Used 2006 Volvo XC90 Consumer Reviews
Safest SUV on the road
We picked up our XC-90 in Gothenberg, Sweden in June 05. What a fabulous experience. The factory delivery program is just one of the best!! We toured Sweden for 8 days in great comfort before flying elsewhere and shipping this car home. Our trip was very memorable, had a lot of fun driving this spacious SUV around the country, putting 1000 miles on it. It has great pick up, very stable feel and we just love it!! This is our 5th Volvo, 3rd new one, all still running. Two are now owned by another family member. 3 of them have over 200K miles and running great. We have had no repair problems whatsoever with this car.
Nice vehicle with it's share of issues
This is my wife's vehicle, which she loves. I am less enthusiastic, as I wish it were more reliable. So far in less than 2 years of having the vehicle, there have been 5 recalls. We have had a dead battery requiring the vehicle to be towed (bad cell). We have had a rear wheel bearing go bad. Both of these occurred at under the 17k currently on it. Factory Pirelli Scorpion zero tires practically bald at less than 12k and replaced on my dime.
- V8 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,80015 mi away
- 2.5T 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,780456 mi away
- 2.5T 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,999478 mi away
Best of the Bunch
Before going for the XC90 V8, I drove the Porsche Cayanne S, Lexus GX470, Lexus LX470 and Acura MDX, Whiule the other SUV's had a lot more bells and whistles (voice activated Navigation/Bluetooth, etc.), this SUV had the best performance, look, feel and room of the bunch, for the price. I love the power, the cabin is very nicely appointed. Everything is logically laid out and performs perfectly. I added the Bluetooth system, which works great with our phones. This is my third SUV and I am completely sold on Volvos after driving this one.
Versatile SUV`
I was skeptical about venturing back into an SUV, as my last SUV was a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was a gas guzzler and fairly trucky ride. One test drive of the XC90 cured me of any concerns I had related to comfort. The XC90 handles almost identical to my S60, which was traded for the XC. Volvo did a great job of creating a functional, elegant SUV that does as good of a job hauling stuff as it does safely transporting our daughter. And all without sacrificing safety.
Much better than I expected!
We bought this for my wife. I'm a BMW nut, but the X3 was too small and the X5 was just too expensive. I didn't even drive it until she picked it up. Now, when we go out, I love to take HER Volvo. I'm amazed at how peppy the 2.5 engine really is. The seats are as comfortable as the ones in my BMW 530i sedan, and I like the higher visibility. Heated seats work great, the climate control is easy to use and the stereo is great for a stock unit. FM and AM reception is far reaching and quiet. My only complaint is the drive around town gas mileage is a poor 14.5 mpg. On the highway, I can get about 19. We love the XC90. We got in silver with black leather interior, so it will look good for years!
Awesome SUV
From the delivery from Neftin Volvo ( awesome dealership) the XC90 has been my favorite car ever. Rides like a magic carpet and off roads like rhino. I LOVE IT!
owner
This vehicle is everything I expected. It handles great, has a luxury interior and a updated exterior design. The only complaint that I have is that the vehicle accelerates a bit slower that I would prefer. This is due to the weight of the vehicle. The weight of the vehicle is what offers safety. To sum it up, I would rather be safe thant accelerate quickly.
Sorry but I don't miss Z4 or C230 much
I had two cars b4 this and they were MB C230 and BMW Z4. Believe it or not I don't miss much of those two. They were both great get away cars but neither were comfortable cars. XC90 is just one extremely comfortable car to drive and I looked at Tourag seriously but it was little too small and I just couldn't risk VW's reliability. I had 2002 GTI and was in shop every two weeks and lasted less than 2 yrs. My brother just bought new 2006 Passat.. stopped on next day of purchase.. Rear AC was not working and turns out vent was missing. What a poor built quality. Beware of VW!
Comfy Volvo
Traded an S40 for the XC90. Ride is superb for an SUV. Although under powered, the 2.5 Turbo does the job well. Lots of standard features plus received free incentives. Highway ride is wonderful. Was able to transition easily from the S40 to the larger XC90. Intimidating at first, but after the first trip, it's still a Volvo!
