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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  I love this SUV..Nothing compares - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By bosco325 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I am so happy with my new XC90. It rides like a big luxury car in a mid- size SUV body. I had a minivan with NO cargo space...I still cant believe what I can fit into my XC90. As far as comfort..I definately give it a 10. You can control everything with the touch of a button. I recommend this vehicle..100%

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  volvo xc90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By youngdiane - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Mostly love this car..however, acceleration transition after stop signs and around corners after stop signs is not smooth... only other complaints or constructive criticism is seeing side traffic .. blind spot difficult to see w/doors and also, reflection of top of dash board into window is significant. however....... LOVE the ride and the way it handles. Nice interior/exterior.. great sound system. handles well otherwise..

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  Needs a model refresh... - 2011 Volvo XC90
  By jdoria - July 20 - 8:17 am

  I bought one of these solely based on its price when compared to the competitors. With the included 5 years of service, it cant be beat. This one came with every option, BLIS, Xenon, DVDs, Navigation, etc. The Navigation is something I would skip if I had to do this again. I have other cars with easier to use systems. I serves our needs at a "just-good-enough" rating. Its the only car I own that still has a "key". (no proximity token with push button start)

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  Nice car, with a few shortcomings - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Carsten S - July 12 - 9:43 pm

  Overall, I am satisfied with the car. On many levels it compares well with other imported SUVs, and is more reasonably priced than many of them. The cargo room it provides is quite good. 2nd row seating is tight front and aft when the third row option is installed. Volvo has a very skimpy maintenance plan, comp. to others, just the first is free. Gas mileage: try as I might, never more than 17mpg. A BMW X3 is much quicker and with beter mileage. Reliability: the shift lever will not leave park on cold days for up to 1min. Even a "fix" didnt help. Traction: Problems with 4wd engagement led to recall, but mine still spins through in FWD on even just slightly wet surfaces. Very annoying

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  Great car needs better tires - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By scatback - July 11 - 6:46 am

  20,000 trouble free miles in the V-8, average 19.7 mpg in mixed driving. Love the premium leather, the drive train, the ride and quality and the looks. But Volvo shouldnt build a all wheel drive car with the 19" Pirelli Scorpians. They are useless, not to say dangerous, in even light snow, got real noisy after 15,000 miles and were ready for scrap after 20k. Ive replaced the with Conti HDCs, which are stock on Mercedes. My only other complaint is the turning radius that resembles a super tanker (supposedly to accommodate the width of the V-8); we call ours the "Queen Mary".

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  Great car at great expense - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By buzz127 - July 8 - 1:23 pm

  I have had my XC90 for 39 months now. It has been a pleasure to drive, but very expensive to run and maintain. Using high test gas today makes it even more expensive. The car eats tires--OEM got 14,000. 2nd pair of Michelins got 20,000. But it is secure, safe and comfortable. You have to decide if the $$s are worth the tradeoff.

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  Bought it new...still love it! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Leslie - July 3 - 12:06 am

  I am thrilled that we did not get the T6. The only con I have is that the tires (originally Pirelli)have been replaced twice - not unusually with an AWD SUV. The 2 things that I had a problem were was the front brakes making a bizzare sound -they put something on the brakes...fixed. The only other thing that happened was I got into the car and the engine would not turn over...dead. Something with the key. Had to have it towed to the dealer. I was hit by a mini cooper on my side door and the car did not move. I have two small children and feel very safe. Was thinking of trading it in for a newer VOLVO XC90 but after reading the other reviews(I have only 52K miles) I think Ill keep it.

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  so far so good - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By brirags - July 2 - 7:43 pm

  I just picked up an 05 T6 with 40k miles from auction. The car is nearly flawless and appears to run beautifully. I found out Im the 2nd owner, and the car has been meticulously maintained by a local Volvo dealer. My concern is that its had 2 transmissions replaced, the latest 18 months ago along with the radiator. Not sure if I need to purchase a warantee. Dealers told me the problem is most likely cured, but if anyone has a comment, Im all ears as Im a bit concerned.

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  Excellent - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By arek - July 1 - 4:33 pm

  great driving on first row. Second row center seat is not comfortable, design only for kids seat. Location cruse control button on steering wheel is very bad.

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  Love my XC90! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Love my car!! - June 29 - 1:36 am

  I purchased my Volvo XC90 2.5T in August of 2003, in Sweden. We took advantage of the European Delivery package being offered and had a delightful stay in Sweden, courtesy of Volvos two round trip tickets to Europe, plus hotel acccommodations. We drove around Scandinavia and then returned to the factory, where the car was shipped free of charge. I am getting up to 21 MPG on highway, and average about 18 MPG around town. Service has been excellent and we have had virtually no negative experiences with this car. Its worth every penny. We have also really taken advantage of our third row of seats, a real buying point for us, as I refused to consider a minivan, but wanted additional room.