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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My Wifes Car - 2004 Volvo XC90
By gru - August 28 - 10:00 amWe ordered our 2004 in March and waited. Picked it up July 3rd - after waiting 4 hours at the dealership due to a screwup with the off-site DVD Installer. Strike 1. Two trips to the dealer later - they finally got the DVD installed correctly. Strike 2 & 3 for the Dealer. Center console looks real cheap they are probably making $6000- 8000 per vehicle - you think they could put something half-way decent as the center console. And what is with the Austin Powers symbol on the steering wheel - I chuckle everytime I look at it!
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Bad reliabitlity had to get rid ,very disappointed - 2003 Volvo XC90
By klosterfrau1 - August 19 - 2:25 pmI was lucky to get this car to 125k almost every month I had it in the shop for all kinds of problems from shocks to spark plug and coils replaced. brakes squeaking and replaced that didnÂt fix the problem and the rotors were replaced and still didnÂt fix the problem. The transmission gave out and had to be replaced, a piston gave out it was replaced, dashboard lights out , brake lights were out and the mechanic could not find the short so the wiring was replaced but the dash warning came on every time you step on the brakes. It leaks! The gas tank was leaking, then coolant started leaking and then wiper washer fluid started to leak as well. Tsc gave out, electric system warning came on.
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Great riding SUV - 2006 Volvo XC90
By wricke - August 17 - 3:23 amThis SUV rides like a sedan. The Yamaha V8 gives it plenty of power. I cant say enough good things about it. The roomy interior has a clean, elegant look to it and the stereo is excellent and powerful. Considering the projected resale value (best in class) You should not hesitate to buy one.
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Do NOT BUY 2016 XC90 - 2016 Volvo XC90
By Heather Manuel - August 16 - 1:15 amWe purchased our new (8 miles on the odometer) 2016 XC90 on June 30, 2016 and today is October 14th (1249 on the odometer) and the car has been in the shop a combined 31 days for 5 separate repairs. Thankfully, the car is under warranty but the hassle and the lack of confidence that this vehicle will keep our family safe is zero. --Weve had starting issues, navigation issues, issues with the transmission slipping and the latest incident where only the drivers door would unlock, meaning no one could get in or out of the vehicle unless we crawled through the drivers door. THAT IS NOT SAFE and since the dealership cannot guarantee it wont happen again, we are continuing to drive a loaner vehicle until they can figure out the issue. It is a gorgeous car and when it runs, it is so much fun to drive BUT Im now wishing I would have purchased the Audi or Land Rover. Save yourself the hassle and wait until they get the kinks out of this car.
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Be happy!!! - 2003 Volvo XC90
By HappyMD - August 15 - 2:00 amMy XC90 was the first delivered by my dealer and while people no longer stop me to ask me questions I still catch their admiring stares. Better than that it the comfort and performance. Drove through a snow storm on the PA turnpike to Pittsburg and it was like there wasnt any snow at all. It was awesome and I had to keep reminding myself to slow down even though I didnt feel like it was necessary. The seats are more comfortable than my S500 and I love it. Good solid power at all speeds and commanding braking inspire.
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Couldnt be happier - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Troy W. - August 15 - 2:00 amIve had the XC90 for over a month now and I couldnt be happier. We test drove the X5 and the MDX but in the end Volvos legendary safety features won out.
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XC90 2.5 T AWD - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Perc1010 - August 15 - 2:00 amIve had my XC90 for a year now and Ive enjoyed every drive. My mother has a Mercedes ML320 that I drove before I got my Volvo. I cant stand driving her car anymore. The XC90 has such a smooth comfortable ride compared to the Mercedes. I think it looks really amazing for an SUV. I have no complaints so far except that theres no way to do any after market work on the car such as installing a remote starter or a sound system. Id reccomend this for anyone looking into the SUV market.
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Ticking Time Bomb!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
By dnll360 - August 10 - 8:11 pmI bought my xc90 used and the problems didnt start til about 85k miles. Then I started having to replace wheel bearings, control arms, and ball joints. Then my car hit 100k miles and literally as soon as the odometer rolled over, my driver side headlight went out due to an electrical issue, then the alternator went, battery needed replaced, serpintine belt, timing belt, tempeture gauge housing, crank shaft assembly, and now at 101k miles on my way to look for a new car, my car starts smoking and my turbo blew which on the t6 is a twin turbo. I have been towed 3x in 3 weeks and everytime I go to get rid of it something else goes. I am having it junked and taking a loss on what I still owe.
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What a Mistake - 2004 Volvo XC90
By BrianL - August 9 - 8:36 amIf I had to do it all over again I wouldnt. This vehicle has been nothing but problems. Brakes wear too fast, the first brake job was at 6,000 miles, I have 23,000 and need new rotors and pads. The steering makes noise and has always, I was told it was normal. Then after the warranty was up I had to have the front steering fixed, ball joints and the rack. now the steering only makes fluid noise but still a pain. The radio is the worst ever. The best part is the safety, but with the poor fuel economy, the multiple problems, the very poor resale value I should have went with the BMW. For some reason my wife wants to keep it. I can only expect more problems as time goes on.
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Slow Gaz guzzler - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Gatesbuster - August 4 - 10:00 amGood looking truck or turtle should I say even with the big engine T6. Performance are awful as well as gas mileage (14 mpg). This is my wifes car and choice and she traded in a bmw x5 with V8 which had better gas mileage (17.5 mpg)I still dont understand why she wanted to trade for this vehicle other than the 3rd seat, good looks and waspie north eastern trend
