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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V8 Engine Is Prone to Catastrophic Failure - 2005 Volvo XC90
By jdcarcollector - December 29 - 9:53 amLast week, our 2005 Volvo XC90 V8 died in an intersection. The dealer explained the engine had a catastrophic failure and was "dead". I was told the battery was dead and there is no compression -- air blew through the engine. I asked how this could possibly have happened to a car that has undergone every Volvo dealer service, including one just 45 days ago. The dealer was courteous but explained the car required a new engine which costs $15,000. Google "Volvo Yamaha V8 Failure" and youll come across numerous people discussing catastrophic failures thanks to the timing chain breaking. Volvo has not undertaken a recall.
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STAY AWAY FROM XC90 T6 MODEL!!! - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Rich - December 28 - 8:36 amWorst and final Volvo I will own. I purchased i in 2007, NOTHING but trouble. Over 2,500 in repairs to front end, and then the transmission went at 79k At this point I traded it in on a Chevy Tahoe Z71. Much happier and havent had nearly as much trouble. Volvo customer service and dealership were horrible. I have owned 4 Volvos and after this experience I will never buy Volvo again. Nothing but problems. VERY dissatisfied.
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Not the Volvo of old - 2006 Volvo XC90
By ghoward - December 27 - 8:23 pmAfter owning Volvos for years, I tried other brands over the last 5 years, Infinity and Lexus. This year I decided it was time to return to Volvos and purchased a 2006-XC90. It is not the Volvo I drove and loved for years! I still like the safety aspects of the vehicle, but the dependability and feel are gone for me. The cabin is loud and the ride is rough. I had to have it towed to back to the dealer two weeks after I bought it when it would not start. I will not be a Volvo customer in the future. The other premium brands have left them in the dust.
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Engine noise and wimper - 2016 Volvo XC90
By John miner - December 26 - 5:40 amI think a car in this price point should not have a 4 cylinder. It has way too many moving parts with a turbo and supercharger and just very loud and disconcerting from the drivers seat. There is never a case where you will be able to accelerated without downshifting. On paper it says it has acceleration and horsepower but unless you like racing the engine around town you will be wholly underwhelmed. Get a real car with a 6 cylinder.
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That much and more - 2004 Volvo XC90
By strider - December 24 - 2:00 amT-6, Crystal Green w Oak Interior with Premium, Climate and Versatility Package: Navigation, Bi-Xenon, Wood Wheel and Rear Parking Assistance. 16-18 mpg City/20-22 mpg Hwy This car is that much and more. I have owned many nice vehicles but I have never felt better about purchasing a car in my life. The 2.9l engine has sufficient power and is metered crisply on the 4 speed transmission. While the engine does not feel sluggish even with a full load, I plan to have the Engine Control Unit (ECU) reporgrammed by IPD to deliver more power.
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Volvo SUV - 2004 Volvo XC90
By peter d - December 24 - 2:00 amSome petty mechanical and electrical problems . Poor service on the "extras" - ie. Video system.
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Likes the shop - 2007 Volvo XC90
By Very dissapointed - December 19 - 11:13 pmWe trade in our 2006 XC90 to take advantage of a great offer on the new 2007 when it came out. Big mistake. We really liked our 2006 and only had minor issues with it. It drove well and was a good performer. Our 2007 has been a disaster. It has had a horrible ride since day one. It has been in the shop for almost 7 weeks in the first 18 months we have owned it. Both front axle shafts have been replaced, power steering issues along with numerous minor items. Even now, the car jolts over any bump and rides so loudly it is hard to talk in the car. At least it looks nice and we only have a two year lease. Volvo has tried to fix it, and the dealerships have been pleasant, but we give up.
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Quality costs upfront but is worth it - 2004 Volvo XC90
By Zoe Fleming - December 19 - 10:00 amWe wanted an SUV that would be safe, fun and long lasting. We checked out various SUVs. The VOLVO offered every item we wanted at a price that was in line with the other SUVs that were comparable. We have the navigation system, the DVD, sunroof, super radio and leather seats.The drive is fabulous and the view is great. The vehicle is a wonderful mechanical dream and easy to operate. The radio and
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I really like this car. - 2004 Volvo XC90
By mnmlod - December 13 - 10:00 amI really like this car when I get to drive it. I have to pry the keys out of my wifes hands. I had a 2002 XC70 AWD and needed more seating. Not only did I get more seating, I got a much nicer, more powerful, more comfortable, and much thirstier vehicle. This drives like a car, very smooth and very quiet inside. The sound system is amazing. The seats are the most comfortable I have been in too. The only downside to this vehicle is that it needs a bigger fuel tank. Mileage is expected to be 15/19 because of horsepower and weight. Youll find no safer vehicle short of a tank. A GREAT VEHICLE !!!!!
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Got what I paid for, Volvo XC90 - 2005 Volvo XC90
By Jose Cuartero - December 5 - 4:50 pmBest SUV out there. It is very good looking, reliable and comfortable. It does consume more gas than I would like to, but all of them do anyway.
