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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Johns XC 90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
By John - July 22 - 10:00 amThe Volvo XC 90 has met all my expectations. Great Ride for long trips and very good gas mileage.
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Baby on the way- - 2004 Volvo XC90
By David S. / Engineer - July 22 - 10:00 amI traded in my Mercedes CKL430 Convertible for this volvo SUV so I am not blinded by new car smell. So far I like the car. But it does has a few interior set backs. Not enough leg room for driver and the flip up wood cover for cup holder has no real locking mechanism so it just pops up. This happens most frequently when car is parked in the sun. Im guessing the plastic clip that holds it in place warms up and lets the lid release. (Bad Design) I will be requesting service to look at this when the car goes in for the first service. Speaking of service, so far Volvo is on par with Mercedes when it comes to taking the extra step for customer satisfaction.
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Perfect car but not enoying it - 2008 Volvo XC90
By Thor - July 21 - 3:00 pmMy family has had a Volvo since 1981 and therefore it was not a difficult choice to purchase the XC90. The interior is typical Volvo (little bit too tight) but with the highest quality to find. All seats are strong and comfortable - not just the front seats as in some other SUVs.
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Beautiful but very poor exterior quality & electro - 2018 Volvo XC90
By Eric M - July 18 - 4:46 pmI put a standard Saris trunk mount bike rack on the car that I have used on 4 other vehicles to take the kidss bikes down to the beach. On the way, the bike rack fell and I pulled over to find that the body panel had RIPPED! (Yes, ripped). Turns out it is plastic - not metal. I looked at the manual to see if it tells you that you cannot use a trunk mount bike rack. Not only does it not say that you cant use a bike rack, it actually warns you that a trunk mount bike rack may interfere with the rear view back-up camera. Volvo has flatly refused to do anything about the damage and the dealer has given me the name of a bodyshop who apparently does a lot of work on Volvos. I have also noticed that the quality of the paint or gelcoat is very poor. The electronics are constantly malfunctioning. They replaced my entire "module" (electronic dash panel?) within 5000 miles. I had to take it back again for more malfunctioning electronics. My friend has the same car and the same electronics problems. The rear seats stick and sometimes the kids cant move it to access the third row.
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geatest suv - 2006 Volvo XC90
By eee - July 18 - 8:30 amEverything is great about this car. The only thing that I would change is better instrument lighting and more electronic gadgets like an Audi or BMW. Kind of boring in that sense. Solid vault like doors.
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T5has been great so far - 2005 Volvo XC90
By TClarke - July 18 - 5:26 amOur three month old 2005 S80 was destroyed in a multi-car accident,with us taking five seperate impacts! 2 guardrails, 3 other vehicles. Confirmed to us the Boron steel safety etc. Replaced it with a new 05 XC90, 5 turbo. The vehicle has been great so far. 61,000 miles, and just replaced the Michelin tires. Right rear wheel bearing went out at the same time. Struts are about ready to go. I drive it hard daily @ 20,000 miles year. Fuel usage has been good for this type of SUV. My high was 24.1 mpg highway. Normal city 19 mpg. If you are not towing a heavy boat/other, this would be the engine to have, however they do not offer it this year. I would buy one again.
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36K Miles - 2003 Volvo XC90
By Mike McNutt - July 14 - 8:30 amOurs is fully equipped with everything. We driven it 36K miles and really like the car. We have taken 3500 mile trips, and two over 2000 miles. I like the car as a daily driver as well. We have had trouble with the brakes, light coming on and the power assist, was in five times for the problem, but never a safety issue, just a nuisance. Avg. 20-22 mpg on hwy, 14-17 in town. The best 26mpg. Plenty of power for everything except drag racing.
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good, bad , and the ugly - 2003 Volvo XC90
By dachshund - July 13 - 2:00 amVolvo has produced a very attractive vehicle. The XC-90 is very comfortable and feels solid. Overall we are very happy with the vehicle. It has average accleration, but is extremely potent when asked to do a high speed pass. Ive noticed that the 4-speed automatic does not shift as seamlessly as I would expect for a premium vehicle.Ive also noticed a minor design flaw with the seat belts in the second row. The belt will catch on the release latch to the third row and turn perpendicular to the door panel, and since there is not enough clearance, if you do not reposition it manually it will gouge the door panel and cut the seat.
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First Volvo and Last Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
By cycle_art - July 11 - 8:11 pmI bought this car because I was told Volvos last a long time. They are not too expensive to repair as compared to other high-end car makers. I bought this car 2.5 years ago and have had problems from the beginning. First it was interior issues like the tweeter falling off the door, the front drivers seat pulling apart at the seams and the console lights going out. I bought an extended warranty and thank glad I did. This year $5,000 in repair bills for an axle, universal joint, CV joint, tie-rods, brake calipers and right now a Pcv breather case. The warranty doesnt cover this. The service manager told me I should not pay attention to the manual and change the oil every 3000k.
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V8 loaded & love it! - 2006 Volvo XC90
By Ski - July 9 - 5:20 pm110k mi & still drives fantastic! Smooth, powerful, tight handling & fun to drive. Happy with whole drivetrain. Only problem so far was the "infotainment software bug," which was fixed with quick update @ dealer. DONT get turbo model with "garbage" GM transmission. The V8s avg 1mpg gas penalty is worth every drop! 05+ Yamaha V8 model has better Aisan Warner 6-speed & nice AWD system. Did i mention the significant testicular fortitude?
