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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  STAY AWAY FROM XC90 T6 MODEL!!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Rich - December 28 - 8:36 am

  Worst and final Volvo I will own. I purchased i in 2007, NOTHING but trouble. Over 2,500 in repairs to front end, and then the transmission went at 79k At this point I traded it in on a Chevy Tahoe Z71. Much happier and havent had nearly as much trouble. Volvo customer service and dealership were horrible. I have owned 4 Volvos and after this experience I will never buy Volvo again. Nothing but problems. VERY dissatisfied.

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  Frequent Service - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Sad volvo owner - December 4 - 9:20 pm

  Second volvo to own. Other was turbo S80. Both required frequent servicing. The S80 become costly after the warranty period. I was happy that I did not purchase the extended warranty because most of the problems were not covered or I used up the time before reaching the mileage. We are now located in Houston and recently their service is not user friendly. At least in St. Louis, the service was user friendly. Frequent service but user friendly. Service problems in this XC90 included the transmission needing replacement, the Turbo needing service and then multiple small electronic issues. I guess the Swedes havent mastered computers yet. With only 28K, looking for a new vehicle!

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  2006 XC90 2.5T - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Pirates - December 4 - 4:43 pm

  Great SUV. Enjoy driving and great for long trips. We test drove the BMW X5 but decided the Volvo XC90 was a great SUV for about $10,000 less. More cargo room, very safe, but needs a little bit more horespower but helps in gas savings (takes regular gas) compared to the X5.

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  2006 Volvo XC90 AWD V8 4dr SUV (ocean) - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By socaltess - December 2 - 1:06 pm

  Got this car for thousands off because I bought it in 2007 when it was a 2006 model, but it was new. Very happy with the looks outside and inside. After a 5 months I had some problems, some anti-skid message that kept coming up, they said it was a computer problem but it happened twice. Possibly due to extremely horrible speed bumps where I live the car began making weird clicks when the gas/brakes were pressed; brake pads, alignment, sub-frame, etc all needed work. Right window makes whistling noise. DVD system headphones sound fuzzy sometimes. Very fast for an SUV, and I always feel safe.

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  great used car value - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By pete - November 26 - 7:53 am

  I bought a 06 in 2013 and drove it 2 years before rear ending someone. The car fell apart as it should have but kept us all safe. It was a great road trip car being very comfortable and managed to hold camping gear for a family of four. Be ready to find an independent mechanic to fix some moderate to expensive repairs but this is a great car.

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  volvo - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By jamaras - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The volvo has its unique way of style. The comfort and fun to drive stability is great. For winter--an every day driveable vehicle. Its tough, has enough horsepower to push its way out of traffic, although it still seems to make fun of driving know matter what condition.

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  Volvo V-8 - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Dave - November 22 - 6:36 pm

  My new XC-90 V-8 is a terrific vehicle. The ride is smooth & comfortable. Power from the V-8 makes driving fun. Volvo has the most comfortable seats in the business. Gas mileage has been decent at an average of 17.5-18.5 mpg in mixed local driving. This is better than my previous Ford Explorer V-8 (16.5-17.5) & my friends 6 cyl XC-90. The steering is a bit lighter than I would like, but handling is crisp. The new blind spot warning system is very helpful on the highway. All in all, a great vehicle.

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  New XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By David Vener - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Picked it up last week. Very, very comfortable to drive and wonderful headroom (Im 64"). Feels a little sluggish with the T6; probably should have gotten the T5 for a sportier feel and better mileage. Overall thrilled with car.

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  Bad Stereo - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By xc90owner - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a loaded XC90 T6, W/NAV, 12 speaker premium stereo and 3rd row. THE STEREO IS FLAT OUT - FLAT. There is absolutely no bass (except for a bit from the door speakers. I was told that the optional subwoofer is not a possible option with a 3rd row. After spending $48,000, it is very disappointing.

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  L-O-V-E my Volvo! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By krysann2 - September 20 - 9:01 pm

  Purchased my 2004 XC90 in 2009 with 48k miles on it, and as of today it has 73k. Within the first year, I was smelling gasoline when outside of the vehicle. My father in-law is an expert technician for Volvo and found out that there would soon be a recall on the fuel pump- was replaced at no cost to me. I have also had to replace the ignition since one day I couldnt even turn the key over. I truly love my car, and probably wouldnt have bought it if I did not know an expert; considering the cost to maintain and repair. If I had to pay for labor and full price for parts, Id probably not love the car as much as I do.