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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  Gotta love it - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Stripes510 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love it! The only SUV of its size with good gas mileage ( a real plus)

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  Wow! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By kid #6 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car ROCKS! The service and information from the dealership was outstanding. I am glad to be associated with Mooers Volvo.

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  Love it! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Love it - September 26 - 10:00 am

  i went from the "school bus" Lincoln Navigator to the Volvo XC90T6 and I would never go back! The Lincoln was big, bulky and no power. The Volvo is fun to drive and very comfortable. I have 3 tall teenage boys who fit perfectly in the second and third row. The separate headphone jacks are a blessing. They listen to their music and I listen to mine. The exceleration is fast and you dont realize just how fast you are really going until you look at the speedometer

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  my car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Kathleen Weitz - September 26 - 10:00 am

  looks great, engine too loud and car is falling apart. It is like a good looking person without a personality. My other car is a Lexus es 300 and it has it all.

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  Handles like a race car! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By MELCHIORRI - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. But, because of it being new I have had a few problems: radio and map go on and off in cold weather. hub cap bolts rusted back struts needed replacement the first month breaks in front needed replacement 1st month. THIS SHOULD NOT DETER YOU. I EXPECTED SOME CONCERNS BECAUSE IT IS A BRAND NEW MODEL. THE DEALERSHIP NEW OF ALL THE PROBLEMS WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN. I AM SURE THIS YEARS MODEL WILL COME OUT IN BETTER SHAPE.

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  SOLID - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By SHAKECITY - September 26 - 10:00 am

  HAVE HAD 5 SUVS BEFORE THE VOLVO AND NONE FEEL AS SOLID AND SAFE AS THIS ONE. YOU LOSE LITTLE WITH THE SMALLER ENGINE BECAUSE YOU HAVE A 5 SPEED TRANS VS 4 SPEED TRANS IN THE BIGGER ENGINE. DROVE BOTH- COULD BARELY TELL THE DIFF. TINY BIT OF TURBO LAG FROM ZERO TO 5 MPH , OTHERWISE NO COMPLAINTS.

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  Too many troubles - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Renee Blei - September 25 - 6:26 pm

  I have not been satisfied with this vehicles workmanship at all. I have had a wheel hub replaced, rear shocks, front sway bar, 2 rear sway bars, turbo boost valve, front cupholder has been repaired 3 times, floor mat tensioners replaced twice, 2 sets of front brakes, and the worst tire performance of any car I have ever had. I really was in love with this car until recently. It is behaving worse than an American car. Hate to give it up but I will not be able to afford this car much longer

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  Not that great - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By jeff - September 24 - 1:43 pm

  Weve had to bring out car in several times already and its 4 months old. The heat was blowing hot and cold air which turned out to be a software problem. It was also making a very annoying whirring noise, which we were told was normal for rack and pinion steering. It finally went away after our last visit to the shop. Gas mileage is poor. Design on some of the dials arent to great since they have little faint light indcators which are impossible to read in the sun(the fan level indicator, e.g.) The trunk unlock feature is annoying, you cant just pop the trunk.

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  Do not even consider this car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Ken K - September 7 - 5:16 pm

  I have had this car for nearly four years. From the beginning it has had problems with multiple noises, loose fittings, frequent brake repairs, poor shifting with multiple volvo attmempts to correct, front suspension problems, horrendous brake dust, and the list goes on. If you like visiting the repair shop frequently, this is the car for you

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  Dont let the looks fool you!!!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By london247 - September 7 - 4:21 pm

  If youre thinking about buying this car please dont, I bought used, had it for less than a year and it was in the shop three time,with the fee being not less than $1,000 when I found out I had a few leak. I sold is as is. Glad to be rid of the piece of junk. Oh but the car looked beautiful!