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 21 through 30 of 1,132.00-
GO VOLVO - 2004 Volvo XC90
By MIDLAND - November 11 - 10:00 amJUST WHAT I EXPECTED FROM VOLVO, A WELL BUILT & DRSIGNED MID-SIZE SUV. THE T-6 IS QUITE STRONG, KINDS THURSTY, THOUGH. ONLY COMPLAINT, THE DRIVING INSTRUMENTS DESIGN ARE NOT EASILY READ. VOLVO NEEDS TO WORK ON THIS AREA.
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Favorite Car So Far - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Mom - November 10 - 3:36 amThis car has exceeded all our expectations and is a pleasure to drive. Its safe, fun to drive, roomy, and stylish, too..other moms always express volvo envy.
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I love its saftey! - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Kathleen - November 9 - 12:33 amI have driven Volvo wagons for years. We still have our 1988 200 series. 100,000.00 miles! Still drives great too. However, they do not compare to this new beauty. Our family loves this car. After almost losing my husband in a roll over (SUV) accident 4 years ago, we were thrilled to see Volvo come out with an SUV with such excellent safety features. The styling is also very pleasing to the eye. My children love the rear seat entertainment system with the screens in the head rests. Like all of my previous volvos, I wish there was more rear seat room, however, it has great cargo space and that would not stop me from purchasing this great vehicle.
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Converted BMW Fan - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Converted2 - October 23 - 10:00 amWe just purchased our XC90 3 weeks ago after having considered the Acura MDX and the BMW X5. In the past, although we favored the safety features Volvo cars come equipped with, we have not been so impressed with the look/design of the former Volvo models, until the xc90, that is...On top of the classy, clean exterior and simplistic but elegant interior, the XC90 handsdown, out-weigh the competion with the 1st in class safety features. Having owned BMWs and Mercedes before, we are now converted Volvo fans since we got the XC90.
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More than we expected - 2007 Volvo XC90
By diegosbone - October 21 - 7:13 pmIn 2006, after our second child, we were looking for a good looking SUV with a 3rd row option. We narrowed the list now to the Lexus LX, Benz GL and the Volvo. Test drove them all, and kept coming back to the Volvo. The Swedish ergonomics were very nice. Everything was in its proper place. Electronics are tricked out, and the price was reasonable. After 2yr, 24,000 miles, I have zero complaints, only praise. I have had zero mechanical failures (very surprising).
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Fun and Safety, All in One Car - 2004 Volvo XC90
By cobrien049 - October 16 - 10:00 amThis car is a blast to drive - smooth, quiet, comfortable, with controls all in easy-to-use locations. Third row of seats, integrated booster seat and state-of-the-art safety features make this car very family-friendly. A convenient, sporty, yet sophisticated choice for the discriminating soccer mom.
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Volvo Owner No More! - 2003 Volvo XC90
By Edashcash - October 14 - 10:00 amWhen I first got the vehicle I loved it, but after having it for 2 + years, its not reliable..something is always wrong with it..had so much trouble with the Axles where it would shake rigourously 60-70 mph..the A/C stops blowing out consistently after 20 min..and when its on its too darn cold! The temp. gauge doesnt work so its either freezing or hot.
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TOTAL PACKAGE - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Rain1rat - October 10 - 2:00 amGREAT AUTOMOBILE. GET THE 2.5L TURBO AWD.DRIVES LIKE A CAR. FOR THOSE PEOPLE LOOKING FOR AN SUV THAT DRIVES LIKE A CAR BUT HAS AMPLE ROOM, THIS IS THE VEHICLE. THIRD ROW SEATING IS MADE FOR CHILDREN OR SMALL ADULTS. GREAT THING IS ALL SEATS CAN FOLD DOWN INDIVIDUALLY, GIVING YOU PLENTY OF CARGO OPTIONS. CHILD BOOSTER SEAT ON THE VERSATILITY PACKAGE IS AWESOME. VOLVO REALLY TOOK THEIR TIME ON THIS ONE. ONLY CON TO THE VEHICLE SO FAR IS NO ARM REST FOR THE DRIVER. KIND OF AWKWARD AT FIRST. THIS VEHICLE IS WELL WORTH THE MONEY SPENT. GET ONE!!!
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Direct from the Factory - 2004 Volvo XC90
By JPartyka - October 10 - 2:00 amRetrieved our vehicle directly at Goteborg, Sweden, drove all over Europe and this vehicle exceeded my expectations 10 fold. The T5 is not underpowered as some complain ( it will beat my 5 liter Explorer no problem )and I can attest to its 120 mph speed on autobahn. ( there is an RPM governor, otherwise shell go faster). Driving the Alps was exciting w/ manual gear-tronic trans - dont have to burn brakes. (5 speed good idea here )Tour the factory to see them buid the XC90.
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Initial impressions: Excellent! - 2008 Volvo XC90
By Family of Four - September 26 - 10:50 pmDecided on Volvo for safety and built- in booster seat for toddler, luxury items, good 2 yr lease deal. Considered Mercedes M class for same money, but ride and comfort were the worst of any SUV Ive driven. Very surprised. I even test drove the M-B three times, but to no avail. Acura MDX was more luxurious and had better bells/whistles, reliability, but lease deals were poor. Only stripped down MDX was offered as a deal, but adding options was costly! BMW X5 - too small and clunky doors- wife hated it! Mans car. Lexus RX was wonderful, but too small for our needs. Volvo has best safety record, but scary reliability. I got a 2 year lease since didnt want to live with a mistake for 3 years.