After 11 years of Ownership
This vehicle has lasted me for 11 years, it’s a true tank! Ford really helped build this car well. I bought this car pre-owned in 2010 and I’m planning to sell it to a friend of mine so I can get a 2016 XC90. Some issues I would be where of is the suspension, and some small things in the interior like the sun visors, i’ve never had an engine or transmission failure with my XC90.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My dream car
Easy to maintain. Safest car I've ever own.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great ride, safe people mover, FUN drive
This is a well thought-out vehicle. You immediately feel in control and in pampered comfort. Quality, fit-and- finish, design...all above average. The V8 and tranny are smooth and work well together. Gentle purr of the exhaust pipes is subtle, but brings a grin to your face as you leave the others in your dust. MPG's are acceptable for the amount of weight (safety steel built-in) and 7- passenger roominess. Regular unleaded gas seems to work OK.
The Vehicle is OK
If you really want to buy this vehicle, buy it for what Volvo is known for. (Safety) The vehicle is a smooth ride and feels like a tank.
Battery died because of software glitch
I bought this car 9 months ago and have had it die 3 times on me. The battery had died because of a software glitch (they think) as described in a technical bulletin Volvo Int. put out. Each time the vehicle has been in my garage and when I went to start it, nothing. I love this car but am so disappointed in the reliability. I also think for a beautiful SUV such as this is, and not a big mammoth SUV, it should get much better gas mileage. Our local dealership has been great but it has been extremely inconvenient to have our brand new Volvo die. I love the way it drives, handles, its comfort, but if I have another problem, I'm inclined to ask Volvo Int. to take the car back.
Not that great
We've had to bring out car in several times already and it's 4 months old. The heat was blowing hot and cold air which turned out to be a software problem. It was also making a very annoying whirring noise, which we were told was normal for rack and pinion steering. It finally went away after our last visit to the shop. Gas mileage is poor. Design on some of the dials aren't to great since they have little faint light indcators which are impossible to read in the sun(the fan level indicator, e.g.) The trunk unlock feature is annoying, you can't just pop the trunk.
Solid as a rock
We've had the XC90 since Dec. 05 and have only performed scheduled maintenance. Comfort, safety, and reliability have been excellent.
Ocean Race 2006
The last OCEAN RACE EDITION in Europe. Be happy with this car like I'm. Nice regards from Slovenia. Branko
Excellent Vehicle
In the past 10 years I owned 4 SUV's including this. I had LexusRx330,Acura MDX and Mitsubishi Montero Sport. I feel VOLVO XC90 is a great SUV. VOLVO has great product than Lexus. I love the DVD, Booster seat,Premium Sound system and excellent interior. Mine is 7 seater SUV. I am getting on average 16.4MPG in the city and 24.6MPG in the highy way. Very stylish and fun to drive. I feel like driving a Sedan. EXCELLENT SUV, go for it.
Viva Volvo
I have had the XC90 for 6 months now and it is very comfortable and easy to drive. Gas is not as bad as I thought...love it
Love the car, Hate the tires!
My husband surprised me with this car for Christmas. I love it and I love all the safety features for it. However, when I hit 10,000 miles my tires started making noises and after 3 trips to the dealer, they told me it was the Pirelli tires and they have had problems with them. I would recommend the car but not the tires. Also, if you have two carseats in the car then it is impossible for an adult to get to the third row without climbing over seats. I agree that the inside door handles should not be plastic.
Love this Car
Just purchased my first Volvo and I love this car. The ride is so smooth and it handles very well. It's quiet and the sound system is wonderful. I really like that my kids can watch a DVD and play a game at the same time. Personally, this car out beats most of the SUVs of it's size. It rides like a tank but has lots of power. The body style isn't as classy as other SUVs but this car speaks... Sophisticated. I think we made a great purchase...one that will last us a long time.
Cool SUV
This XC90 is my 2nd Volvo. I love stylish interior design, smartly engineered 3rd row seat besides excellent safety features. It's fun to drive in a highway from San Diego to San Francisco.
Phenomenal Car...
How often can one say that spending over $40k for an automobile was a good feeling and/or investment - although the safety of my three under 4 years old is worth $40k - not often. The XC90 is one of these autos. This is my 3rd Volvo, and it is an incredible machine. The XC90 can best be defined in two ways: powerful yet understated or aggressive yet humble...BUY THIS CAR MOM AND DAD!
2006 XC90 2.5T
Great SUV. Enjoy driving and great for long trips. We test drove the BMW X5 but decided the Volvo XC90 was a great SUV for about $10,000 less. More cargo room, very safe, but needs a little bit more horespower but helps in gas savings (takes regular gas) compared to the X5.
