Used 2003 Volvo XC90 Consumer Reviews
Joy to Drive
I wish I got to drive this more, it is fun to drive, and I do drive hard. I live and work in the same place, hence don't get to drive as much. It handles very well in the Interstate, especially in corners. I feel very secure cornering at high speeds (over 70mph). This is a joy to drive.
GREAT GREAT GREAT SUV
Shopping for a Cross Country, until I test drove the XC90 T-6. Quality and Safety is all about this SUV. Driving the XC-90 will blow you away, its sooo smooth you can't believe its a SUV. OH, did I mention all the Safety features. Purchased it on the spot. You have to experience this yourself, hard to discribe.
- 2.5T 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,499168 mi away
- T6 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,495414 mi away
- T6 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,9981,173 mi away
My first SUV
We were looking for a safe 7 seat vehicle, comfortable seats, reliable and economical to run. The MDX is only the only other SUV to come close to this descripition. The fuel economy (or lack thereof) has surprised me in the first 800 miles. My Toyota Tundra V8 does better in city and on highway. I have BABIED the XC90's throttle and I get 14 mpg (US gallons)in the city and 20 mpg on highway. Tell me it's just during the break-in period?! Dealer tried a few "tricks" when I went to pick it up, but they backed down when I objected. Otherwise, our whole family is very happy, comfortable and safe.
My Favorite Car
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!
Urgent Transmission Service Required
We waited six months for it. With 200 miles on the odometer, taking daughter to school, my wife had to call Volvo roadside assistance due to sudden sluggishness follwed by a dashboard message "Urgent Transmission Service Required." The dealer had the car for 4 days, and flew in a Volvo master tech to fix the problem - bad solenoid that locks in gears. Dealership never heard of problem, but one of the salesman heard that it had happened in a handful of other XC90's with low mileage. Aside from this early problem, we love the stylish exterior, the comfy interior, the practical seating, the decent soundsystem.
I love this car/suv/whatever it is
We've had this car since December and drive it everywhere. Does well on the highway and manuveurs well in the city. Wish the turning radius was a bit better, but that's just finding something to find wrong. We gave up the Honda Odyssey for this, thank goodness. The Volvo is comfortable, quiet, roomy yet managable. I don't have any problems with the way it looks, drives or feels.
Test drive
Just recently took one for a spin at the Volvo test drive event. Was impressed by all the safety features. Drove like a sedan. Great roll control. Integrated child booster seats. Wonderful handling and control.
TEST DRIVING THE VOLVO XC90 T6
I have had the pleasure to have as a loaner a VOLVO XC90 T6 to drive over a weekend. By joining the SUV market late, Volvo has taken advantage of features and experiences of its competitors and improved upon them. Safety and dependability is the foremost concern at Volvo. I found the car fun to drive handling well in the city as well as on the highway. Steering is light and accurate. The ride is smoother than I expected. The car comes with standard features seen in only a few, if any, of its competitors. The 6 cylinder engine is a must without which the car would be sluggish.
Best SUV
I've had it for almost 4 months and it's great. Love the way it handles - it's zippy! Had a Jeep Grand Cherokee before and it was a chore to drive. The XC90 is fun. Lots of room, seats are comfortable - I feel safe in Seattle traffic. Gas mileage is only 15 mpg and the hesitation when you accelorate at low speeds are negatives.
Great car at great expense
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.
not sure
Had the vehicle a month and a few things puzzle me. With three rows of seating, my family is cramped. Also, the automatic transmission fells sloppy. Aside from these, has a nice car-like feel.
Initial Experience
Responsive acceleration, but not mean to be a performance sport car; excellent all-around value in terms of features and price compared to competitors.
The best SUV!
The SUV that handles like a car. IMO a better ride than that of the MDX. The XC90 is the best combination of space, safety and practicality. If you need the huge space of a minivan, you should get a minivan. However, minivans do not provide the sense, real or imagined, of security that one gets driving the XC90. The third row fold-away seats are awesome, designed to be safe for kids, big enough for smaller adults on shorter trips. Better design than the Lexus 3rd row. With the 5-speed tranny this engine is smooth and it feels much bigger than it is. Better for stop and go driving than the T6 with the 4-speed tranny. That being said, a few more horsies wouldn't hurt.
XC90s cool mode is always on
my friend only talked about this vechicle for months. i now cant ador much more. its ride is very car like ride. it has volvo safty.
Great car, performance could be better
The Volvo XC90 is an excellent package for a person who wants the performance and feel of a European sport sedan, but the versatility of a large SUV. This car feels light and nimble, but has variable performance. Sometimes there is a lag between 1st and 2nd gears. Braking is excellent. Ride and handling are very good. Engine is quiet. Gas mileage and range is poor. The car is well-engineered for versatility. Second row seating adjusts individually for all 3 seats. Center seat slides all the way forward. Third row is two independent seats which fold into the third row. Comfort and quality of materials is excellent. Dash layout is great.
