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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  Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By VolvoSucks - September 7 - 12:26 am

  Do NOT, NOT buy this model. I got it with little more than 80Kmiles, for less than 3 months and I am experiencing severe transmission problems. I made some research about this type of problem and it seems that most XC90s, specially 2005 and early have this transmission problem. The worst part is that the warranty I bought it with, will not cover until after 90days of the purchase. It was a good car until the transmission issue experience.

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  Over Rated - 2008 Volvo XC90
  By Carl - September 5 - 2:20 am

  We have owned this vehcile less than 60 days and have had to have the front right blinker light replaced( cracked at factory), have replaced the cam shaft value as it "popped off" leaving a large oily mess and the 90 portion of the XC90 emblem on the back had to be straightened as it was installed crooked at the factory. We are averaging 17 miles per gallon and this is FWD ! We did get a "good" deal based on the over $40K sticker price and final price of $36,250 with dealer cash and X plan discount. This is our first Volvo and may be our last. Traded our Infiniti and have had second thoughts many times.

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  DONT buy a Volvo - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By teddym - September 2 - 4:04 pm

  My XC-90 is horrible, front to back. Friends don’t let friends buy volvo’s. Treatment from the volvo dealerships in Houston is horrible, unless you are super rich, they will certainly hook you up, otherwise, bring your checkbook. You pay out the nose to own a volvo. My xc-90? 3 sets of wheel bearings burned out, the rear end went out, the fuel pump has already been replaced, the CURRENT check engine light issue will cost me $1,000, just put $1,500 into it to get the steering column to work again, the Houston dealership seriously jacked me over. you HAVE to take it to the dealership. They know theyve got you by the throat. OBTW, my windshield leaks. Headlights fogged from inside. $500 each

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  Very Happy with my XC90 - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Holly - August 31 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this car used in Nov of 2008 and have had it for almost a year and a half. I have not had one problem with this car. I am very pleased with the performance. The gas mileage could be better but i knew that going in. The interior does not have enough space for all my stuff but I manage. I really love driving this car and feel very safe in it.

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  Worste SUV in the market - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By vito9 - August 29 - 7:00 am

  I have never in my life experienced such a disastrous SUV. It is not reliable at all and the slogan "Volvo for life" is crap and does not mean anything for me as a T6 owner. I dont know where to start. New transmission at 80k, new steering rack a bit later, new hatch lock, tie rods, stabilizer links, ball bearings, joints, new breaks after 30k, leaking coolant, defective coolant lines and tubes, leaking windshield washer (broken tubes). This SUV is crap. NEVER, NEVER buy a volvo again! I had one before but this is the last time i am walking into the Volvo dealership to buy anything. I dont really like Japanese cars but the truth is that they are reliable!

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  DONT BE TEMPTED!!! Turn and run the other way! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By cgo - August 25 - 10:16 pm

  Do Not buy this car! I was enamored by the nice look, the safey reputation, and the fun drive of this car. And despite warnings on this and other review sites, I went ahead and bought it. I got a used one for $10k. After a year of in-and-out of the mechanic, and countless $$s spent on repairs, I finally junked it when the last repair estimate came to $11k. You would not believe how many "car experts" asked me how stupid I was to buy that car. Big...waste...of...money! Please do not buy this car. Dont be tempted like I was. You will regret it. I guarantee.

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  Great with a few issues... - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By VonKod - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best SUVs I have owned, however I do have a few concerns: Interior - the wood inlays look and feel extremely cheap (think plastic). Additionally, the brushed aluminum/chrome interior door handles look extremely cheap. Volvo needs to take style types from BMW on wood inlays! Gas Mileage - much worse than advertised. Expect 10-13 MPH only.

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  Best Volvo ever! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By howard - August 20 - 12:50 am

  Qwned Volvo since 1990 ... great car, beats BMW hands down ... drives very smooth, controls are very simple, handles well. Very comfortable and very safe. The bluetooth phone option is a must for true hands free driving. Put some Nokean snows on it and it goes anywhere. Kids love the dual screen DVD in the headrests. Safe, simple comfortable. The T6 Turbo engine is great! And yes, dont expect great gas mileage ... it is a very heavy car with dual turbos! If you want great gas mileage, buy a small car. Also only car with true anti-roll technology that includes a gyroscope.

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  New Standard for SUVs - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By Swedishsmitten - August 19 - 8:08 am

  Very simply this is a great automobile. We had been a Jeep Grand Cherokee family for 20 years but needed a 3rd row. Base suspension is great. Very smooth and firm, which means it does not feel like a boat. Check your tire pressure when you first get the car. Ours had 45 psi which we found out it quite common as they overfill in Sweden so the tires do not flat spot in shipping. They should check it before delivery but ours was missed. I think some of the rough ride comments are caused by this. After correcting this the ride is amazing. Seats are the best I have ever sat in with great lumbar adjustment. The power is fine. 316 horsepower from a 4 cylinder engine is amazing.

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  Beware ! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By SUSAN GILLIGAN - August 16 - 1:50 pm

  Bought in fall 2004.Replaced transmission @ 1800 miles. Third transmission just installed at 6500 miles. Had to replace radio control buttons on steering wheel & i never use! Radio was cuttung out.Drive shaft rubbing on muffler, metal scrap in drip pan.Now replacing brakes after they replaced the 2nd transmission.Very leary about next problem!