Our experience
We bought the car because we thought it would be useful, versatile, fun liked the design. We are not disappointed in any way and are happy with our purchase.
Volvo XC90
My Volvo XC90 is my new favorite automobile. I am a very particular consumer who spends a great deal of time researching before buying a new auto. This vehicle has been my most satisfying purchase yet. I may never leave Volvo if they keep making this vehicle! It is everything a professional mom could want...both sexy and safe! I am considering a volvo for my son when he gets his lisence soon.
Good times with grandchildren
I wanted safety features. As a grandmother of three that spends time with the children in the car. I love the built in toddler seat. Recently took a beach trip with 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren and we were all very comfortable and had plenty of room for gear.
exactly what I expected
Dealer service not the greatest, but its not the cars fault. You dont have to fight the car at any time, you dont realize it weighs 4000+ pounds. Very solid but smooth feel, I think tire life will suffer. Reputation of longevity was deciding factor, I avg.18,000 - 22,000 miles per year.
lMy first volvo-
I waited 2 yrs for this car! Needed the suv body style, very happy with this! A few minor problems (computer errors). At 25,000 miles, had to replace tires. Not happy about that. Was told its common on Awd suvs?! Would like to know what other owners think about this.
Florida Volvo XC90
I enjoy driving this vehicle and feel extremely safe in it My only disappointment is in the gas mileage. I traded in a Tahoe in perfect condition to get rid of the 8 cylinder engine only to get less gas mileage. If I had know about the mileage I would have gone with the more powerful 8 cyl.Volvo as it had a smoother ride and more power on the road.
Cramped Interior Space
Nice quality materials...my wife loves it but she is 5'3" tall and 110 lbs me on the other hand I am 6'1" 215lbs I find the interior way to cramped especially for knee room...the ride is nice but I feel like I'm sliding off the seat due to poor side bolstering...the 2004 seats were better than the latest versions which changed in 2005...bad choice.
The Best SUV I've Owned
This is the best SUV that I've owned. Previously I drove a 2000 Mercedes ML320, and the Volvo rides much better, more like a car than an SUV. It has a good solid feel to it. I'm 6'4" tall, and I find the seats very comfortable. The rear seat leg room is good, and the third row seats can actually be used by an adult. Power from 2.5L engine is adequate, but it doesn't have as much 'pep' as my Mercedes, which I miss. If you want more power get the V8 version. I've been getting about 20 mpg on the highway. The winter driving mode with the AWD is a nice feature. I drove home in a substantial snow storm with no problems. I looked at a lot of vehicles, and this is the best!
Great V8-- a wonderful SUV--perfect for us
After much dreaming and waiting for a VOLVO SUV, the XC90 does not disappoint. It's a comfortable, safe people mover that gives everybody a great ride (3rd row seats are higher for better views). The V8/6-speeds are mated nicely (purrs well!). Good snow traction and power here in the Rockies and for the highways on OE all-season tires (special winter tires were not needed). Love the split rear hatch and easy access throughout. Beautiful looking vehicle, great lines and finish. A solid and well built machine. Well designed and thoughtful interior. Easy to read dials and settings (although the radio is a bit clunky to set). We're going to get the Bluetooth installed next month. Great SUV.
VOLVO XC90
Very happy with our purchase, it really fits our life syle..bigger than bmw and lexus rx
DW
Very impressive for a SUV - sturdy, good power, nice drive. Quality interior & overall design - unmatched safety.
volvo experience
Love It! Quiet, smooth, comfortable, safe and just plain fun to drive. The only thing that does not have as standard equipment is a compass!.
First Year Follow-Up
This is a follow up to my first post in Aug 06 when car was new. Just turned 10k miles and one year. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the car. Got a recall notice about the gas tank door and they fixed this during a routine service at 7,500 miles, but never suffered the problem. Took one long trip with 5 persons and gear. It was tight but didn't want to put anything on the roof. Added a hitch (not from the dealer!) and a great bike rack from softride. We are still loving the car. Mileage is in the 17-18 in the city and 22-23 hwy.
Mostly great!
