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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  Loving IT - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By duncan yeung - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Car is fun to drive and I didnt know this car has a such great performance until I attended the volvo experience in Fontana. Driving the same model car through the track, I believe I made a good decision. Reliable, Stylish, Comfortable and luxurish. All in one! Except certain software bug--Trip Odometer reset itself.

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  The best SUV - it had to be a Volvo - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By ig_mb - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best car I ever had. It drives beautifully and the ride is wonderfully quiet. The engine is powerful and wants to play. Push the gas and feel the dual turbos push you into the seat! It is also the safest truck on the street, both for its occupants and for other cars. If that werent enough, it turns heads on the street and parking lots alike. I cant count how many strangers have complimented me the car.

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  Eurotrash is the name of my wifes XC90 - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By dumbchuck - November 14 - 9:16 pm

  ...because thats what it is. Its in the shop now waiting for a new motor because a bearing self destructed and sent metal fragments throughout the engine. Volvo better be including a new turbo with the replacement. Had to get a new seat module (brain) because the car kept losing memory 3. It took us maybe 6 trips to service before Volvo finally authorized the replacement. We had been back as many times for the engine noise which nobody could identify until the oil seal blew (even though they could hear it). When they did anything at all, it was to tighten the heat shield on the exhaust or adjust the steering (knocking out the alignment). Dealer service has been nice but ineffective.

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  Transmission - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Carl Swanson - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Volvo, great looks, handling. The transmission has a serious problem that the dealers cannot seam to solve or Volvo. The pickup in first gear is great when it shifts to second it seams to die and fails miserably to respond as one would expect that a smooth move through the gears. The t6 looses out in this reguars, plus it is not safe when you gun it and it lets you down. Would like to hear from Volvo as to how this happned and why it cannot be fixed.

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  A winner all around - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By FML - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the vehicle that I want my family in at all times. Not only is it very safe and "smart" it is very stylish and pratical. The XC90 is built like a tank, yet it gets good gas mileage (for an SUV) and delivers performance on the road. The safety systems are the best in the world and give me the confidence that my family will not be in danger when they are on the road.

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  Good for the kids - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By Aronky - November 10 - 11:43 pm

  This car is built very well and feels great to drive. Rides really good, and is great for hauling around kids and stuff. Love the split tailgate and the really supportive seats. Great for long trips, but would recommend the larger engine this 2.5L inline 5 is very sluggish but gets the job done if its just for driving the kids around.

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  Volvo XC90 - Great Car! - 2016 Volvo XC90
  By RBW - November 9 - 11:59 am

  I have the model year 2018 XC90 T6 and it has been flawless so far with around 10,000 miles. This is a super safe vehicle and you will like all of the creature comforts. There have been some 2016 XC90s with early new-model issues, but at this point 2-3 years later, the new Volvo platform from 2015-16 is now solid from what I can tell first hand. This is a beautiful vehicle inside and out and you will feel youre driving something special each time you get into it.

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  Its an awesome car, hands down!! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By mykalm99 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Its the best thing on the road. Nothing else comes close!

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  Love this vehicle! - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By mikeyd - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We decided our Tahoe was just too large for everyday driving. The XC90 wasnt out when we bought the Tahoe. We looked for a month and decided the XC90 was a perfect candidate...large, but not huge, safe for our kids with great styling and utility. Drove a demo and fell in love. Then the hunt was on. Took us a couple of weeks to get the word out to all dealers in the state. Finally got lucky when an XC90 that was sold fell through. We drove up the next morning (200 miles) and picked it up. My wife calls me during the day just to tell me she loves it!

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  want people to know good quality - 2003 Volvo XC90
  By jjnewvolvofan - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I am a quality person, who appreciates things built well.