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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  Im a ballet mom, not a soccer mom! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Keystonegal - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Before having children, I didnt care about safety, now I do -- I bought it for safety and love it for everything else -- comfortable seats and cooling system, great handling (it doesnt feel like a boat like my minivan did). Great pick up, though its no sports car, and its not flashy, but it looks good. I want to stand out for my accomplishments not my car, but nothing is more important to me than safety -- I have it all. Get the reverse warning -- its worth the bucks, as is the vinyl floor pads -- they look neat, and will ease cleaning troubles.

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  Stylish and fun to drive - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Carol - November 23 - 1:43 am

  I have had my XC90 nearly three years and love it as much as when I first got it. Reliability and dealer performance have been excellent. Car very solid and secure-feeling. We bought this car when our son was appraoching driving age, beacause of reputation for safety. Minor complaint: Tires wear out quickly due to heavy weight. Major complaint: Gas mileage has never approached Volvo projections.

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  A Year of Heaven - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Patzapper - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the most comfortable and smooth riding SUV I have been in. Love the stereo equipment and its excellent surround sound. Terrific styling,,,,I receive loads of complements from bank tellers, fast food drive thru personel to carwash jockeys. Just the right height for great visibility. Appeals to all ages. My college age son wants to the drive it all the time!

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  Dream Car - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Vickie - November 3 - 7:10 pm

  Ive had this car for almost a year and in my short experience I feel its a perfect combination of luxury and performance. Acceleration power is exceptional, dashboard controls are within easy reach, its roomy, except for possibly the third seat which can handle adult passengers for short trips only. Third seat is meant for small children. And, except for a hummer, it feels safer than anything Ive ever driven.

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  An exceptional SUV from Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By HappywithmyXC90 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I waited for this vehicle a long time and I am glad I did. My T6 is in Sapphire Black with graphite interior and it is absolutely beautiful. The quality of materials and workmanship is outstanding. This SUV is pleasure to drive, rugged and sophisticated at the same time. I love the performance and the ride, not to mention feeling safe and confident on the road.

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  Comfortable car, but its a money trap! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Lora - October 25 - 11:19 pm

  We purchased the 2005 Volvo xc90 in 2011 when it was 6 years old for $9000 which is great compared to the original ticket price of $47,000 when it was new. We bought it knowing the the 3rd row seat would not fold down. Other than that it looked great. We averaged about 16-17 mpg combined. The car itself is very comfortable but after a year of owning it, the electrical system began to fail. The dashboard would turn off while driving, the radio broke, and the windows wouldnt stay up. When we took it into the volvo dealership, they kept it for almost two weeks and finally (rudely) told us they could not figure out what the problem was. They also told us the 3rd row seat may cost up to $1000 to repair. A year later, we had problems with the almost brand new brakes. We had to have them replaced as well as all four of the $200 tires because of uneven wear. Recently, after a routine visit to the mechanic, we found out the the power steering needed to be replaced as well as the heavily fogged over headlight lamps which would cost us $2000. That was the breaking point for us and we decided to trade it in. On the way to the dealership the brakes gave out. They hesitated to give us $1000 trade in. This vehicle has been a money trap. Although the car is a comfortable ride and has an attractive interior, it is not worth the investment. Stay away. There is a reason these xc90s dont hold their value.

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  Radio Problems - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Ron - October 25 - 1:33 am

  My XC-90 has had very unusual problems, so the dealer informs me. One month out of warranty, the rear bearings needed to be replaced. The headlight covers are pitted and dis colored. The wheel nuts had to be replaced twice. The first time for rust the second time for wear???? The very last repair and most upsetting was for a new infotainment module. The problem began when the radio began looking like a disco. The lights began flashing and periodically the radio would shut off and the display would go blank. I can live without the radio, but when this problem corrupted the Air bag system to the point it might not work, I had to have it fixed at a cost of$1350.00 Volvo would do nothing

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  excellent suv - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By karen - October 24 - 6:03 am

  this car is probably the best vehicle I have owned. I feel it beats the x5, fx35 and is the safest suv on the road

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  Love my Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Cape Cod - October 21 - 10:36 am

  From the first day I bought the car it has been great. I have to take it on long trips and Ive always felt safe even in some bad storms. I have a very steep driveway and in the winter the car handles it fine. It has great gas mileage for the size and comfort of the car. It still looks like new in and out. Im looking to buy another one.

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  Must see before Benz, Acura & BMW buy - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By zuomo - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised with the innovativations within the interior. More room than its competitors + safety first. I personally like the body style better than the BenzM320, Acura MDX and the over priced BMW. The Volvo handles well and the interior is luxury just like youd find in more $$$ competitors. Im very happy and satisfied. (If i had to do it again Id get the ALL wheel drive option. FW drive pulls steering on quick acelleration).