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 31 through 40 of 1,132.00-
No fun - 2007 Volvo XC90
By wsa10 - May 19 - 3:26 pmI leased a 2007 AWD 3.2 Volvo XC90 in August of 2006. I am so glad that I chose a 24 month lease as opposed to a 36 month lease. We have 2 more payments to go, and cant wait to get out of this car. I knew the car wasnt all that fun to drive, but was surprised that it would be as unreliable as it has been.
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Overengineered, Overpriced, Unreliable - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Karen - May 14 - 3:40 amAfter 2 years of owning an XC90, we decided to sell it -- while we still could. On average, our car was in the shop for service every 3 months. Small, annoying things were always going wrong and they were generally related to the electrical system/computer malfunctioning. Additionally, in two years, the car had over 16 recall items -- many safety related. Also, for a mid-size SUV, the gas mileage was terrible. Anyone for whom reliability is a priority should steer clear and drive directly to the nearest Acura dealership.
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Transmission needed - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Bill - April 18 - 10:10 amAlways had Volvos and this was our first SUV/crossover. Bought used with 55k miles and at 62k needs transmission with a 7K quote. It doesnt have tow package so it was babied by previous owner. Thankfully the dealer is helping make good on this awful vehicle. Test drove others and felt skipping in trans...so never again will we purchase an XC90. And the mpg is among the worst in the crossover line at 14.2 city and 18-19 highway. What a shame because the vehicle is beautiful and comfortable, its just a mechanical nightmare!
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Dont buy 6 cyl FWD - 2007 Volvo XC90
By RonP - March 31 - 9:10 amWe bought the XC90 3.2ltr FWD 7 passenger for its comfort and versatility when the grandkids visit. We thought the inline 6 cyl would get decent gas mileage, at least better than the Explorer we had. Wrong! In town we are only getting 12-13 mpg as opposed to advertised 18. Highway 22 mpg about what expected. The 6 cyl is significantly underpowered - having to downshift constantly. Also the car has the most unintuitive controls, i.e., washer/wipers, door locks, headlight controls Ive ever seen! Must be Swedish logic! It is a comfortable ride however for a mid-sized SUV.
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You Might Get Lucky ! - 2005 Volvo XC90
By AJ - March 12 - 2:00 amMy 2005 XC 90 is reliable most of the time but, when something goes wrong cross your fingers you have warrenty. Its well built to a point. Of all the suvs Ive had. (Yukon,Envoy,Range Rover,and Audi Q7) I rather own a Volvo. It still needs to be a better drivers car. Some more handling upgrades needed. Just dont ever purchase a Range Rover!
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Gas Guzzler and Computer Problems - 2003 Volvo XC90
By alex - February 28 - 2:23 pmBought this used/certified car with only 20,000 miles. After 1 1/2 months, the system computer breaks down with a message that the braking system and SRS had conked out. Had the car towed to dealership. Service people said its a minor computer glitch. OK. Guess what, same problem happened again 8 times for the next 18 months, everytime had the car towed and all the inconveniences. Had the car for only 18 months and have already replaced tires, steering rod and lots of other things. Had it serviced for 30,000 miles and cost was $1,100. Overall city mileage was 11 mpg, highway about 16. With premium gas prices at $3.30/gal, this car is more expensive than sending a child to college.
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4th Set of Tires with just 83,00 miles - 2004 Volvo XC90
By doglady2 - December 22 - 7:27 amI have had my SUV since the end of 2004. I have just gone through my fourth set of tires at 83,000 miles. Volvo Customer Service takes zero responsibility for this obvious problem. They blamed it on the three tire manufacturers. Also, it is a very expensive car to repair and maintain. At 78,000 miles I replaced 5 ignition coils for a total of $345.00 in just parts no labor, Upper engine mount repair for $579.00. At 75,000 miles I had to replace the fuel pump, Idler pully, timing bel,t tentioner, brake vac switch, etc. Even in the beginning I had to replace the brakes and front rotors at 22,000 miles. Think twice
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Disappointing Quality - 2005 Volvo XC90
By RG - December 21 - 4:33 pmWeve always wanted to have Volvo and finally weve saved enough to buy one. What a disappointment! In the past 6 months we have to bring in the car three times to be fixed ranging from electrical problems to detached trim. This is worse than my first car, a mere Ford Escort!
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Worst Car I Ever Owned - 2003 Volvo XC90
By Tom - November 29 - 9:13 amThis was my first and will be my last Volvo. This thing needs new tires every 20,000 miles, grinds through brake pads, needed a new transmission at 80,000 miles and now at 100,000 miles the turbo is blown. Probably had this car in the shop 2 to 3x per year for various electrical and mechanical problems. Volvo was gracious enough to replace the transmission for only the cost of labor (I am convinced they have a silent recall going on) but it still cost me $1,600. Now to fix the turbo will cost another $5,000. It is time to trade in this albatross....I should have done it 30,000 miles ago. Volvo should just recall this vehicle and give everybody their money back.
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not worth the price - 2004 Volvo XC90
By snunes68 - September 26 - 10:00 amPoor gas economy. For the soccer mom this is not the right car. With car seats in the second row you are not sitting comfortably in the front.