This is our 6th Volvo, but not necessarily our favorite. While the XC90 provides seating options that our V70 wagons and S70 and S80 sedans could not provide, the 2.5T engine is clearly underpowered for the weight of this vehicle. Gas mileage is POOR and would have been worse if we had chosen the V8. We love the safety features of this vehicle. It handles well and is roomy enough for our passengers--- mostly children.
Not reliable at all!
I love the ride but it has died in the middle of a busy intersection twice. It had to be towed back to the dealership and they replaced the fuel pump and we are waiting to see what they think it is this time. The driver's side beam has had to be replaced twice. The DVD system works intermittently. I thought Volvos were supposed to be dependable and safe. I have a 3 year old and I am going to have to get something else unfortunately.
First and last Volvo
Great car for the first couple of weeks. Then it would not accelerate. It took four trips to the dealer, and me having to drive the car for them. They had to change the fuel tank, and pump. Lots of noises and clunks, that they can't fix.
XC90 -The Best
I love the comfort and the road handling. The third row seating for the kids is great.
Volvo XC90 V8
Last vehicle was a 2004 Acura MDX. The XC90 has a better, with the V8, engine and transmission. Very comfortable with most of the controls in a good position. Only have 700 miles but have been averaging 19 mpg. Only driven it in the rain but the handling, while not sporty, is good. If you want a good overall SUV, this should be high on your list. Any BMW X5 will offer better handling and performance but doesn't have the cargo space.
Excellent buy after much research
I just drove this vehicle home from the factory and just love it. It is very solid, comfortable, and it looks fantastic! I got 21 mph in my first 1000 miles and the Premium sound is outstanding. I really like the power of the V8! It shifts smoothly and handles very well. Combined with the warranty and free dealer service, this was a very smart buy.
Volvo --- Hands Down
The first Volvo I've ever purchased and the first car I've been enthusiastic about in a long time. Ok, so I'm a stereo lover, and this car has the best stock sound system I've ever heard. The leather is meticulously sewn, the carpet is soft, the appointments are not over-done (as in the Tribeca), and the dash design is second to none. Oh, did I mention the third row seating and the fact that 5 of the 6 seats fold completely flat? Tribeca and Highlander aren't even in the same 'hemisphere' as the Volvo XC90. The Swedes get it plain and simple. One more thing...Volvo XC90 has lower depreciation than ANY CAR IN ITS CLASS.
XC90 Quality
The XC90 is a nice quality family vehicle. It drives very smoothly. There is lots of cargo space. It is a joy to drive and I feel safe. Although, I find the gas tank too small and have to fill up more often than I would like to. I also wish it would have a sunglass holder.
geatest suv
Everything is great about this car. The only thing that I would change is better instrument lighting and more electronic gadgets like an Audi or BMW. Kind of boring in that sense. Solid vault like doors.
Volvo XC90
Great Driving performance. Does not swerve on slippery roads, snowy roads. Car has great shock absorbers . Smoother ride on country roads
Best family SUV
Picked up the car in Gothenburg on OSD - recommended "free" adventure for those who can wait for the car. The safety features incl. 3rd row side curtains and whiplash protection, V8 and 3rd row seating made us buy it over Lexus, Cadillac, Toyota, Honda and Acura competitors. The car is really fun and comfortable to drive and gives a solid impression.
Had many, this is the best
I have driven an audi, honda, hummer, ford, land rover, nissan and this is by far the best suv. basic inside but great quality. leather is awesome. booster built in for my toddler and enough room for my baby car seat next door. so safe and quiet ride. head rests are great, can actually lean your head on them when you drive. will buy another one in a few years. not a single problem. the leg room is the only downfall if you have car seats behind you, you lose some front leg room but it is fine, just on long trips sometimes i want to stretch more but that is it! awesome!
Best SUV for your dollar
Best fit and finish I have seen in an SUV. We traded-in a 2006 Lexus RX330. The quality of the Volvo is far better than the RX330. The 5 cyl. Turbo has more power than I thought. Great seating, great interior quality, AWD seems to work fine. The XC90 is the same price as the RX330. Once you drive and compare qualtiy and saftey the Volvo wins. The Volvo is built like a tank (solid doors, etc.) Lexus doors are light and dent very easy. After owning the Lexus and Volvo, I feel the Lexus is over rated, and the Volvo is under rated. Volvo XC90 is a great product. With 1,500 miles we average 15MPG (all city driving) the Lexus RX330 averaged 16MPG with 3,200 miles. Volo weighs 600lbs more.