Price Gouging
Ordered new XC-90 in January. Received notice that now getting '04 model and will be subject to $600 price increase. Volvo knows they have a hot car for once and sticking it to consumer. Dealer unwilling to negotiate any reduction of increase. Volvo jamming all customers with this increase. Also, watch for expensive scheduled service.
XC90 Never Again!
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!
Finally Its Here
Excellent vehicle to own. Its a pleasure to drive this vehicle.
Finaly a cool Volvo!
I think this is a fine automobile, By far the best SUV I have ever driven. Its slightly under powered but handles beautifully. Interior design is really good and ergonomic.
AWESOME
Have been driving a demo model T-6 AWD for the better part of a week, and have fallen in love with every mile. More carlike ride and handling than I had wxpected and fuel mileage is decent. Am looking forward to more seat time in a 2.5T as it becomes available
T5 Test Drive
Beautiful car with great engine, much better than T6 (too squishy on accel). Safety is priority, XC90 is tops. Layout excellent, as well. Neat tailgate/hatch feature. Very comfortable seating, better passenger comfort than many minivans/SUVs. Nice dash layout. Step bar/running board useless, though. Too hard to step over and into car; gets clothing dirty, especially in winter. Better off with aftermarket step. European pick-up is steal of century. ~$275 FOR TWO FOR FIVE NIGHTS, INCLUDING AIRFARE, HOTEL AND SHIPPING OF CAR. Price is same as US delivery, from what I've found out so far.
Average XC90 (V70XC was better!)
The XC90 has been a disappointment with the following: overall build quality, fit and finish (both interior and exterior, noisy electroic climate control, poor audio system (the premium Dolby Pro-logic II surround sound is very disappointing), and, most disappointing, the lack of adequate engine power while accelerating onto highways or while climbing mountains. I also have had major problems with my Volvo retailer on warranty work (they damged the car. This could be my very last Volvo.
Love this vehicle!
We decided our Tahoe was just too large for everyday driving. The XC90 wasn't 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!
Worth The Wait - GO VOLVO
What an awesome SUV. After the first one I ordered sank on the boat in December, I was lucky enough to secure a similar vehicle from my local dealer. The interior is beautiful, the T5 engine is plenty, and the ride quality is terrific and quiet. BMW X% was $6000 more and had 1/2 the equipment and lousy base stereo with single CD. The BMW has a choppy ride as well. Very trucklike, unlike the XC90. Great job Volvo...
volvo
The volvo has it's unique way of style. The comfort and fun to drive stability is great. For winter--an every day driveable vehicle. I't's tough, has enough horsepower to push it's way out of traffic, although it still seems to make fun of driving know matter what condition.
Better Than The S60
I drove the S-60 for the past two years, and how it handled the road. Only problem was no room for three kids in the back. The XC-90 takes care of that, and more. It handles very similar to the S-60, has a ton more room, and is more fun to drive (I can still zip around town & between slow traffic). The highway ride is considerably better, and quieter, than the S-60. I do have the 18" wheels, and had 17" on the S-60. My wife has a 2001 Suburban - loaded. She wants my XC-90, but I won't let her have it. I'm moving car seats when the family goes out, so I don't have to drive the TANK. If you get one, you'll love it.
XC90- Wow
The Volvo XC90 is an incredible vehicle combining luxury and utility. Every aspect of this car has been thoroughly thought through. This is easily the best SUV available on the market today.
Get it!
I bought this for my wife. She absolutely loves it! I have a '98 Mercedes Benz ML320, and in a lot of ways, the Volvo is much nicer. Now I understand that I am comparing a '04 to a '98. We have only had the vehicle for 3 weeks, but I don't have anything to complain about except for the price. I did manage did get $1,200 off of sticker though. That is much better than what I have heard most are paying.
VOLVO XC90 -- SUPERB DRIVING EXPERIENCE!
This SUV drives like a sedan. Its design, both inside and out, was well- thought out and both utilitarian and stylish. The safety features cannot be matched -- full side airbag curtains for all passengers, dual front and side airbags, ABS, the list goes on. Highly recommend this vehicle for anyone wanting an SUV, but also wanting a trustworthy name in safety.
XC90
Overall the best SUV ever. I enjoying it every minute I drive
GREAT SUV VOLVO MADE
THIS IS THE SUV I EVERB DROVE IN MY LIFE
Love it - Love it - Love it!
Such a great car! Did alot of research - Edmunds really helped. The child seat was my weakness. My son is 3 and can't use it till 4. I noticed how well worth it it was the first 5:00 am I drove to work. xenon headlights made a big difference and the handling on LA freeways was so comforting - coming from an explorer HUGE difference. Worth every penny.
want people to know good quality
I am a quality person, who appreciates things built well.
