2007 Volvo XC70 Summum 2.5 T from Norway

Summary:

Built to last

Faults:

Recent front end rebuild. Both shocks were sweating/leaking and the car failed inspection. Suspension seemed original (370K km) and felt a bit loose, did complete rebuild, parts not that expensive.

Various bushings in rear suspension.

Rear muffler in exhaust, rest is original.

Brake rotors once and new pads a couple of times.

Lambda sensor.

Coil.

Front lights replaced with second hand ones. Were fogged and yellow. Tried to reseal and polish, but gave up.

A small oil leak from front of the engine. An 8 Euro seal, but took a full day to replace.

Transmission flush.

General Comments:

My brother's car and I'm helping him to keep it on the road. Extremely well built. Almost 20 years old and feels like a 5 year old car. Interior is probably the best built ever, if you forget Mercedes from 80ies and 90ies. A car not built to a specific budget, but built to last. Maybe a cliche, but they don't build them like this anymore. Engine and transmission runs strong and without problems. Practically no rust and paint is decent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2026

5th Apr 2026, 12:33

In 2007, Volvo was truly Swedish. From 2000 to around 2010, the brand improved significantly in design and aesthetics; I think those were the most beautiful Volvos.

When the Chinese bought it, the quality of the products began to decline. If we want to see a real Volvo today—that is, a Swedish one, not a Chinese one—we have to buy a truck. In cars, Volvo is no longer what it used to be.

In reply to 5th Apr 2026, 12:33

6th Apr 2026, 17:52

Don't blame the Chinese, this really started under Ford. The new offering under Ford was basically reskinned Focus and Mondeos. By all means, OK cars, but not "true" Volvos and these new Ford based models were built to a specific budget. No "we don't care how expensive it is" over engineering from the past.

2007 Volvo XC70 AWD 2.5T from North America

Summary:

It would be hard to top the XC70's blend of practicality, luxury, and value (especially used)

Faults:

Aside from normal maintenance, the following items have had to be replaced:

Rear differential temp sensor (AWD failure).

Steering angle sensor (anti-skid failure).

Ignition cylinder (key wouldn't turn - required tow).

Most light bulbs changed annually (there's always one out).

General Comments:

It's the most comfortable car we've ever had; the seats are unbelievably comfortable (front and back). It's sure-footed with plenty of turbocharged punch and gets decent gas mileage for its size and weight (~25 MPG).

We've serviced it by the book (every 7,500 miles) and have had minimal issues. It's not as carefree as a Honda or Toyota, but excellent by European car standards. We plan to retire it shortly, but will keep around as a second car - it still runs and drives beautifully. The exterior and interior have also held up really well (save for the peeling cloth A-pillars - easy fix though).

Great car, but stay on top of maintenance and repairs. Also, use a local independent Volvo garage - you'll save considerably.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd November, 2015

2nd Nov 2015, 21:41

A great, honest and realistic review. Thanks.

31st Aug 2018, 14:46

Be aware that all 2007 and up models with the 3.2 engine (including the XC90 and S80) have a very fragile thermostat housing made out of plastic with small tabs inside which break after 8 years and cause the engine to overheat. Replace the thermostat at 8 years old before it fails and leaves the car stranded.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=86205&p=481081#p481081

This applies only for the 3.2 engine (not for the 2.5T).