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 591 through 600 of 1,132.00-
Happy because I bought the model with the good engine! - 2005 Volvo XC90
By rootleaf - October 7 - 11:37 pmWe purchased this car a little over one year ago. I never thought we would be a Volvo family but now we are. I was looking to get my wife out of the mini van rutt we had been in since our first child. Now the kids are getting bigger and a van is not so necessary. I bought this car for her as a surprise. I paid 12k for it in Dec. 2011 and it had 100k miles on it then. The timing belt had not been done yet so I had that replaced immediately by our mechanic as well as the water pump and other belts for 500 dollars. Since Dec. 2011 we have not spent one more dollar in maintenance other than oil changes. This car drives great. Read the reviews and be sure you buy the 2.5 turbo engine!
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Its a great car. - 2004 Volvo XC90
By esm - October 1 - 2:00 amThe car is great but there needs to be more storage area.
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Good but not a great car. - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Maxr - September 29 - 8:03 pmGood car we have had this car for almost 7 years so far it is a good enjoyable car so far the brakes are squeaking we have put it in to many repair shops but it is still squeaking but like all volvos it is safe and/or good in comfort
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UNREAL! - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Paul in PA - September 26 - 10:00 amIm coming off a hideous Blazer experience. The XC90 is incredible. Fantastic in every aspect! Im even getting 24.5 mpg right now and have gotten 25 (highway of course with the 5 cyl.). You have to watch the instantaneous mpg closely to get that. The Edmunds reviewer says power is lacking??? Even with my 5 cyl turbo this thing takes off like a raped ape. My little Prelude cant do any better. I dont know what he was driving. Passing on the highway is like a dream - you see a spot and youre there!! The navigation system is incredible. The ONLY drawback is the premium gas. What the heck if you can afford this car you can buy premium.
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VOLVO XC90 2.5 T - 2003 Volvo XC90
By Perc1010 - September 18 - 2:00 amI just got the XC90 about a weeks ago and its such a great car. The interior and exterior design is phenomenal. All my friends at school are very impressed with it. So I guess Volvo can appeal to a younger crowd.
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I Will Miss It - 2005 Volvo XC90
By volvo4life2 - September 16 - 6:48 pmAfter proudly owning a 2005 for 3 years and 35,000 miles, I will be switching over to a 2006 S60. After living in a large city for about a year now, I can no longer handle the 12 mpg that the V8 provided me in the city, and the parking. BUT dont get me wrong I drove my car from 67,000 to 96,000 miles. I loved every second of it. It was the SAFEST car on the road. If you dont believe me, check out the Volvo Saved my life club. I am slightly worried that the S60 wont be as safe. I had the Navigation System, TVs and Parking sensors. Never used the TVs but the nav system and parking sensors daily. Two more things I will be without, sadly
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Better Than The S60 - 2003 Volvo XC90
By madwood - September 12 - 10:00 amI drove the S-60 for the past two years, and how it handled the road. Only problem was no room for three kids in the back. The XC-90 takes care of that, and more. It handles very similar to the S-60, has a ton more room, and is more fun to drive (I can still zip around town & between slow traffic). The highway ride is considerably better, and quieter, than the S-60. I do have the 18" wheels, and had 17" on the S-60. My wife has a 2001 Suburban - loaded. She wants my XC-90, but I wont let her have it. Im moving car seats when the family goes out, so I dont have to drive the TANK. If you get one, youll love it.
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Great Value - 2010 Volvo XC90
By Poppy - September 11 - 1:46 pmLooked at ML350, Q5, MDX, RX350 and X5. This vehicle was head and shoulders above the ML350. Each of the others had its strong points; but my wife chose the XC90 because she liked it best (it had the best overall visibility). Weve had it for almost 4 months now and have had absolutely no problems. The fuel mileage is lousy; but competitive with most of the others--14 in town and 21 on the road. It does use regular while the others require premium. The fact that the XC-90 is the least expensive of the bunch is real bonus.
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Not there yet ..... Need more work . No reliable - 2016 Volvo XC90
By rani sharma - September 8 - 1:30 amwhen the car came out and I reviewed it on line I was so happy that I got a car I wanted to buy . did a test drive and loved the car but center console is too cumbersome and will take some time to get used to. Was bout to pull the trigger but I read multiple reviews on lien about the software issue and poor costumer support of Volvo . One of my co worker who own it and he was Curs***** Volvo right and left when I asked him how his experience with the car. He has issue with the battery Darning for no reason and other software issue. I wanted to like this car so bad but with so may issue I decided to go with time tested Mercedes. Sorry Volvo I really loved this car and how it looks and technology but may be I have to wait for next 5-6 yrs before they fix the bugs . I owned a Honda for seven years and never a problem with it .
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Dont think twice - 2005 Volvo XC90
By John - September 6 - 6:46 amI have owned almost every luxury SUV, incl. Lexus, Landcruiser, BMW, Mercedes, etc. This is the best for money and may be the best period. No seat this comfy & supportive!! Im hard to please, but like it mucho. Chose the T5 over T6 b/c 1" smaller wheel rim= more comfy ride. Powers fine. Price is no object for me. This is a "steal". BUY IT---DONT THINK TWICE!!
