handling, ride, and comfort. Base sound system rocks.

Cons

Bluetooth and cruise control should be standard.

Purchased As New

I got my C30 on Easter weekend in 2009. To this day, I still walk into the parking garage at work and my heart skips a beat at how beautiful the car is when I see it. My personal bias is that my choice of titanium grey metallic is a superior finish and shade for accentuating the smooth lines and contours vs., say, white or black. I've tested this car from a dead stop, and even with the automatic tranny, the 0-60 in 6.2 seconds holds true. Freeway acceleration is spectacular. Just a tiny tap of the the throttle and I pass slower moving traffic like it's standing still. The car is wonderfully quiet and the this thing absolutely glides at freeway speeds! I don't understand how other reviews take a point or two off for handling, because I've been able to dart in and out of rush hour traffic at both highway and city speeds without any issues of sluggisness or understeer. I think this vehicle is very responsive. The braking is quick and solid, there's almost no perception of the auto tranny shifting its gears, and I've been averaging 26 mpg combined. My C30 has the base 160 watt, eight speaker stereo system and I've been blown away by the sound quality. I've punched that volume up and up to the point of that the bass rattles the body plating, windows, and other cars surrounding me at a traffic light, and there's virtually zero detectable sound distortion. Mine came equipped with the iPod interface and HD radio standard. The iPod system works perfectly and the menu interface on the center stack is a breeze to use. The seats, are, well, like butta. My C30 came with the quartz leather. Although the seats are manual, the car came with the optional climate package with the seat heaters. The lumbar and butt support defy description. I have my seat configured as if I'm being cradled while I drive and it's soooo comfortable. I'm also 6' 2" and I have no headroom issues even with the sunroof. I've also driven a few times with rear seat passengers and everyone was accommodated comfortably. A couple of weeks ago, I read that the IIHS Crash tests scored the C30 as excellent in the small car category on side and front impacts. The minute safety details are also very interesting. For a brief time, I thought the rear window wiper was malfunctioning as it would come on when I was only flipping the windshield wipers on. I came to find out that the rear wiper will automatically function while the car is in reverse so rear view is unobstructed. The automatic rain sensor for the front wipers that came with the climate package is also pretty cool! The one peculiar personality trait is that one has to let the engine rev for about a minute after a cold start before driving. I think it has something to do with the turbo needing to spin and lubricate. If you try and drive off immediately, the engine is almost non-responsive (like trying to drive in 15 degree weather). One thing I am ticked off about is the better warranty and care package Volvo gave to purchasers of 2009 models starting in June 2009. They get longer and more comprehensive coverage than I do because I bought my car a month and half earlier. Grrrr....read morehide

Pros

Funky Look, very comfortable, fun to drive

Cons

would like to see an AWD model.

I have an 08 C30 V2 and just love this car! Its fun to drive, quick, and handles well. At the same time, on long distance trips it's very easy to drive w/ the cruise control. Mileage is not bad at just under 30 average (I've gotten as high as 32 highway). I like the adapter for my iPod. The back seat very comfortable (so I've heard!). Though, being the rear windows dont pop open, I'd not be happy back there. I've had the car 6 months and have 16000 miles. And I look forward to driving it to work every morning. The only draw back is it's FWD, not AWD. Other than that, I'm thrilled!...read morehide

Pros

Fun to Drive. 28 MPG Highway. Awesome stereo. Well built and safe.

Cons

Rear cargo area is a little tight otherwise no complaints.

I special ordered this car to my specs in April of 2008 and took delivery in June of 2008. I have no complaints. Very well built and safe car, and very FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would recomend special ordering the car you want with your specific options.. Level 2 package is a great upgrade with the body trim, suspension and great sound system... Highly recomended for the right person. Good and safe commuter car....read morehide

Pros

I feel safe in this vehicle, great ride, good response, I'm not a speed demon.

Cons

Removed the rear seat head rests for better review mirror visibility. Needs more hatch back room.

I really like this car. It has superior over the hood visibilty. For my driving it has plenty of horse power and acceleration. I like the heavier doors. Kind of a sporty little tank. I'm an urban driver and I like the size of the car. Highway driving it is smooth and solid. 7000 miles now and I feel I made a good choice. Plus Vovlo stands behind their product with no funny business....read morehide

Pros

Great Stereo Available, Awesome Visability, Unique looks, solid Volvo build

Cons

A little under powered doesnt have great road feel,

This car has unique looks. It will stand out. The interior is nice, with nice options. This car is engineered for safety first. I can not believe that other car companies lack this ingenuity. This car is everything the Mini Cooper is not. However it doesnt have the fun to drive go cart feel of the MINI. It needs more power. Power and performance is definately not a strong point. Under the hood is less intimidating for back yard mechanics then other makes. I would not want to attempt changing oil on a MINI or MAZDA3 Speed.

The interior is quite spacious and well designed. The upgraded stereo is more then adequate. The visability is Outstanding, i would think the Blind spot Indicator would even be necessary for this car. The CD holder behind the radio is also a nice touch....read morehide