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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Love it so far! - 2006 Volvo XC90
By Celeste - August 8 - 7:23 amWe bought this car about 6 weeks ago & I really love it. It fits my kids two car seats easily & will fit a third - all in the second row. Ive read that it doesnt have that great of pick up when you accelerate, but I havent found that to be the case at all. Drives great, love the sunroof, really love that the backseat has a/c vents for the kids! It is without a doubt the best car Ive ever driven (have previously owned Chevys & an Acura).
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Pricey But Nice - 2004 Volvo XC90
By DriverJ - August 6 - 10:00 amWe really struggled chooosing between this and the MDX. We ended up choosing the XC90 primarliy because it is more luxurious. It is also quieter, has a better ride and handling is superior. On the down side, the MDX is quicker and for about $4,000 less you navigation and RES with a rearview camera! In the final analysis we chose the XC90 because its more prestigious, refined and much more fun to drive.
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Looks Good, Guzzles Gas - 2004 Volvo XC90
By joeboxer - July 1 - 10:00 amIve had the XC90 since 4/1/03 and have gotten the most heinous gas mileage -- 10/11mpg City and 15/16 Hwy. The interior is very noisy but the excellent stereo mitigates it. Ive had the car back to the dealer three times in three months with various problems.The interior is mediocre/bland/sparse and back seat room tight. Lots of other little annoyances prove that looks arent everything.
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Ok so far - 2004 Volvo XC90
By scarmydude - June 10 - 8:34 pmWe purchased a used 2004 XC90 in June 2011 with 98,000 miles. We have 111,000 to date. Only issue was we had to replace timing belt at dealer suggestion, otherwise normal maintenance. So far it has been trouble free except for routine maintenance. I hope we got a good one since I plan to keep it for at least another 50,000 miles.
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check engine 2 times in 5 months - 2005 Volvo XC90
By gpkng - May 28 - 8:16 pmReturned to dealer for check engine 2 times and 3 times because the windshield washer fluid does not work when temperature is below freezing. Still not fixed. I wonder if anybody else had the same problem. They changed a valve, but did not correct the problem. Scared to drive when it snows - defeats the reason for purchasing a SUV.I am taking it in again.May be I should get a new car. Otherwise drives well. 3rd row seating is too crammed.
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Not Comfy - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Jimbo1234 - May 13 - 10:00 amThis car is amazing, I really enjoy almost everything about it...the handling is great, the looks are wonderful, and the safety is second to none.
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Take it or leave it - 2009 Volvo XC90
By sgring - April 20 - 4:20 amNice vehicle- not great- 3rd row not really meant for adults- not a ton of luggage space either. A bit sluggish when accelerating. It has a heavy feel to it when you drive it. Could also use some more power steering help. Difficult to turn the wheel at times. My wife loves the fact that it drives like a tank. She feels very safe in it.
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Great SUV, Small Tank - 2003 Volvo XC90
By LisaScooter - April 12 - 2:00 amThis is a very nice SUV, the V6 has lots of zip and is extremely comfortable. Very nicely designed with a lot of clever touches, like headphone jacks in the back seat.
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Magic Blue R-Design for the Road - 2011 Volvo XC90
By akbrant - April 4 - 7:08 pmI traded my 2011 XC70 for this 2011 XC90 in March 2011 for a road trip from Alaska to Texas on to California and back to Alaska. I put 13,000 miles on this baby in 30 days. I have never had a vehicle cradle me on a long rip like this one. I drove many 600-800 mile days and had not one ache or pain at the end of the day. The OEM Perrelli tires sucked, and I put Continental AWD Contacts on and it is luxury personified. The NAV is clunky, but I got used to it as the days went on. I have to leave the NAV on or the backup camera would never get used as it takes too long to rise up. It is sad I gave up newer technology in the XC70, but ergonomically the XC90 is much better for a tall guys.
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Great car, performance could be better - 2003 Volvo XC90
By Doug Reynolds - April 1 - 10:00 amThe Volvo XC90 is an excellent package for a person who wants the performance and feel of a European sport sedan, but the versatility of a large SUV. This car feels light and nimble, but has variable performance. Sometimes there is a lag between 1st and 2nd gears. Braking is excellent. Ride and handling are very good. Engine is quiet. Gas mileage and range is poor. The car is well-engineered for versatility. Second row seating adjusts individually for all 3 seats. Center seat slides all the way forward. Third row is two independent seats which fold into the third row. Comfort and quality of materials is excellent. Dash layout is great.
