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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  Great Car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By PTB - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought it a month ago - now close to 8000 miles with no problems. Im a photographer and this is the best car Ive ever had, visually speaking. Great sweep of sight, great sound system. Ive had it on bad roads with no problems. It takes off when passing. No problems and a great car.

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  04 XC90 - Pound for pound the winner - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By kitt141 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I did my thorough homework and I landed on this one. Pound for pound, the 04 XC90 T6 AWD beats the X5 3.3, RX330, ML350 and MDX in legroom, headroom, cargo space, passenger seat, wheelbase, width, height, ground clearance, HP, torque, towing capacity and of course, good looks inside/out. I will not mention safety because the rest are just following what Volvo invented. Im just laughing when people complain about gas mileage when they demand V6 and more HP. If youre one of those, then think of a Civic, Hyundai Elantra or Corolla. I dont know why the MDX is competing with the Europeans. The front fascia looks economy not luxury.

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  Run Away, Run Away! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By MickeyNY - January 7 - 5:33 am

  I shouldnt have been so quick on the purchase of this over-rated, over- priced baby SUV. The exterior lines of the vehicle are great, but the interior space, terrible design for the defroster (which left my interior windows frozen on several mornings and at one point didnt even work! Its a design flaw, Im told). My old s80 was just wonderful and carried me everywhere in quiet, effortless style. I had absolutely no problems with it. This thing is a loud, poorly put- together "luxury" vehicle that gets me 13 miles to the gallon in the city (better on HWY, of course). There is nothing wrong, Im told, but I still hate it and will be trading it back in this summer for another s80. Run Away!

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  Great SUV - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By volvoforlife - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have test driven the X5 and the ML320 and neither one gave me the same comfort and driving pleasure as the XC90. The fit and finish was superior and the dealership was freindly and professional. In reviewing the options I got with the XC90 I definitely got more car than the Mercedes or BMW and it is safer too. I plan I having this SUV for a long time.

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  Do NOT buy a Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Never again - January 5 - 9:23 pm

  My T6 is in the shop for a replacement transmission, now in order to get any warranty they say they must replace the DEFECTIVE radiator. The cost started out at an estimate of $4800 soon it will be over $7000? All of this at just over 100K miles. One should expect at least 150K miles from a car costing nearly $50K new. VOLVO has no Heart no soul and is not built well at all.

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  awesome ride - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By padraic - January 1 - 10:00 am

  this is an incredible vehicle...never have i felt so save and comfortable with such a fun vehicle. the cargo room is great and when we need to car pool the rear seats are so easy to put up

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  Xc90 safest - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By BROWN COLOR - January 1 - 7:16 am

  Excellent in driving and safe on road tracking is very good especially in winter. i have no regrets in buying this car. Fuel consumption is also very good. My family is so happy to have this car.

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  mythoughts - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By atulumaris - December 30 - 5:50 am

  this suv performs exceptionally well.. gas mileage could be better. supposedly very well built and passenger protected.

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  My 2nd Volvo - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By n110151 - December 23 - 7:06 am

  This is the 2nd Volvo that I have owned & this one thus far, has lived up to my expectations just like my first Volvo. I have owned both GM & Ford fully loaded SUVs & this one in all areas far exceeds them. There is more cargo space & Id also have to say that my passengers have stated the rear seating is most comfortable & the width of the door swinging open, entrance & exiting was very easy. The one draw back to this vehicle is the extra option of the running boards I had added as they are too high & do not add to the ease in entering or exiting the vehicle. In summary, Ill probably never own another brand of vehicle but a Volvo, just not sure if in the future Ill need a SUV.

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  4th Set of Tires with just 83,00 miles - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By doglady2 - December 22 - 7:27 am

  I 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