2003 Volvo XC90 SUV Review | Edmunds.com
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2003 Volvo XC90 SUV

 
 
 
Edmunds Review (157) MPG

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Volvo XC90 Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 2.9 L Inline 6-cylinder
  • Drivetrain All wheel drive
  • Transmission 4-speed shiftable automatic
  • Horse Power 268 hp @ 5200 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 14/19 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats No
See All Features & Specs
 

Review of the 2003 Volvo XC90

  • Volvo may be late to the SUV ball game, but the XC90 brings some special features to make it stand out in a crowded field. If safety is of primary concern, the XC90 has got you covered on numerous fronts.

  • Safety

  • Pros

    Uncompromised safety features, lots of standard options, SUV ride height.

  • Cons

    Disadvantageous engine and transmission combination, price could get high if you don't police yourself with the options list.

  • What's New for 2003

    Volvo throws in its hat into the luxury SUV ring with the XC90, a vehicle that offers an impressive list of safety and comfort…

 
What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (157 total reviews)

Bad reliabitlity had to get

by on
Vehicle: 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 5A)

I was lucky to get this car to 125k almost every month I had it in the shop for all kinds of problems from shocks to spark plug and coils replaced. brakes squeaking and replaced that didn’t fix the problem and the rotors were replaced and still didn’t fix the problem. The transmission gave out and had to be replaced, a piston gave out it was replaced, dashboard lights out , brake lights were out and the mechanic could not find the short so the wiring was replaced but the dash warning came on every time you step on the brakes. It leaks! The gas tank was leaking, then coolant started leaking and then wiper washer fluid started to leak as well. Tsc gave out, electric system warning came on.


6 of 6 people found this review helpful

What volvo is not telling

by on
Vehicle: 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 5A)

I would stay far away from buying another Volvo after everything my family has been through with our 2003 XC90. The engines are not built to work with the transmissions. We have replaced the transmission every 30,000 miles. It has now become a safety issue. It has broken down on me too many times to count. I have dumped almost $12,000 into it. Go look at the service center at your local Volvo dealership. The lot is full of cars needing repairs. We have replaced the transmission 3 times, radiator, shocks, struts, axles, arm bushings...even down to the door handles. Do not make the same mistake we did. It is not a reliable car and I consider it a safety risk to drive.



Very happy @ 200,000

by on
Vehicle: 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 5A)

I've read the recent reviews and it appears most folks are pretty miffed with their XC-90's. I couldn't be happier with mine. A couple car pool trips shy of 200,000 miles (I bought it new) and no major issues - never a tranny, motor, A/C or electrical problem. I get about 45,000 miles on tires - not great but a willing compromise knowing I'm driving a stout porker that's as safe as anything on the road. I have an honest, reliable mechanic who has taken care of a couple cars for me - a bonus. Other than scheduled maintenance items, there hasn't been much to repair on the car that would not be expected, given the mileage. Ball joints and motor mounts are the only things that come to mind


 
 

Full 2003 Volvo XC90 Review

What's New for 2003

Volvo throws in its hat into the luxury SUV ring with the XC90, a vehicle that offers an impressive list of safety and comfort features.

 

Talk About The 2003 XC90



2003 Volvo XC90 Discussions See all Started By

alittleboy
alittleboy
12-12-2010
Cracked Volvo Xc90 Engine
In the course of reading and talking to people about the frequency of failed transmission in the XC90 T6 2003-2005, it's become apparent that there are a few unlucky people out there, like me, who've ...

hot_tuna
hot_tuna
12-18-2013
Volvo Xc90 T6 Transmission
We ordered our 2004 XC90 new from the Massachusetts dealer in late 2003 and had the dealer do all of the service for the first 90000 miles. Since then we've been using a very trustworthy independent V...

hifiveo
hifiveo
12-12-2004
Volvo Xc90 Suv
I'm thinking about purchasing the 2005 XC90 2.5T and would like your opinion on this article posted on Car Talk. I'm concerned on the cost for repairs after 50K miles....


See all 2003 Volvo XC90 discussions
 

More on the 2003 XC90

 
 
Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 14
  • cty
/
  • 19
  • highway
Calculate Yearly Fuel Costs
 

Other XC90 Years