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:
Showing 281 through 290 of 1,132.00-
very good car - 2003 Volvo XC90
By leunam - June 14 - 2:00 amHaving driven one for about a month now, I think its an excellent car. Handling is great, between an RX 300 and an X5. Finish is very good.
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XC90 Silver Surfer Smooth - 2016 Volvo XC90
By george AHRENS - June 12 - 6:44 pm -
XC90 Great Car - 2004 Volvo XC90
By salebo - June 4 - 10:00 amThis car was a great purchase. The interior is beyond comfortable and the sound system spectacular. The center consol is a little sparce and looks nowhere near as luxurious as the rest of the car. The third row seat is great and fold flat down into the car, and the wooden steering wheel is nice. The availability to get the car is tough and getting DVD and/or navigation is much much harder. The rear backup control suprisingly came to be more helpful and worthwhile then I first imagined, and the Manumatic shifting is a fun feature my son enjoys. Compared to my 2000 RX300 this thing is a sports car, my take: when in the market seriously consider.
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Not Impressed - 2008 Volvo XC90
By JZ - May 31 - 3:03 pmI leased this vehicle and Im glad I leased it and not purchsed! Looking forward to giving it back! The seats are uncomfortable, at least the driver seat is. Blind spots, visiblity isnt the greatest! I owned a Ford Explorer prior to this lease and I plan to go back to the Explorer once this lease is up! I also experience a delay when turning a corner and steping on the gas. It takes a second or two before you actually accelerate!
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Much better than I expected! - 2006 Volvo XC90
By FredMant - May 30 - 12:00 pmWe bought this for my wife. Im a BMW nut, but the X3 was too small and the X5 was just too expensive. I didnt even drive it until she picked it up. Now, when we go out, I love to take HER Volvo. Im amazed at how peppy the 2.5 engine really is. The seats are as comfortable as the ones in my BMW 530i sedan, and I like the higher visibility. Heated seats work great, the climate control is easy to use and the stereo is great for a stock unit. FM and AM reception is far reaching and quiet. My only complaint is the drive around town gas mileage is a poor 14.5 mpg. On the highway, I can get about 19. We love the XC90. We got in silver with black leather interior, so it will look good for years!
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Phenomenal vehicle! - 2004 Volvo XC90
By AtlantaEric - May 28 - 10:00 amVolvo has outdone itself with this vehicle. The design, the performance, the quality of the materials and the workmanship - everything is just outstanding. This SUV is a fun to drive: it is quiet, sporty, comfortable, with wonderfully ergonomic controls. Yes, I looked at BMW X5 and Infiniti FX-whatever, and they dont even come close. Volvos XC90 is classy and sophisticated, and my neighbor doesnt have one. :-)
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great car - 2004 Volvo XC90
By gregll - May 28 - 10:00 amThe Volvo XC90 T6 is a excellent car. I like the T6 performance. Very good handleing on sharp curves. Excellent audio system with dolby pro logic 2.
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Reviewing Minnesota Lemon Laws - 2016 Volvo XC90
By Roger - May 26 - 4:30 amDO NOT BUY!!! Battery drains constantly and they cant fix it. Software is way too buggy. These cars dont need mechanics, but rather computer programmers. Also getting strange motor/pump sound coming from back of car when car engine is turned off. I was warned not to buy a Volvo because theyre constantly in the shop. I didnt listen. Im an idiot. Update: 6 days until 2018 and same problem still exists. The dealership replaced the battery and then told me told me the only way to fix the battery problem is to keep the car locked at all times, even in my heated garage. Problem not solved, I still get a low battery warning. Cant wait to get out of this car!
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Traded Up - 2003 Volvo XC90
By john schipp - May 22 - 2:00 amTraded up from a turck-based SUV to a XC90 and a Honda Pilot -- both are extraordinary vehicles. I expect to own them for a long, long time, so reliability is a major issue.
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Wife had to have it! - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Bob Shepherd - May 22 - 2:00 amMy wife at, 5 foot 2 inches, has a hard time getting into and out of most SUVs. And since the XC-90 was going to be hers. We visited the Houston auto show last winter. She got into and out of every SUV there. The Toyoto was too tall. The Nissan was too far. And she couldnt even get over the edge of the BMWs seat. The XC-90 was just right! She had to have it!
