Overview & Reviews

Volvo does things a little differently from other premium brands in the automotive world. For this Swedish manufacturer, safety and kid-friendliness are just as important as luxury amenities and driving performance, and in no vehicle is this more apparent than the Volvo XC90, a midsize seven-passenger SUV.

Innovative safety features aside, the XC90 is merely adequate relative to the premium midsize SUV competition. Zestier performance is available elsewhere, as are more cavernous cargo holds and more modern electronics features. With more and more modern competitors measuring up to Volvo's high safety standards, the aging XC90 isn't the slam-dunk for families that Volvo products used to be. It remains capable, though, and arguably safer than ever thanks to some new tricks.

Current Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a seven-passenger luxury crossover SUV that comes in two different trim levels: 3.2 and sportier 3.2 R-Design. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the XC90 has a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated for 240 horsepower. It's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, a built-in child booster seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system that includes an iPod/USB audio interface. The 3.2 R-Design adds 19-inch alloys, a sport-tuned suspension/steering system, sporty exterior styling cues, a sport steering wheel and special leather upholstery. Major options include adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, a rear entertainment system with dual screens, a DVD-based navigation system and a surround-sound audio system.

On the road, we've found that the XC90 drives just as you'd expect a safe, heavy Volvo SUV to drive. Acceleration from the inline-6 is just adequate. Those looking for more energetic performance should know that the previously available V8-powered models are considerably more satisfying to drive. Ride quality is smooth and the cabin stays quiet, while handling is competent but not particularly sporty. Equipped with AWD, the XC90 makes an excellent snow vehicle but isn't intended for serious off-road romps.

To its credit, the XC90 has a first-rate interior, good overall driving dynamics and excellent safety scores. The trouble is, most rivals offer these attributes as well as fresher designs. In addition to Volvo's own XC60, we'd suggest you also consider the Lexus RX and Volkswagen Touareg if a third row isn't required. If it is, then we'd suggest the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Buick Enclave and Ford Flex. The Volvo XC90 is certainly a nice luxury crossover, but it lacks an edge over the competition in both luxury and performance.

Used Volvo XC90 Models
The XC90 debuted for the 2003 model year with models that corresponded to engine size. The original base engine was a 208-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder (known as the 2.5T) coupled to a five-speed automatic, which was replaced by the current 3.2 six-cylinder for '07. Used XC90 shoppers will also come across T6 models (sold from 2003-'05), which had a 268-hp, twin-turbocharged 2.8-liter inline-6 paired to a four-speed auto. Although acceleration was adequate with either of these turbo engines, their power delivery wasn't well suited for duty in a heavy SUV. However, if you test-drive either a T6 or 2.5T and find its performance to your liking, there's no reason not to buy it.

A 4.4-liter V8 joined the fray for '05. It was rated at 311 hp. For 2007 and '08, there was a surprisingly fun V8 Sport model, which added unique exterior trim, a firmly tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, quicker steering, heavily bolstered front seats, blue gauges and a sporty steering wheel. This was essentially replaced by the R-Design models for '09, which featured most of the Sport's mechanical enhancements, but could be had with the 3.2 engine as well. The V8 R-Design was dropped for 2010, while the following year would be the last for any V8 version of the XC90.

It should be noted that non-V8-powered XC90s were available in both five- and seven-passenger seating configurations until 2010, when the third row became standard. Other changes were restricted to the odd feature added here or there until '07, when the XC90 got slightly revised exterior styling. New standard features included an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio, while Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) was added to the options list. The V8's Executive package was added for 2009, and with items like massaging and ventilated front seats, a so-equipped XC90 would be quite a used car find.

User Reviews:

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  Average XC90 (V70XC was better!) - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Bushepy - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The XC90 has been a disappointment with the following: overall build quality, fit and finish (both interior and exterior, noisy electroic climate control, poor audio system (the premium Dolby Pro-logic II surround sound is very disappointing), and, most disappointing, the lack of adequate engine power while accelerating onto highways or while climbing mountains. I also have had major problems with my Volvo retailer on warranty work (they damged the car. This could be my very last Volvo.

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  Beware of transmission issues - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By jero72 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  As represented by MANY blogs, transmission failure is very wide- spread issue. More surprising is the repeat replacement issue. Vovlo doesnt seem to be concerned as there is no public discussin regarding design or manufacturing changes, even for the new models. I fully believe the only reason Volvo has not recalled the vehicle for faulty trany (replacement) is because they havent been able to link fatalities to the issue. Based on what I am reading and what I am hearing, its only a matter of time. I am very surprised the Luxury Car manufacturer has not taken a more proactive position on this and dealers are very difficult to work with.

