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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  Initial Experience - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Dukem - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Responsive acceleration, but not mean to be a performance sport car; excellent all-around value in terms of features and price compared to competitors.

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  The best SUV! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Hacky - September 4 - 2:00 am

  The SUV that handles like a car. IMO a better ride than that of the MDX. The XC90 is the best combination of space, safety and practicality. If you need the huge space of a minivan, you should get a minivan. However, minivans do not provide the sense, real or imagined, of security that one gets driving the XC90. The third row fold-away seats are awesome, designed to be safe for kids, big enough for smaller adults on shorter trips. Better design than the Lexus 3rd row. With the 5-speed tranny this engine is smooth and it feels much bigger than it is. Better for stop and go driving than the T6 with the 4-speed tranny. That being said, a few more horsies wouldnt hurt.

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  Disappointed... - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Mark Blum - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the Volvo after considering several other LUVs. After 3 weeks, Im not sure Id buy another one. It lacks some of the "creature comforts" found in Lexus and Acura and its not as fun to drive as you might expect from the T6 version. The XC90 has a much harsher ride than Id expect from an LUV in this category. Get the wood wheel, its more comfortable to drive.

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  good car but expensive to keep - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car this past summer with 144xxx miles on it but when i bought it the motor was gone so i got a good deal on it, i bought a motor for $3000 with 70xxx miles and first it ran great but then one of the turbos quit. the transmission has ever been an issue for me but this car is very expensive to keep it only gets about 8 mpg but it rides nice so i guess its not too bad

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  OOPS - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By john perkowski - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Good long distance runner, very good front seats. optional 18 tires(MXV) POOR in snow and worn out in 18K mi. T6 engine needs a five spd., Four spd auto is a mis-match. Very conveient rear hatch design. Needs a larger fuel tank. Great brakes. Love the styling, outside shape. Overall for the money, keep looking.

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  Nice Car - Couple concerns - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By lhos315 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car about 8 months. I replaced a minivan w/very squeaky brakes. I was disappointed that within a couple months the brakes were already squeaking in this car. Ive had it in the shop a couple of times but they have not been able to fix it. The ride is a little stiff as has been mentioned. The V8 is great with a lot of power. I got the nav package and this system is pretty poor. The rt traf is helpful but this system cant find big time retail stores without typing in an exact address. I wouldnt rec buying this nav system. I too have experienced the buzzzz in the speakers which hasnt been fixed. Does anyone know what this is? Overall a good/fun/safe car to drive around

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  Nice, but bought the Q7 - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Kevin - May 31 - 10:59 pm

  It looks fantastic inside and out and has wonderful features including safety - Volvos namesake. Interior is truly wonderful. We almost bought it. The technology is not intuitive and quite tricky to use - wonky touch pad and too many screens. The 4-cyl engine is buzzier than competitors smoother 6-cyl options. And the dealership is not the same from a service/experience standpoint as other European options.

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  4 months and 5k miles - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By David Reichow - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought the XC90 for its safety and I am generally very satisfied with the vehicle after 5k miles.

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  Not happy with my XC90s we have 2!! - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By spottvmom - March 27 - 3:56 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 6 years. Its had a few minor annoying problems that were mostly covered under the warrenty until it hit 80K The warrenty is now up and its been a royal pain. I have an AWD 6 cyl. turbo that has 90,000 miles on it. This is my 2nd Volvo and we currently own 2 XC90s so we have double the pain.... Issues have been the anti skid sensor- $700 plus to fix, burns through tires in about 30k miles with easy, gentle driving. New issue is my wheel bearings are shot. My husband has a 2005 what we just spent about $3,000 on new tie rods, new bearings, new e-brake, new oil pump, leaking in oil system and after all that his check engine light is on again!

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  Dont buy a car in its first model year - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By From NY to LA - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The XC90 had reliability issues from the start, that the dealership tried to dismiss. Of most importance, the hatch was so loose that it closed on my head! And, when I went to the ER the admitting physician said the same thing happened to his wife (same exact model- T6). When Volvo was contacted, they dismissed it. Two weeks letter, received a "campaign letter" including to fix the hatch. Recently the front seat reclined by itself on to my sons legs (who was sitting in his car seat). This happened three times. Because of these things and that its fuel economy is lousy, I wouldnt recommend the Volvo XC90 T6.