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:

• 

  Lemon in KC - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By lemon in KC - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My wife was the second owner of the new XC90 in Kansas City and that may be the problem. This car has been in the shop more than our garage. You name it and it has gome wrong. The power seat/mirror loses memory every time you start the car. The fuel door snapped off when my 10-year old bumped it, ($223 - not under warranty) rear windshield wiper snapped off while trying to clean the window, radiator overheats and had to be replaced, PVC valve rattles and had to be replaced only to name a few. Hopefully these are problems with the first production run or these guys are in for some major lawsuits and lemon law issues.

• 

  Squeaky and Breaky - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By vsm - August 26 - 10:46 am

  First 4 months: Overheated as Volvo didnt tighten coolant fluid hose at factory and all of the coolant leaked out. Nice early engine stress. Squeaky center console that moans and groans with every turn. Vibrating turn signal wires in wheel well (fun 8 hour drive). Squeaky center console fixed second time. Vibrating turn signal wires identified after third try. Squeaky center console fixed third time. Radio decided to play half speakers for 6 hours (on an 8 hour trip). Rear windshield washer used -"Im wet! whats happening?!"- dripped all over our 6 year old (inside the car, windows up, sun roof closed, in her seat in the second row). Leaked through the headliner. Still Squeaking! Joy!

• 

  XC-90 Horiible reliabiliy - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Rich4rennlist - August 7 - 11:00 am

  I purchased a 2005 Volvo XC90 for my wife. She was driving a ML 320 and did not enjoy the drive nor the styling. Weve enjoyed the owners driving school which was offered by Volvo for its owners but everything else has been a huge headache. The XC90 has been at the dealer 6 times since purchase (the car is only 5 months old). The check engine light came on 2 days after Ive purchased the car. The dealer has not been able to figure out the problem. Everytime the car is at the dealer, they are confident that the problem is solved. They were wrong 6 times. It makes my wonder if any of the safety features are in working order. I cant wait to get rid of it. I regret purchasing it.

• 

  Horrible Turbo Lag - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By thorcen - August 4 - 1:33 am

  This car has some very nice styling but for an almost $50,000 car it has some very real problems. It has the worst turbo lag that I have ever driven, I test drove a 5 cyl. model but bought the T6. When the defrost is on, there is no heat on the floor, so if you need to have it on, your feet will freeze. The ride and comfort are great but with the problems that I talked about, I would not recommend it to anyone.

• 

  The Mechanics Love this Car! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Duff - July 21 - 7:56 pm

  Second Volvo I owned, probably my last. I have replaced the tires 2x with only 25K+ miles on odometer, replaced air conditioner 3x, radio in for repair 2x, seal on my driver side door 4x, and a few misc interior finish pieces had to be replaced. Not to mention every time I take it in for service, something is being replaced for recall. I had a 240DL brick which I put 256,000 miles on, never had a problem with the car other than routine stuff. I am not happy with this vehicle, drives like a bus, has major quality issues, and trying to operate the radio while driving is a joke.

• 

  2005 Volvo XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By littlerock2 - June 23 - 1:37 pm

  I bought a 2005 Volvo XC90 new in Feb of 2006 at the dealership in Athens GA. In Dec. of 2011, transmission had to be rebuilt at 87,000 miles for $4200 - dealership wanted $6500. Then in April 2012 at 92,000 miles, the engine started knocking - balance rod failure. I looked on line and Volvo has known that both these failures could occur in this make and model. Never did I receive any recall or info. I contacted Volvo of North America who offered no help to pay for these repairs. I did not rebuild engine - would cost almost what car was worth. I sold it to an auction company for $3600. Now drive a Toyota Highlander. Will never trust Volvo again.

• 

  I wanted to like it BUT... - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By bletour - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Loaded T6 Accel poor unless you slam it to the floor. Slow to downshift Suspension mediocre. This car never feels even a hint of sporty in corners. Seats: Cant get comfortable Lights: "auto" on feature so when it gets dark they turn on, but the high beams wont function in that mode. Rain sensing wipers: Adjust the intermittent control and the rain sensor takes over anyway. "Approach lights": You have to push a separate button on the keyfob from unlock N/V/H... This car makes nasty noises sometimes and never seems smooth. Squeeks and rattles already forming at 10K miles. Build Quality: Doors need to be slammed, compartments stick.

• 

  All wheel Drive - 2007 Volvo XC90
  By Kevin Lawlor - March 3 - 6:06 am

  One of the worst performing all wheel drive vehicles ever owned. Tires wore out within 18,000 miles, traction is terrible in snow and even on wet roads. Tire dealers comment on how poor the all wheel drive systems are and suggest changing to snow tires for the winter months.

• 

  Nice vehicle with its share of issues - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By bluedak - February 24 - 7:26 am

  This is my wifes vehicle, which she loves. I am less enthusiastic, as I wish it were more reliable. So far in less than 2 years of having the vehicle, there have been 5 recalls. We have had a dead battery requiring the vehicle to be towed (bad cell). We have had a rear wheel bearing go bad. Both of these occurred at under the 17k currently on it. Factory Pirelli Scorpion zero tires practically bald at less than 12k and replaced on my dime.

• 

  Best car with horrible problems! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Angela - December 23 - 11:46 pm

  Love my XC90! We have had too many issues and Volvo has done nothing to help. 1. knob on thermostat broke 2. check engine light came on and remained on till sweeden developed software to correct 3. radio-CD player was changing stations without pressing buttons (rocker switch in steering was bad)4.sunroof leaks & more... We are military living in germany and have US specs on our car. They have blamed that for many of our problems however, Volvo has done nothing to compensate us for the 16 trips to the dealership in the seven months of ownership.They believe driving their product with the check engine light on for six months is acceptable. They are selling us poor quality and horrible service!