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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  Volvo converted me to Audi - 2006 Volvo XC90
  By Robert Stuart - October 20 - 9:26 pm

  Over 1/2 the cars weve owned have been Volvo...This one will change that. This has had constant noise in the form of clunks, squeals and rattles. There is always an error light or message on and weve spent a small fortune on parts. Im a certified ASE mechanic and do all my own work but this has been a challenge. New rack and pinion, new exhaust, new struts, new springs, new tie rod ends, new radiator, new pulleys and new tires every 15K. This thing cant keep tires or brakes! The gas mileage is great, the power wonderful but everything else failed. The stereo is substandard and no one will touch it for aftermarket because of Volvos proprietary computers. The mirror trim has fallen off, the light dimmer/turn signal indicator fell off, windows get stuck. In short, this has left my wife stranded more then any vehicle shes owned. Tried to talk with dealership about issues but they create even more...worst dealer weve ever worked with. Tried to talk with Volvo and they didnt care. You can get a lemon but when the dealer and the manufacture wont help and in fact, exasperate the situation, it tells you its time to move on. Were shopping for two new vehicles and wouldnt consider owning another Volvo. At this time, Audi looks best and seems to have the best customer support.

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  New XC90 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By David Vener - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Picked it up last week. Very, very comfortable to drive and wonderful headroom (Im 64"). Feels a little sluggish with the T6; probably should have gotten the T5 for a sportier feel and better mileage. Overall thrilled with car.

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  Bad Stereo - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By xc90owner - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a loaded XC90 T6, W/NAV, 12 speaker premium stereo and 3rd row. THE STEREO IS FLAT OUT - FLAT. There is absolutely no bass (except for a bit from the door speakers. I was told that the optional subwoofer is not a possible option with a 3rd row. After spending $48,000, it is very disappointing.

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  Owned for 9 years - insanely reliable - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By 10162001 - October 12 - 7:33 pm

  I bought this car as a pre-owned, non warranty vehicle form an independent car lot in 2006. I had never owned a preowned vehicle before, I always bought/leased new cars before. But when I stumbled upon this car I fell in love and was willing to take a chance. Nine years on I am still in love with this car. It has not been without the odd issue: - when I first had it, the driver side headlight would randomly go out. I took it to a few garages and they didnt have a clue. I found an independent garage opened by a Volvo Certified Master Tech and he sorted it out right away (nearest Volvo dealership is over 2 hours from me) - the radio died in 2011 (it was 7 years old) but I was able to replace it with one found from a salvaged xc90 in 2012 and saved a lot of money by waiting for a salvaged radio vs. a new replacement ($80 + installation) - In 2014 (at 10 years old) we knew that there were some significant bits that needed to be replaced simply due to wear and tear - belts, water pump, blower fan was starting to go and the starter needed replacing. Thought about selling it but we had a rash of bad luck with BMWs and even a Porshe Cayman. My XC90 was still running great and the estimate to get all of the worn out pieces replaced was far far cheaper than getting another car. We even bought some new floor mats - no one believes this car is 11 years old. It rides and looks like a much newer car. So here I am, 9 years after I bought it and still love it. The drivers seat is getting a bit worn but the rest of the car is still in amazing shape. The fabric on the roof has a bit of a droop in a place behind the backseat light and the weatherstripping is a bit worse for wear but these are all cosmetic. Mechanically it drives as beautifully as the day I bought it. Next year Im probably going to look at getting a preowned XC60 or maybe another XC90 but Im keeping this 2004 for my daughter. She doesnt start driving for another few years but I have full faith that this car has many more years left. And Ill feel a lot safer with her in the XC90.

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  I traded in my year 2000 Mercedes S500 - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By sam hobbs - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I loved my S500 because I could drive 800 miles without stopping and never feel it. The S500 had too many electrical glitches, so I traded before the 4yr warranty expired. The XC90 has the same ride, handling, driveability and comfort as my S500, plus holds 7 people and has all-wheel drive. The 6 cyl engine is not as powerful as my 8 cyl. mercedes, but is nevertheless plenty peppy.

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  Too many problems dont buy - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By bob458 - October 4 - 11:10 am

  Bought a used xc90 from volvo. We have averaged a new problem every 2000 miles. Including a breakdown leaving my pregnant wife stranded and now flickering headlights that cant be fixed despite visits to the dealership and throwing money at it. (computers and modules are next on the list) It would be nice if the dealership looked like they knew how to fix what is apparantly a common problem on their vehicles... So its going to be traded in with a 6 mth loss of 5-6k. Looks pretty but its not engineered well nor built well - certainly not the volvos of old.

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  Volvo Fan - 2009 Volvo XC90
  By Once and again - September 30 - 1:20 pm

  This is my second Volvo XC90 (just traded in my 08 after driving it for two years). Im surprised that there are not more reviews on this car because we really love ours. Our 08 was t-boned by a driver who ran a red light. I had my two children (5 & 9) in the back seat & none of us suffered any injuries. The other driver totaled his car & suffered from whiplash & minor back injuries. This car is a tank! Thats why it does not get very good gas mileage, but I dont mind trading A+ safety for a few more dollars at the gas pump. The XC90 really is a great family car... lots of room, very comfortable, fun to drive, sporty & SAFE!

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  fun to drive - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By mikel - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Have been driving the XC90 since May 03. It is a great ride. The handling is superb along with the comfort. Third row seat easy to use. Pleanty of cargo when needed.

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  My favorite car ever! - 2005 Volvo XC90
  By Gabriela - September 22 - 11:06 am

  I love the style, comfort, ride and safety of this vehicle. It hugs the road on a turn, is responsive, and has great pickup entering the freeway or passing.

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  L-O-V-E my Volvo! - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By krysann2 - September 20 - 9:01 pm

  Purchased my 2004 XC90 in 2009 with 48k miles on it, and as of today it has 73k. Within the first year, I was smelling gasoline when outside of the vehicle. My father in-law is an expert technician for Volvo and found out that there would soon be a recall on the fuel pump- was replaced at no cost to me. I have also had to replace the ignition since one day I couldnt even turn the key over. I truly love my car, and probably wouldnt have bought it if I did not know an expert; considering the cost to maintain and repair. If I had to pay for labor and full price for parts, Id probably not love the car as much as I do.