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  Dont waste your money! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Soured on Volvo - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been in and out of the shop for the past 5 weeks. For some reason a lot of sensors keep going BAD. The last one to go bad was the gas pedal sensor while I was pulling out into traffic! I have put one set of new tires on at 10,000 miles-Volvo says this is normal. New brakes at 16,000. Now at 26,000 miles-600 extra miles traveling back and forth to the dealership for repairs and then back home I need another set of new tires! I have had it with this vehicle and will never own another Volvo. Volvo is willing to give me some kind of assitence with getting a new Volvo, but will not admit there is anything wrong with this particular xc 90

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  Worst Vehicle Ive EVER Owned - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Sarah - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This is BY FAR the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. The Saturn Vue I had before buying this was more reliable! Unfortunately for me, I was so dazzled by this "Luxury" SUV that I didnt do enough research. I put MORE THAN $12K worth of work in less than 6 months, the last of which was $7,000 for a new transmission that, unbeknownst to me is a HUGE issue with this year, make & model. Volvo is conveniently refusing to acknowledge any of the innumerable consumer complaints- offer any sort of resolve or recall. Trust me Ive tried- (Ive contacted the Sales Managers of every dealership in the state, and put in a complaint with Headquarters in Sweden) no one cares.

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  I WOULD NOT purchase another XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Beckett - December 1 - 2:23 pm

  Our lease on the XC90 is up and we wont be leasing a Volvo again. The factory Pirellis lasted 12,000 miles and the replacements are going bald with about 18,000 on them. Thats expensive; especially when you add a brake job at 20,000 miles which the warranty fails to cover. Other annoyances are a totally inadequate A/C, a stereo that picks up 1/2 the local stations and seats that dont fold up/down dependably. When compared to the Lexus and Acura automobiles we have owned, the Volvo is equal in price, but NOT EVEN CLOSE in quality. If you are looking at buying an XC90 make sure you get it CHEAP so you can afford the repairs.

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  Good Ride/Bad Mileage - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Bob Scruggs - October 4 - 11:08 pm

  My 2006 xc90 is my fourth Volvo, all bought used. They have all been excellent cars. The gas mileage of the first three has been acceptable. I was not prepared for the disastrous mileage of my xc90. It has a T-5 engine (five cylinder). My average mileage is 12.5 miles per gallon. It is obvious to me that I cannot keep this car. The comfort, style, and performance are outstanding, but I cant afford the mileage. I have done everything to put the car in tip-top shape, even the sparkplugs which cost $25 each. The motor performs well, and is extremely smooth. My only hope is that the software can be updated to give me better mileage. And this is more of a wish than a hope. No, I didnt do due diligence when I bought this car, because of the great experience of my prior Volvos. I know Ill lose money trading, but Ill lose more money keeping this particular car. My wife and I are up in the years, and this was to be our last car; but it will be, I hope, our next to lat car. I cant wait to trade. I can get a luxury car with better mileage. But I will inquire about the software which might help the mileage before trading. A sad story ....

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  Please DONT buy, lost a lot of money on this puppy - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By too_trendy_1 - September 24 - 7:07 am

  Oh boy, lets see, bought the 2004 xc90 T6 last year 2014 with only 72K miles on it,good deal right!? WRONG! The transmission "fell out" about 3 months after owning it. We had a HUGE thunderstorm, which lead to a flood in the Volvo due to the seal on the sunroof needed to be cleaned. Back Breaks and drums needed to be replaced a few months later. Then no real problems for about 6 months, and then it wouldnt start. The techs couldnt figure out why? Put in a new started, bought a new key, and it still wasnt starting, 11 months later, GOT RID OF IT! Traded it in .. I wasted close to $7,000 plus in repairs, and lost on it when I traded it in. DO NOT BUY the T6 I should of done my research

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  We wanted to love this car.... - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Smokejumper - September 10 - 3:30 am

  The xc90 has a beautiful look to it. When we decided to get rid of our Acura MDX, we tested several luxury SUVs. Both my wife and I really favored the Volvo. That is, until we drove it. We wanted to love it so much that we returned for 3 test drives but in the end it was just underwhelming. The engine is underpowered and the driving experience was nonexistent, but we might have lived with that. What really disappointed us was the interior. Volvo was proud to tells us that their seats were designed by a medical doctor and took 6 years to complete. Well, they really arent that comfortable. The interior felt like an empty box....Spartan appointments for a vehicle over 50k. The infotainment console is too far away from the driver and the system was unneccessarily complicated. The positioning of controls did not seem to have a logical or ergonomic design. Overall, the xc90 felt cheap and hollow. Just how cheap was really apparent once we drove the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and others in the luxury SUV class. We felt it was very overpriced.

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  Wouldnt buy first year model ever again - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By NY to LA Gal - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Too many kinks -- seatbelts not working and were recalled, turbo too noisy. The car hesitates/drags between first and second, which is especially dangerous when making a left turn from a light. Also, when closing hatch it smacked down on my head.

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  shop talk - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By klaypt - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This one is getting ready to become a "lemon law" mobile. Ive had the brakes worked on so many times volvo is ordering "specially manufactured larger" brake pads and rotars for this "unique problem". THESE DO NOT COME STANDARD ON THE XC 90. You too can get the special pads and rotars that actually fit the vehichle, you just have to have it in the shop most of the first two years.