2003 Volvo XC90 Consumer Reviews

Gas Guzzler and Computer Problems

Written by: alex on 05/14/2007

Vehicle

2003 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD 4dr SUV (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

Review

Bought this used/certified car with only 20,000 miles. After 1 1/2 months, the system computer breaks down with a message that the braking system and SRS had conked out. Had the car towed to dealership. Service people said it's a minor computer glitch. OK. Guess what, same problem happened again 8 times for the next 18 months, everytime had the car towed and all the inconveniences. Had the car for only 18 months and have already replaced tires, steering rod and lots of other things. Had it serviced for 30,000 miles and cost was $1,100. Overall city mileage was 11 mpg, highway about 16. With premium gas prices at $3.30/gal, this car is more expensive than sending a child to college.

Favorite Features

Styling. Sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage. Definitely not buying another Volvo XC90.

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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First Year XC90...Gremlins

Written by: hpark on 02/25/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought the T6 as a certified used car from a local dealership in 2004 with 24K on it...thank goodness for warranty as this vehicle was in the shop too often..during our first year of ownership approx 4 visits and about 1.5 months of non-use as they finally determined the engine block was cracked which caused a perpetual coolant bleed into the cylinders...plus since then sunroof drain blockage caused water to leak into the vehicle and soak all of the electrical in front. Tires burn through in about 20k miles and a window switch that sank into the door panel. Guess this is part of the First year gremlins that came out...long story short...I think the Japanese earned their quality reputation.

Favorite Features

ROCK solid, vault like construction,,,,total peace of mind. Great styling and third comes in handy

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage....poor...only 13.1mpg...primarily local with regular gas..maybe if the AWD could be turned on an off (like the murano) that would help. Better reliability....these cars should be driven.not locked up in the shop.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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XC90 Never Again!

Written by: volvofrom englewd on 01/27/2007

Vehicle

2003 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD 4dr SUV (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

Review

I 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 that's what i've been told). The only thing I haven't replaced is the steering wheel- at least not yet! And my T6 is dangerously slow!

Favorite Features

I do appreciate my navigation system.

Suggested Improvements

I wave my white flag. I give up on this car. I surrender my wallet to this gas guzzling slow and not reliable car. Lease this one and purchase at your own risk.

13 out 13 people found this review helpful

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15 + Years A Volvo Owner - No More !!

Written by: Stephen J. Lalor on 01/02/2007

Vehicle

2003 Volvo XC90 2.5T Fwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

Was true Volvo believer here for over 15 years but no more! I have always loved this brand and believed in but the XC 90 is the most unreliable, high maintenance auto I have ever owned. 60 k miles now, and am in need of (4th set of 4 tires)and front-end ball joints; heating and air conditioning system has never worked correctly (and they can't figure it out), passenger side front window has broken at least 4 times; wind shield wiper blades fly off car.... shall I continue? I just purchased a different brand SUV even though I have 3 months to go on my Volvo-KLUNKER lease! 2007 Buyers - beware and consider alternative, less expensive SUVs unless you enjoy visiting dealer service facilities.

Favorite Features

Seats are comfortable

Suggested Improvements

Better warranty coverage.

8 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Frequent Service

Written by: Sad volvo owner on 11/22/2006

Vehicle

2003 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD 4dr SUV (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

Review

Second volvo to own. Other was turbo S80. Both required frequent servicing. The S80 become costly after the warranty period. I was happy that I did not purchase the extended warranty because most of the problems were not covered or I used up the time before reaching the mileage. We are now located in Houston and recently their service is not user friendly. At least in St. Louis, the service was user friendly. Frequent service but user friendly. Service problems in this XC90 included the transmission needing replacement, the Turbo needing service and then multiple small electronic issues. I guess the Swedes haven't mastered computers yet. With only 28K, looking for a new vehicle!

Favorite Features

Close comfortable seating.

Suggested Improvements

POOR gas mileage. 13 in the city, 17 on the highway. With only a 19 gallon tank, we fill up every 200 miles.

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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Great car at great expense

Written by: buzz127 on 07/15/2006

Vehicle

2003 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD 4dr SUV (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

Review

I have had my XC90 for 39 months now. It has been a pleasure to drive, but very expensive to run and maintain. Using high test gas today makes it even more expensive. The car eats tires--OEM got 14,000. 2nd pair of Michelins got 20,000. But it is secure, safe and comfortable. You have to decide if the $$'s are worth the tradeoff.

Favorite Features

The quickest car I have ever owned to give heat in the winter. Rain sensor wipers. Seats are the most comfortable-ever.

Suggested Improvements

Use regular gas and get better gas mileage and develope a tire that doesn't wear out in 14,000 miles.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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My Favorite Car

Written by: Vicki on 04/03/2006

Vehicle

2003 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD 4dr SUV (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

Review

Almost the perfect vehicle! I'm in sales so I live in my car...consequently the interior is very important. I would love to have an electronic lumbar support adjustment. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this vehicle. Drives and performs like a dream! I will definitely buy another one when the time comes! I did not like the factory tires however and replaced those with ones that give better ride, handle and wear!

Favorite Features

Interior, handling, fast pick up (no lag when I need to move in traffic) and the fact I feel really safe.

Suggested Improvements

Volvo needs to research the tires they send out from the factory. There are far better ones out there!!! Do a bit of searching. I'm pleased with the ones I found.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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My Favorite Car

Written by: Vicki on 04/03/2006

Vehicle

2003 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD 4dr SUV (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

Review

Almost the perfect vehicle! I'm in sales so I live in my car...consequently the interior is very important. I would love to have an electronic lumbar support adjustment. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this vehicle. Drives and performs like a dream! I will definitely buy another one when the time comes! I did not like the factory tires however and replaced those with ones that give better ride, handle and wear!

Favorite Features

Interior, handling, fast pick up (no lag when I need to move in traffic) and the fact I feel really safe.

Suggested Improvements

Volvo needs to research the tires they send out from the factory. There are far better ones out there!!! Do a bit of searching. I'm pleased with the ones I found.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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excellent all round performance

Written by: pete on 02/23/2006

Vehicle

2003 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD 4dr SUV (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

Review

I have used this vehicle on the school run as well as on long distance trips overseas in Europe. The comfort reliability and ability on and offroad is exceptional. A recent trip to france with 6 people luggage and 12 cases of champagne proves that this is really in a class of its own. Our Mercedes SUV and X5 dont come near in comfort and drive quality. Lastly, the interior space is unbelievable in the XC90.

Favorite Features

On steering controls for phones and stereo. Versatility in seating and storage.

Suggested Improvements

Mileage

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Volvo for life!

Written by: Barbra Ann on 02/05/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I love my Volvo SUV because I feel safe and I know my passengers will be protected in the event of an accident. All the safety features that Volvo offers are the reason I purchased this truck. I will move onto another one next year. This will be my only vechicle brand for the rest of my life, VOLVO,

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

4 out 7 people found this review helpful

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