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:
Showing 561 through 570 of 1,132.00-
Cool... - 2003 Volvo XC90
By softwareitsat - January 24 - 2:00 amI feel so safe in this thing I cant even begin to tell you... Living in San Francisco I do drive agressively and the T6 has plenty of power for me plus, I saw a segment on KTVU that had the reporter really do his best to try and flip the XC90... to no avail. this vehicle is cool, slick AND safe.
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T6 - 2016 Volvo XC90
By Jessica Dreicer - January 18 - 11:37 pmLove it!
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22k miles on my XC90 and I still love it - 2004 Volvo XC90
By SWilhelm - January 18 - 7:56 amCity driving,highways or rural dirt roads have yet to defeat my car.My XC is usually moms taxi but when the kids are at school I still love to take it for long runs down winding country roads. It may never match hi-performance cars Ive driven but its still quick enough and certainly handles very well.The low pressure turbo kicks in to make even highway merging stress free. True 4WD if needed.It has yet to be stranded even in deep MI snows.W mode makes for safe handling for us even on the icy roads. Those Ive met that REALLY own one,love it. The dealership has performed as well as my car has. Volvo has been good 2 us. For those who like a car but need something bigger it fits.A keeper.
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consumer rating - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Michele McArdle - January 16 - 3:03 amThis car is so much fun to drive and I feel very, very safe in it. Cargo capacity is great and I find Im grateful for the space more often than I anticipated. Just wish the gas mileage was better.
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Glad I bought it - 2006 Volvo XC90
By San Diego Guy - January 9 - 2:03 pmI love my XC90...the car is well designed and has been solid as a rock so far. Buying experience was the easiest Ive ever had and the car has lived up to its billing by Volvo. Only flaws so far has been the headlight washers which just squirt onto the hood (had the dealer disconnect) and the Homelink system had to be replaced, but Volvo took care of both. Mileage could be better, but Im getting about 18.5 mpg combined driving so not too bad. Get one if you want a well built, comfortable, and fun SUV to drive!
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Parking brake needs service - 2016 Volvo XC90
By Jo - January 6 - 6:26 pmI have owned my 2016 XC 90 for a month and it is already in the shop. When I came out of the store my car wouldnt start due to a warning light that indicated the parking brake needed service. I called the Volvo dealer and they had me try putting my key in the slot on the console to see if that would work, nothing happened. I was told that the car would indeed have to be towed into the dealership. Also, since my phone was connected to the Volvo it wiped out my contacts due to a computer glitch in the car! Since the car was in park the tow truck driver had to call the dealership to see how to override the transmission so he could get the car to move. I watched as they dragged my car up the tow truck ramp. I traded in my 2010 XC90 with over 100,000 miles on it and the only time it was ever in the shop was for service. I would wait to purchase the 2016 until all the bugs have been worked out and people know how to work on them. This is so disappointing and frustrating.
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Man, I hate this car - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Heath Kinsland - January 6 - 10:16 amThis was purchased as my wifes car but she got tired of it and is now driving my Tahoe and I am stuck (read upside down) in this thing. Rides great on the highway including good gas mileage but around town the turbo lag is just unacceptable. There is no storage inside in areas like the console and the stereo is not adaptable to adding bluetooth or XM/Sirius. Additionally, the controls for the stereo are not very intuitive making it difficult to operate. The rain-sensing wipers dont seem to follow any kind of consistent operating process. To many plastic pieces that seem to break and the cost of replacement parts are out of hand. $180 for a headlight bulb is completely crazy!
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Great Family SUV! - 2004 Volvo XC90
By SonnyH - January 5 - 6:50 amI purchased this XC90 from an original owner about 2 months ago with a little over 80K on it. The XC90 is a very tight/safe ride to be in. Before searching for an SUV Ive looked at the Sequoia, MDX and Pilot (all good cars) but at the end decided to purchase the XC90. The main reason for that was the safety features (curtain airbags on all seating rows) and how stable the car handles on the road especially at high speed.
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Performs quite well - 2006 Volvo XC90
By Tony - January 3 - 3:03 amWe bought ours as a certified pre-owned vehicle and have had no problems what so ever since purchase. Overall the fit and finish of the XC90 is very good and reliability is excellent.The 2.5T is not a powerhouse of an engine, but on the highway and around town its adequate. Its a good,safe family car.
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Leaky Volvo XC-90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
By MammaDean - January 2 - 11:50 amWe recently had a series of problems and are very unhappy with both the local dealer and Volvo Customer Service. We had the car towed in 3 times for electrical problems before they found the problem and at the same time it was leaking. We had seen leaking around the sun roof but the car was flooding into the passenger floor - which was blamed on the sunroof drain. Again, we took it in 3 times - were accused of parking it outside! and even dumping a bucket of water in it. We paid over $1500 dollars to clean up the mess and Volvo refused to cover it under warranty. Our car was either dead or in the shop for 42 days out of the past 2 months. I will sell it and NEVER buy another Volvo
