2004 Volvo XC90 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.42/5 Average
378 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Changes are minimal for the XC90's second year on the market. All models get wheel and tire upgrades -- 2.5Ts will wear 225/70R17 rubber and T6s will wear 235/65R17 rubber, but both get the same 17-inch "Neptune" wheels. Ice White is a new exterior color choice. Stand-alone options now include a wood steering wheel, aluminum dash inlays and a leather shift knob.

Pros:
  • Safe as a bank vault, plush ride, feels smaller than it is, high-quality interior materials, ample cargo room.
Cons:
  • Turbocharged T6 engine not well suited to SUV duty, third-row seating takes up too much second-row space.

User Reviews:

Showing 281 through 290 of 378.00
  • Quality costs upfront but is worth it - 2004 Volvo XC90
    By -

    We wanted an SUV that would be safe, fun and long lasting. We checked out various SUVs. The VOLVO offered every item we wanted at a price that was in line with the other SUVs that were comparable. We have the navigation system, the DVD, sunroof, super radio and leather seats.The drive is fabulous and the view is great. The vehicle is a wonderful mechanical dream and easy to operate. The radio and

  • I really like this car. - 2004 Volvo XC90
    By -

    I really like this car when I get to drive it. I have to pry the keys out of my wifes hands. I had a 2002 XC70 AWD and needed more seating. Not only did I get more seating, I got a much nicer, more powerful, more comfortable, and much thirstier vehicle. This drives like a car, very smooth and very quiet inside. The sound system is amazing. The seats are the most comfortable I have been in too. The only downside to this vehicle is that it needs a bigger fuel tank. Mileage is expected to be 15/19 because of horsepower and weight. Youll find no safer vehicle short of a tank. A GREAT VEHICLE !!!!!

  • Smooth ride - 2004 Volvo XC90
    By -

    Ive have always been told that Volvo was a safe car to drive. I did not realize it until I went to look for myself. I was amazed by all the safety features in the XC90, especially the stabiity control and anti-roll system. The ride is real smooth and plenty of power. We looked at MB M350, BMW X5, Nissan Murano, Infiniti FX35, Toyota Sequoia, GMC Yukon. The X5 was our second choice. I just wish the fuel tank was larger. At 18 mpg you dont get too far on 19 gallons.

  • Owned for 9 years - insanely reliable - 2004 Volvo XC90
    By -

    I bought this car as a pre-owned, non warranty vehicle form an independent car lot in 2006. I had never owned a preowned vehicle before, I always bought/leased new cars before. But when I stumbled upon this car I fell in love and was willing to take a chance. Nine years on I am still in love with this car. It has not been without the odd issue: - when I first had it, the driver side headlight would randomly go out. I took it to a few garages and they didnt have a clue. I found an independent garage opened by a Volvo Certified Master Tech and he sorted it out right away (nearest Volvo dealership is over 2 hours from me) - the radio died in 2011 (it was 7 years old) but I was able to replace it with one found from a salvaged xc90 in 2012 and saved a lot of money by waiting for a salvaged radio vs. a new replacement ($80 + installation) - In 2014 (at 10 years old) we knew that there were some significant bits that needed to be replaced simply due to wear and tear - belts, water pump, blower fan was starting to go and the starter needed replacing. Thought about selling it but we had a rash of bad luck with BMWs and even a Porshe Cayman. My XC90 was still running great and the estimate to get all of the worn out pieces replaced was far far cheaper than getting another car. We even bought some new floor mats - no one believes this car is 11 years old. It rides and looks like a much newer car. So here I am, 9 years after I bought it and still love it. The drivers seat is getting a bit worn but the rest of the car is still in amazing shape. The fabric on the roof has a bit of a droop in a place behind the backseat light and the weatherstripping is a bit worse for wear but these are all cosmetic. Mechanically it drives as beautifully as the day I bought it. Next year Im probably going to look at getting a preowned XC60 or maybe another XC90 but Im keeping this 2004 for my daughter. She doesnt start driving for another few years but I have full faith that this car has many more years left. And Ill feel a lot safer with her in the XC90.

  • Too many problems dont buy - 2004 Volvo XC90
    By -

    Bought a used xc90 from volvo. We have averaged a new problem every 2000 miles. Including a breakdown leaving my pregnant wife stranded and now flickering headlights that cant be fixed despite visits to the dealership and throwing money at it. (computers and modules are next on the list) It would be nice if the dealership looked like they knew how to fix what is apparantly a common problem on their vehicles... So its going to be traded in with a 6 mth loss of 5-6k. Looks pretty but its not engineered well nor built well - certainly not the volvos of old.

  • fun to drive - 2004 Volvo XC90
    By -

    Have been driving the XC90 since May 03. It is a great ride. The handling is superb along with the comfort. Third row seat easy to use. Pleanty of cargo when needed.

  • L-O-V-E my Volvo! - 2004 Volvo XC90
    By -

    Purchased my 2004 XC90 in 2009 with 48k miles on it, and as of today it has 73k. Within the first year, I was smelling gasoline when outside of the vehicle. My father in-law is an expert technician for Volvo and found out that there would soon be a recall on the fuel pump- was replaced at no cost to me. I have also had to replace the ignition since one day I couldnt even turn the key over. I truly love my car, and probably wouldnt have bought it if I did not know an expert; considering the cost to maintain and repair. If I had to pay for labor and full price for parts, Id probably not love the car as much as I do.

  • Quality rating - 2004 Volvo XC90
    By -

    Have had 2 XC90s. The T5 is a better engine that the T6 with the old GM 4 speed. Mileage is far better, and engine pull is very adequate. Have done reports for Volvo (free of charge) rating this vehicle quite highly. Good to haul stuff, and excellent handling in the mountains, which the engine pulled easily. Quality rating very high on workmanship and quality of materials. Only SUV with the stability control. Highway driveability - excellent - quiet and stable.

  • xc90 best in class - 2004 Volvo XC90
    By -

    looked at and drove md80,rx330, explorer toyota 4runner, all within 2-4,000 dollars. top of the line xc90 43k. seating for 7, seats fold down easy, great view from windows and windshield. more interior Sq feet than others, simple dashboard for many features. will pass on to child in 5 years would buy 2 if had the cash

  • fuel economy - 2004 Volvo XC90
    By -

    I must add, after reading some of the reports. Most talked about power between the T6 and T5. From 0 to 60 MPH, there is only .5 second between the two engines. The T6 gets 20 on the highway, the T5 gets 24. Thats a big difference. For the .5 second, Ill take the T5 any day, expecially with the 5 speed.

Volvo XC90 Reviews By Year:
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