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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  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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  Beautiful but very poor exterior quality & electro - 2018 Volvo XC90
  By Eric M - July 18 - 4:46 pm

  I 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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  First Volvo and Last Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By cycle_art - July 11 - 8:11 pm

  I 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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  Worst Car ever owned - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By David Cronin - June 28 - 11:36 pm

  Consistent problems. Rear 3rd row seats continually get stuck have to bring in to dealer to get fixed (3 times ). Child seat gets stuck ( 2 times). Rear door has problems closing brought in 3 times. Bought 18 inch wheels but the brakes not upgraded by dealer. Also try finding replacement tires for under $300 each. Replaced brakes 3 times already. Problem with turbos being noisy. Have to be replaced at 52,000 miles at a cost of $4,000 which we are fighting with Volvo. This is the first non-japanese car I have owned and my last.

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  BRAKE PAD REPLACED AT 15000 MILES!!!!!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Franklin Bien - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought a brand new volvo XC90 T6 model, May 2003. It has been ONLY 10 months, and ONLY 15,000 miles, and the FRONT BRAKE PADS ARE WORN 90%. And, the dealer is saying since it has passed the 12,000 miles, it cannot be covered under warranty, and they also claim it is normal. Ive owned many cars in my life, and I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCE HAVING TO REPLACE A BRAKE PAD ON A BRAND NEW CAR FOR 15,000 miles on it!!!!!!!! It cost me $175 for it. I had a Nissan Pathfider just before this, and the front brake pads were replace at 60,000 miles. What a difference. I am very very disappointed with the quality / durability of Volvo. They look great, but they cost a lot.

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  Volvo for life? Not a long one. - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Matt T - June 7 - 6:10 pm

  This car looks great, seats 7 semi- comfortably, is great in the snow, and will spend as much time in the shop as on the road. O2 sensors out at 50k. Spark plugs needed replaced at 50k. Transmission needed replaced at 61k. Volvo service wont stand behind the car. I was told directly that "Volvo for life" is "Just a slogan." Dont let the pretty looks and solid reputation fool you. The newer Volvos are trouble. Expensive trouble at that.

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  Volvo is Swedish for junk - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Sucker Punched - May 27 - 9:33 am

  Volvo is Swedish for junk. Worst car I have ever owned. Horrible service - Constantly breaking down. Needs a new transmission at less than 60,000 miles. New Turbos. New head gasket. Burns through tires, oil, and brake pads, latches and locks have broken. If you are looking to be unhappy about your ride it is the car for you! Remember, friends dont let friends by Volvos! If you buy one of these cars there is one of you born every second (sucker) otherwise Volvo would go the way of Dodo bird.

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  Would you believe? - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By nick B - April 30 - 4:36 pm

  From the beginning gas leak inside the car repaired by dealer. General western warranty all but worthless on most costly parts. Spring seats not covered. Electronic module not covered ABS not covered. Cost thousand of dollars. Every maintenance check is $400 or more, and you must maintain or waste warranty. Is that reliability in our auto world today?

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  Leaky Volvo XC-90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By MammaDean - January 2 - 11:50 am

  We 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

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  Great concept; Poor execution - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By CCB - December 23 - 4:56 pm

  The birth our our third child led us to sell our Audi Allroad and purchase the Volvo. Immediatly we noticed the great disparity in build quality. The front brake pads went at 11,000 mi, rotors went at 34,000 mi, no dealer explanation. Steering makes a loud clunk when turning at low speeds. Several trim pieces have consistently fallen off. The leather on the drivers seat is starting to crack despite multiple conditioning. Gas mileage is about 15.6-16.2 according to the computer. And yes, the upgraded 18 inch wheels did not have the upgraded brakes not where the tires provided of any quality. It has been such a poor experince, both with the car and the dealership, we are considering an Escalade.