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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  Sorry but I dont miss Z4 or C230 much - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By z4jjazzman - July 2 - 4:56 pm

  I had two cars b4 this and they were MB C230 and BMW Z4. Believe it or not I dont miss much of those two. They were both great get away cars but neither were comfortable cars. XC90 is just one extremely comfortable car to drive and I looked at Tourag seriously but it was little too small and I just couldnt risk VWs reliability. I had 2002 GTI and was in shop every two weeks and lasted less than 2 yrs. My brother just bought new 2006 Passat.. stopped on next day of purchase.. Rear AC was not working and turns out vent was missing. What a poor built quality. Beware of VW!

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  dissapointed - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Dale - June 17 - 4:40 pm

  I have owned my 2004 XC90 since 6/03 I have a few problems that were covered by warrenty but now the veh is in shop to have a new transmission put in. From what I understand I guess they have had few come back for this reason .........

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  Not overly impressed - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Wedge - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first Volvo instead of Lexus. Not overly impressed. I have had it in shop 5 times: Loud knocking from front wheel hubs. Foudn out after second complaint that hubs were not knocking when torque added or removed via gas pedal. Front windows a nightmare. Creaking and noisy over bumps. Customer service at dealer not good. They will call you incessantly for feedback then do NOTHING with it! Anyone else find the drivers seat not very comfortable?

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  Volvo XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Chuck - May 22 - 4:33 pm

  Overall, were happy with our purchase of the Volvo XC90. Clearly, the safety features were our first draw to the vehicle but styling wasnt far behind. Reliability has been good so far, with only several little things popping up. Fuel economy has been OK, good when you compare to other crossovers. Its not sexy or fast. We didnt get options like a DVD player or upgrade the sound system, but after three years of ownership and one child, we wish we had. Overall, this has been a good car for us.

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  Transmission exploded after one month - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By bp - April 26 - 4:16 am

  Do not buy this year xc90 under ANY circumstances. Had it one and a half months, transmission exploded. Car has low miles (45,000) and I bought the aftermarket warranty. They will not cover the loss due to a clip failure in the transmission, which fails due to a too short lube tube from the pan. Thumbs way down.

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  I Love It - But Im Nervous - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By MichelleF - April 4 - 8:03 am

  Ive had my T5 for 2 1/2 years and have had no major issues. However, dealer just told me all 4 tires need replacing, and I am only at 27K miles. Also, a co-worker had one from same year as mine, and he warned me that he started having lots of expensive problems with it after 30K miles, so I am a bit nervous. I think the new V8s probably get the same gas mileage as my Turbo 5 cyl, so would recommend people just get the V8. Dont get the T6 though - the transmission is very sluggish in low gears, and I prefer the faster pick-up of my T5, though you will hear the engine hum a bit when you accelerate hard and fast.

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  Fun to drive! Reliable? - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By PJM - February 16 - 6:23 am

  Enjoy the comfort, handling and many features. Very disappointed with fuel economy, tire life, radio (why do we have to press Enter when it picks up a dgital station) and other problems (a/c damper motors replaced, computer module which controls head beams and tail lights - at $400/ea plus labor, I hope the other 3 last longer). Cargo space is fine.

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  My XC90 V-8 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By guy - December 24 - 4:56 pm

  v8 has great performance. super acceleration. 21 mpg hwy. small fuel tank limits driving range. Minor but irritating electronic glitches that dealer cant duplicate or repair. Why no compass? Brake and accelerator pedals too close together.

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  Know where the moneys spent - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Michelle - December 19 - 8:36 am

  I really got to see where the money was spent on this car, when driving through water-logged Interstates at night in November. I could feel a tire/tires losing grip on the flooded road, but the wheel never shook. The power was taken off the hydroplaning wheel & applied to the ones still grounded. Its been in bad weather where I appreciate this car the most. I never had a problem with its pick-up/power driving through mountain passes that are so steep and windy theyre only open in the summer. Love the car. Would highly recommend it.

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  After 2 months - 2010 Volvo XC90
  By 4everyoung - December 10 - 5:16 am

  Overall one of the better values in the luxury suv market (especially one with 7 seats) and in my opinion one of the better looking suvs out there even if its an older design.