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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XC90 Never Again! - 2003 Volvo XC90
By volvofrom englewd - August 22 - 3:06 amI have owned many cars, never one like this. I am at the service bay at least twice a month-sometimes more. I have replaced just about everything in my XC90. At 80,000 miles expect to purchase a new transmission. I have already replaced my manifold, radiator- twice, brakes (twice a year) and tires annually (thanks to the awd-at least thats what ive been told). The only thing I havent replaced is the steering wheel- at least not yet! And my T6 is dangerously slow!
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Love this car !! - 2004 Volvo XC90
By YOGIMA - August 13 - 10:00 amWhat a great car ! Having always liked Volvos for their safety and reliability..we have one with 165,000 and going strong.. This car has far exceeded my expectations. I find it very luxurious and nice to drive. The versatitlity with the seating is wonderful and easy to use. The only down side is the visibility with the 2 rear columns..I just had to get used to using my side mirrors more. I also just discovered that the car can be driven manually which is fun and has also increased the already great fuel economy. I highly recommend this car to any family.
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I love it - 2005 Volvo XC90
By ??? - August 12 - 12:56 amthe only complaint I have about my xc90 is the key! It continually comes off my key chain and the mfgr fix didnt fix it! Otherwise Im a convert. I owned five bmws before the xc90 and theres just no comparison when you match price drivability and quality. the gas milage is excellent too. I have a 2004 now but im ready to trade for the 8 cylinder version. I have 51,000 miles on mine so you know I live in my car.
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Excellent car! - 2004 Volvo XC90
By pschmid - August 11 - 2:28 pmI picked up the car at the factory in Sweden and kept it in Europe for 3 months to benefit from sales tax advantages then in effect. I only drive the car on long distances and it therefore has barely 30,000 miles on the odometer. A Volvo is for life , as they say, and at this rate it may hold true in my case. I have not had a single problem with the car, and it still looks just like the day I took delivery. However, for urban driving it is less suitable because of the rather generous turning circle compared to my other cars. Still, overall I am very pleased.
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Love it so far! - 2006 Volvo XC90
By Celeste - August 8 - 7:23 amWe bought this car about 6 weeks ago & I really love it. It fits my kids two car seats easily & will fit a third - all in the second row. Ive read that it doesnt have that great of pick up when you accelerate, but I havent found that to be the case at all. Drives great, love the sunroof, really love that the backseat has a/c vents for the kids! It is without a doubt the best car Ive ever driven (have previously owned Chevys & an Acura).
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Volvo XC-90 SUV Review - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Jeff Dickens - August 6 - 6:33 pmThe XC90 is the 6th leased Volvo in our family. We lease them because of the confidence we have in the safety engineered into the vehicle. I never anticipated just how safe the XC90 is, until I was offered and participated in the Volvo XC90 off road "Owner Experience" driving test. This car performed far better then my expectations. The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control along with the Roll Stability Control performed flawlessly, and gave me complete confidence that this vehicle is capable of responding well under a wide variety of hazardous road conditions. I spend much of my time in the XC90, and this is probably the most comfortable, enjoyable and safest car I have ever driven.
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WJMJ 2003 X-C 90 T-6 Review - 2003 Volvo XC90
By wjmj - August 6 - 10:00 amUnbeatable safety features. A very versatile, roomy, quiet and comfortable vehicle that gives you an extremely confident road feel. All- wheel drive is excellent. Despite reviews in the press, my T-6 has shown plenty of acceleration ability, especially in 3rd and 4th gear. A very comfortable ride and excellent brakes. My vehicle has had no defects, a remarkable thing for such a complex vehicle. Gas mileage has been somewhat disappointing (15-16 around town and 18-19 on highway), even for a heavy 5,000 lbs. vehicle. Excellent climate control system. Wonderful vehicle overall.
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XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
By Anton Vasyukevich - August 6 - 10:00 amOverall the best SUV ever. I enjoying it every minute I drive
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Pricey But Nice - 2004 Volvo XC90
By DriverJ - August 6 - 10:00 amWe really struggled chooosing between this and the MDX. We ended up choosing the XC90 primarliy because it is more luxurious. It is also quieter, has a better ride and handling is superior. On the down side, the MDX is quicker and for about $4,000 less you navigation and RES with a rearview camera! In the final analysis we chose the XC90 because its more prestigious, refined and much more fun to drive.
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On the 4th transmission! Terrible car - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Ericg - August 5 - 10:00 amI bought the car certified pre-owned, THANK GOD. Im on the 4th transmission - Im an easy, family driver, this car is terrible from a mechanical standpoint. Ive had the front axle replaced, seats breaking after small kids sit on them, emergency brake problems, fuel door breaking, etc., etc. I like the car, but the mechanical problems are simply unacceptable for a car in this price range.......and clearly Volvo/the dealership doesnt care about transmission issues since they are replacing it for the 4th time ON THEIR NICKEL - they said each was a new trans...yeah... Gas mileage is bad, also. All considered, I regret buying this car. My advise is to stay clear, if not, please buy mine!
