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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  Finally Its Here - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Boston Driver - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle to own. Its a pleasure to drive this vehicle.

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  Price Gouging - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Ripped - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Ordered new XC-90 in January. Received notice that now getting 04 model and will be subject to $600 price increase. Volvo knows they have a hot car for once and sticking it to consumer. Dealer unwilling to negotiate any reduction of increase. Volvo jamming all customers with this increase. Also, watch for expensive scheduled service.

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  What Volvo is not telling you about this car. - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By marigold1 - February 24 - 6:09 pm

  I would stay far away from buying another Volvo after everything my family has been through with our 2003 XC90. The engines are not built to work with the transmissions. We have replaced the transmission every 30,000 miles. It has now become a safety issue. It has broken down on me too many times to count. I have dumped almost $12,000 into it. Go look at the service center at your local Volvo dealership. The lot is full of cars needing repairs. We have replaced the transmission 3 times, radiator, shocks, struts, axles, arm bushings...even down to the door handles. Do not make the same mistake we did. It is not a reliable car and I consider it a safety risk to drive.

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  I expected more reliability for $45K - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Dan - February 16 - 10:23 am

  Within 1 month of purchase I returned from a week long business trip and was stranded at the airport (PA in January) as my new XC90 would not start. Actually I had to use my key (in the door) to open the vehicle as my brand new $45K XC90s battery was dead. Dead enough that the remote opener would even work. The dealer (Large Volvo dealer in Wilkes-Barre) attempted to repair the problem 3 times without success. When this occurred the fourth time I began looking into the Lemon Law. So that is where I am at today. I have a $45K SUV that I do like driving, as long as I dont park it for more than 5 days, because then I cant drive it without a jump start. Today my drivers power seat did not work

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  XC70 v XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By IrishSwede - February 16 - 7:00 am

  I traded my 2000 XC70 with nearly 200K miles for this 2005 2.5T AWD XC90 and love it. The ride isnt quite as nice but my XC70 wouldnt tow my ski boat while this vehicle has no problems with it. Ive put nearly 15K miles on it since I bought it in 7/07. The mileage also isnt as good as the XC70 (26mpg hwy v 22 mpg) but I can live with it. So far my only complaint is the radio: the digital readout screen failed. The radio still works fine yet Volvo says that the only way to fix it is to replace the entire radio. I understand the problem is fairly common with this model and Volvo ought to develop a recall option. Overall great safe car!!

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  Great looking car just not reliable - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Thomas - February 12 - 10:20 pm

  I leased my 2016 xc90 in May and it has been in the shop 5 times!!!! First it needed a software update, then the engine light just came on, then I needed 4 spark plugs replaced etc!!!!! Its a great looking car, but too many glitches. No warning when you are low on gas, Nav takes forever to load up, air condition is so loud its like your flying in an airplane. Those "great seats" are wearing down already.

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  Love at first sight - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Wesley Tarner - February 4 - 1:08 am

  I absolutely love this car and would buy it a million times again. The seats are very comfortable and plush. The leather doesnt hold up as well as some others but its still comfortable. My Volvo lasted around 200,000k and then broke down. Had regularly maintained it, but it needed alot of work done to get it up and running again so i had top part with it. But i am looking for a newer one because i loved it soo much! I would recommend this car 9/10 (lost a point due to a few quirks such as low-tech compared to competition and also the common transmission issues).

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  volvo for life - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By rwallace - February 2 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, relaxing larger than I thought good gas mileage if you dont have a lead foot. feels very safe on slippery roads

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  Vail Pass at 85 MPH, W/ Nelly thumping!! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By VailVolvo - February 1 - 3:13 pm

  OK, I have no kids yet I have a soccer mom car. I had an Infinity QX-4 and it was great, but I was in for a change and a car from Japan was not going to be it, ergo the VOLVO XC90 w T6 and Premium sound. I live in Vail and blast back and forth from Vail to Denver a lot. 2 passes, windy roads, lots of snow and ice and I couldnt be happier. The manual option for the trans is key to making it up the passes fast, I am never passed (unless it is icy and some tourist with a cowboy hat on in his rented SUV thinks he has crampons for tires) The stereo is awesome and the creature comforts are all there. My wife has the Cross Country and both are outstanding. Sorry to all those who hate theirs!

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  Good Family Car - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By JJ - January 29 - 10:03 am

  The car has served my family well since we bought it new. We avoided the T6 after reading the transmission horror stories. Engine is sufficient for most situations, but lacks power for highway passing. It drives and handles like a car. Gas mileage is average (16/22 mpg). Good looks outside and a very functional interior. Good cargo space with 3rd row folded down. 3rd row isnt useful and cuts 2nd row leg room. Seats are very comfortable for long trips. Dealer maintenance isnt cheap after the first 3 years which were free. Had a couple of unexpected repairs after warranty ($1,200 total). Not as reliable as a Honda, but not as bad as a BMW/MB. Id consider buying the next generation XC90.