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 381 through 390 of 1,132.00-
Worth The Wait - GO VOLVO - 2003 Volvo XC90
By HOT SUV - June 26 - 10:00 amWhat an awesome SUV. After the first one I ordered sank on the boat in December, I was lucky enough to secure a similar vehicle from my local dealer. The interior is beautiful, the T5 engine is plenty, and the ride quality is terrific and quiet. BMW X% was $6000 more and had 1/2 the equipment and lousy base stereo with single CD. The BMW has a choppy ride as well. Very trucklike, unlike the XC90. Great job Volvo...
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Love the Car - 2004 Volvo XC90
By golfmom - June 20 - 10:00 amThis car drives like a dream. Its handling is excellent. The seats are very comfortable. It does seat 6 adults but it is difficult to get out of the last set of seats.
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excellent - 2004 Volvo XC90
By lilhotshot06 - June 15 - 10:00 amexcellent vehicle. Probably one of the best sports utility vehicles you can buy at this time.
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I want to love you - 2016 Volvo XC90
By Vol fan - June 14 - 9:20 amI really want to love my 2016 XC90 momentum. A great looking car. I have 25,000 miles on the vehicle in less than 1 year of ownership. We have been in the shop for a total of 2 weeks to fix Sensus which boots and reboots. Navigation that stops. Loud clicking noises every time you turn, stop and go. Fealership replaced wheel bearings but still have the clicking issue and now the ride is horrible even after new tires etc.. as the vehicle shakes, rattles and rolls. I just took a very painful 8 hour family trip to Disney and now I am looking for my next vehicle. Pros. Good gas mileage, great interior layout with useable 3rd row seat. Love Sensus when it works. If the clicking could stop and the vehicle rode smooth like it did when first purchased then I would love it.
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my 05 xc 90 V8 - 2005 Volvo XC90
By cdoc - June 12 - 8:36 amI love the thing, but in the hills where I live, I am getting 13.5mpg. Too much gas in these days of high price and world concerns. Sounds hokey, but we gotta live in this world a long time and 13.5 is just unacceptable...
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No doubt about it.... - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Hope - June 9 - 5:00 amthis is the best car I have ever had. the safety features are phenomenal, it is reliable, plus extremely comfortable and nice looking.
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Love the car - 2004 Volvo XC90
By dmassey - June 9 - 2:00 amOver all I love this car. My second volvo. I have a 2001 s-80. Only problem has been with the driver side automatic window. Bought the car in Santa Monica Calif. but have it service at San Diego Volvo where I live. Great dealership. Very comfortable and easy to drive car. Turbo isnt working hard at 75mph. Gas mileage is so so.
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2005 Volvo XC90 T6 - 2005 Volvo XC90
By d bruns - June 7 - 11:33 amI bought the first XC90 in Wisconsin in July of 2003...after several problems, Volvo proposed a trade out and I bought a new 2004 XC90...The difference is remarkable! The Volvo XC90 I have now is tremendous. Volvo identified there reliablity/quality issues with the early models and did the right things for me...I am very satified!!
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Volvo Review - 2004 Volvo XC90
By H Kumnick - May 28 - 10:00 amGreat Utility & Fun to Drive.
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Bring your checkbook - 2004 Volvo XC90
By letsrole - May 24 - 9:56 amI purchased this vehicle used with 107,000 miles. I should have checked Edmunds reviews 1st. At 117,000 miles, just like previous reviews - transmission problems. Cost for replacement, $6,000 and only a one year warranty.