Built like a TANK
Anyone that doubts the safety of this vehicle, read on. Within 3 days my wife and I have been rear-ended. The first one was my wife, she was hit in the back by a Camry at about 15-20 MPH. Last night I was hit in the rear by a Mustang on the freeway, it must have been going about 45-50 MPH. The damage to the XC90 in both accidents was minimal, marks on the bumper, while both of the other cars had major hood and fender damage. If anyone has any thoughts about their kids being safe in the 3 row of this vehicle, I'm here to tell you DON"T because the hype about the safety of the XC90 is true and I'm living proof.
DIGIT
HAVE HAD IT ABOUT 1 MONTH AND LOVE ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT IT WISH IT HAD A 5 SPEED OR 6 SPEED TRANNY AND A LARGER GAS TANK BUT THATS NITPICKING
Disappointed
We bought this car planning to take long road trips. The seat back has real problems. It is very stiff leather, not conforming to the body like leathers we've owned before, Further, it is poorly configured for a shorter person...breaks in the wrong places and is unforgiving. Additionally, the headrest does not adjust. Small foot well(no room for purse and sit straight). Dual air conditioning is usual in many car of this price range. Navigation hard to use and hard to see v. in dash ones we've had before. Clock is unreadable by passenger.
Best Luxury SUV
Simple the best combination of luxury, safety, utility, and value on the market today.
Best Luxury SUV
I looked at all the competitors (mercedes, bmw, acura, lexus, jeep, toyota, etc.) and nothing compares at this price point. Best combination of value, safety, luxury and versatility. Volvo did a great job with this vehicle. Over 50% more space then the BMW on the inside while only being a few inches longer. Only a few thousand more then the Acura MDX but offers so much more in terms of safety and luxury features.
A Safe and Smart Midzize SUV
Sharp looking, safe anb a 3rd row that gives you room in the back...my wife loves her truck. The engine is a bit small but it is for my wife who does not floor it. Very smart design and comfortable ride.
Safety first.. Volvo First
My wife and I wnated a mini van, something that can hold 7 passengers. Waited a year after the intorduction at the Detroit Auto show, and it was WORTH the wait. Car like drive, lots of nice features, and you feel very safe in this suv. I have been sold on Volvo and this is my second car, nothing beats feeling safe! After 6 months I am happy to see all the GREAT reviews... means we made a good decision :)
Awesome SUV
This SUV is All Wheel AWesome. I drove it to the mountain and it handles so smoothly. The power is perfect for my driving situations and the feeling of safety inside this tank is priceless. My kids love the car and I dont have any hesitation in bringing them along anytime.
XC90 KICKS X5 ASS BIG TIME
THIS SUV IS THE ONE OF THE GREAT SUV OUT THERE ROLL OVER PROTECTION UN BELIVEABLE TAKE CORNERS NICE LUX CAR I HAVE NO COMPLANTS ABOUT THIS SUV I OWENED BMW X5 AND IT SEAT AND RIDE IS NITEMARE.
Awsome
Perfect in every way except for the cargo area when you have the third row seat up, it could be a little bigger.
good, bad , and the ugly
Volvo has produced a very attractive vehicle. The XC-90 is very comfortable and feels solid. Overall we are very happy with the vehicle. It has average accleration, but is extremely potent when asked to do a high speed pass. I've noticed that the 4-speed automatic does not shift as seamlessly as I would expect for a premium vehicle.I've also noticed a minor design flaw with the seat belts in the second row. The belt will catch on the release latch to the third row and turn perpendicular to the door panel, and since there is not enough clearance, if you do not reposition it manually it will gouge the door panel and cut the seat.
AR1
Great riding, flexible cargo space, comfortable to sleep in long trips (comment from my son Francisco, frequet passenger).
It's an awesome car, hands down!!
It's the best thing on the road. Nothing else comes close!
I traded in my year 2000 Mercedes S500
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.
Just excellent.
Simply fantastic.had driven it for six months now, got nothing to complain about.hope to keep it for a long , long time.
Ball and Chain
We bought our XC90 used, knowing that it had a couple of problems to fix, but thought that the discount of buying it used would make up the difference, were we wrong. After multiple trips to the Volvo dealership for engine light issues, door seal leaks, transmission seal leaks, brake master cylinder leak/failure, and several other small engine repairs. We've deemed the check engine light the "$1000 light", because every time it comes on or we make a trip to the dealership for repairs it costs at least $1000. Great idea for Volvo's first SUV, but plagued with problems. Later years don't seem to be much better. Fun to drive, looks great, way too expensive to maintain and repair!
New XC90
Picked it up last week. Very, very comfortable to drive and wonderful headroom (I'm 6'4"). Feels a little sluggish with the T6; probably should have gotten the T5 for a sportier feel and better mileage. Overall thrilled with car.