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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  Frustrated - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Ccsbtm - August 14 - 10:00 am

  In the last six weeks we have had 4 major system problems; brakes, cruise contol, a/c fan and automatic transmission. We have no confidence in this vehicle and Volvo USA is basically useless. Once you buy it you are stuck. Now when we go any sort of distance we take our five year old Toyota rather than our new $45,000 Volvo. I think that says it all.

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  2004 Volvo XC90, Almost Perfect - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Jennifersalz - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Looks great, drives great and has all the ammentities one would want in a luxury car. It is tops in safety and has more room inside than other more expensive midsize SUVs. Lots of power!

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  Best SUV I have owed thus far - 2009 Volvo XC90
  By Jo - August 12 - 10:00 am

  The best SUV in terms of size, look and gas milage I have yet owned...Very classy and great to drive

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  My XC90 V-8 AWD - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Jim Woods - August 12 - 4:40 am

  I took this vehicle hunting across very tough and rocky terrain. It performed very. Back on the Highway it was great after all that. Also it performs well during a recent ice storm. Several other vehicles were in the ditch and other places but bot even a slip.

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  Sadly Engine Scrapped - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Christine Farmer - August 11 - 1:56 am

  I loved this SUV so much I retained the previous owners name for her, Lucy. She was great the first 3 years I owned her. She rode well, was comfortable and I felt safe since I drive a lot of highway miles. She has approximately 142,000 miles on her now. Unfortunately, this year after a replacing the transmission and serpentine belt, for $3500, some strange noise began last week. I drove her straight to my mechanic. Heres what they told me: inspect locking pin after removal, if locking pin is broken after removal, the shaft has worn into the bearing position, engine must be scrapped". Sadly, I dumped $3500 into her now will hope to recoup at least some of that selling her parts.

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  Unrealistic Expectations - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By sean.rowesr - August 8 - 12:00 pm

  This is by far the most disappointing vehicle purchase I have made. The transmission has gone out three times in less than 70,000 miles. The radiator and multiple hoses had to be replaced and the maint department at the two Volvo dealerships my car has been towed to were rude and unprofessional. The service department actually told me that my car was poorly built and Id be better off buying a different vehicle. I was told by the manager that the XC90 is plagued with mechanical flaws and the gentleman that brought my car to me from the shop threw the keys on the counter and walked away without speaking. They didnt even give me a new transmission..they stripped one from a car on the lot!

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  Surprised!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By UncleBarry - August 8 - 2:00 am

  A travel compass would be a great addition. The gas mileage is advertised on the window sticker as 18 to 24. I get 11 to 13 in the street and when I travel to see me daughter in school 5 hours away, I get 17 to 19 if Im lucky. The first two months of ownership and the passenger winshield wiper fell off, the headlight washer cover fell off, the cruise control didnt work, and both key chains fell apart and had to be replaced. I still love the car. The salesmanager was obnoxious and rude, and a real smartass. I only bought it there because my salesman ( who Ive dealt with many times is a pleasure).

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  Good But Not Great - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Rogeru - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Parts keep falling off. Door belt moldings replaced 3 times on all doors. Rug hooks keep pulling out. Driver seat side trim piece keeps falling off. Comfortable ride, handles well, loads of headroom, Im 64". Almost a great car but not quite.

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  Nice Car, Costs a small fortune to maint - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By Dennis - August 5 - 6:23 pm

  I have owned a lot of cars over the years, this one is buy far the most expensive to maintain. Im on my third set of tires with only 56,000 miles. The first two sets from the dealership got less than 20K each. The tires generally recommended are too light for this car. The third set was Michelins but they arent up to the task either. For my next set of tires Im going to try the GoodYear Assurance ComforTred tires. It took the service department about 3 years to finally fix the leak in my power steering. And the funny noise the front end suspension made every time I made a right turn. Now let me count how many suspension parts and brake pads Ive had to replace... The gas mileage sucks.

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  Awesome car - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By shibby12158 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car to drive and it is really comfortable. It doesnt feel like your driving an SUV it feels like your driving a car. GREAT SUV...I LOVE IT!!!