2003-2008 Volvo XC90: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2003 Volvo XC90
2008 Volvo XC90
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2003-2008 Volvo XC90 ▼

  • Price Range:  $11,300 - $36,300
CG Rating

55

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2003-2008 Volvo XC90 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Build quality
  • Interior materials
  • Cargo room

Cons

  • Instruments/controls
  • Fuel economy

Vehicle Highlights

Sized and priced to compete with the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 300, Volvo's first sport-utility vehicle was based on the company's S80 sedan platform. Built in Sweden, the XC90 was a four-door unibodied wagon with turbocharged power and a choice of five-passenger seating or space for seven with an available third-row bench. A combination rear liftgate with smaller, drop-down tailgate panel was standard. The entry-level 2.5T came with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, a 208-horsepower five-cylinder engine, and five-speed automatic transmission. The T6 AWD had a 268-horsepower six-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic. Both transmissions incorporated a manual shift gate. XC90's AWD lacked low-range gearing and wasn't intended for severe off-road use. All models included antilock four-wheel disc brakes, traction/antiskid control, and Volvo's new Roll Stability Control, which was designed to activate the antiskid system to reduce the chance of a rollover if sensors detected unusually rapid or severe body lean. Also standard were front torso side airbags and curtain side airbags, covering front- and second-row seats. The third-row seat was part of the optional Versatility Package, which also included curtain-airbag coverage for the third row, a load-leveling rear suspension, and third-row air conditioning and audio controls. XC90's second-row bench was split 40/20/40 and offered an optional integrated child booster seat for its middle section. All three sections slid fore and aft. Every XC90 had wood interior trim. Leather upholstery was optional on the 2.5T and standard for the T6. The T6 also added a sunroof, in-dash CD changer to replace a single-disc player, power passenger seat, and 17-inch wheels substituting for 16s. Those items also were available for 2.5Ts. Other options included rear-obstacle detection, navigation system, heated front seats, and for the T6, 18-inch wheels. Rivals included the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 330, and later, the Cadillac SRX.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Volvo XC90 2.5T w/navigation Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 4
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 55
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2003-2008 Volvo XC90. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2003-2008 Volvo XC90.

Year to Year Changes


2004 Volvo XC90: Restyled 17-inch wheels, an optional leather-wrapped gearshift knob, and a keyfob with integrated remote locking were among the few revisions for 2004.
2005 Volvo XC90: Volvo's first-ever V8 engine became available for the XC90, and would soon replace the T6's six-cylinder. The V8's six-speed automatic transmission had a manual shift gate. Every V8 model had all-wheel drive.
2006 Volvo XC90: Volvo offered 2.5T and V8 models in 2006; the six-cylinder T6 was gone. Standard with the V8, a third-row seat was otherwise part of a Versatility option package. Seven-passenger versions had a rear load-leveling suspension, plus third-row climate and audio controls.
2007 Volvo XC90: A revamped base version, new options, cosmetic tweaks, and a new model highlighted this car-type SUV for 2007. XC90 seats up to seven and came in three models. For 2007, the base version was called the 3.2. It had a 235-hp inline 6-cyl engine and replaced the 2.5T model, which had a 208-hp turbocharged 5-cyl. The V8 model returned with 311 hp. New for '07, the Sport model added unique trim, sport suspension and 19-inch wheels to the V8.
2008 Volvo XC90: The 2008 Volvo XC90 got minor trim changes. The Sport model added unique interior and exterior trim, sport suspension, and 19-inch wheels in place of 18s. Newly standard for all models was an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Our road test for the 2003-2008 Volvo XC90 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2008 Volvo XC90 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2008 Volvo XC90 is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Value for the Money
Volvo fans got an SUV to call their own, but most any buyer would approve of the XC90's carlike road manners, rock-solid feel, solid workmanship, and numerous safety features. Relatively weak acceleration of non-V8 models is a drawback, and the five-cylinder engine's level of refinement disappoints. Handling-conscious buyers may wish for firmer steering. Prices might tempt MDX or RX intenders, and even some six-cylinder BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class shoppers.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Volvo XC90 2.5T w/navigation Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 4
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 55

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Volvo XC90 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Volvo XC90 .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: Too much airflow from the floor vent onto the driver's foot is corrected by installing a piece of foam to create a restriction. (2003-04)

Battery: The battery may go dead overnight if the "infotainment" system won't allow the central control module go to sleep mode. (2006)

Climate control: The climate control may go from full hot to full cold and back because the damper motor module is trying to recalibrate itself requiring flashing of the climate control module. (2005-06)

Exhaust system: A squealing or rubbing noise on AWD models that occurs after going through a puddle is caused by the exhaust pipe temporarily warping and touching the driveshaft. (2003-06

Hood/trunk: The upper tailgate may not open because the release cable comes loose from its retaining clip. (2003-04)

Power seat: The power seats may rock to and fro. New gas shocks/struts are available to correct it. (2003-04)

Vehicle noise: Noise from the rear end on rough roads is due to the springs rubbing on the spring seat. (2003-04)

Wipers: The wiper arms' splines can be damaged if the wipers are turned on while the blades are frozen to the windshield and improved arms were released and installed under a campaign. (2003-06)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $845
Alternator $830
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $5,650
Brakes $1,450
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing
Constant Velocity Joints $3,200
Exhaust System $850
Radiator $650
Shocks and/or Struts $3,400
Timing Chain or Belt $1,560
Our price chart for this generation Volvo XC90 details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
XC90 $29,500-33,500 $27,400-31,200 $20,400-23,100
XC90 V8, Sport $36,000-39,000 $33,500-36,300 $25,600-27,700
2007
XC90 $25,300-28,000 $23,500-26,000 $16,700-18,500
XC90 V8, Sport $31,500-33,500 $29,300-31,200 $22,100-23,500
2006
XC90 $21,500-23,500 $19,800-21,600 $14,000-15,300
XC90 V8 $27,000-28,800 $25,100-26,800 $18,100-19,300
2005
XC90 $18,000-19,500 $16,600-17,900 $11,500-12,500
XC90 T6 $21,000-22,500 $19,300-20,700 $13,700-14,600
XC90 V8 $22,500-24,000 $20,700-22,100 $14,600-15,600
2004
XC90 $15,000-16,300 $13,700-14,800 $9,500-10,300
XC90 T6 $17,500-19,000 $16,100-17,500 $11,200-12,200
2003
XC90 $12,500-13,700 $11,300-12,300 $7,100-7,800
XC90 T6 $14,500-16,000 $13,200-14,600 $9,000-9,900
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Volvo XC90 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 112.6
Overall Length, in. 188.9
Overall Width, in. 74.7
Overall Height, in. 70.2
Curb Weight, lbs. 4450
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 93.2
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.0
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 40.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.0
Rear Head Room, in. 39.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Two turbocharged-engine powertrains have been available in XC90s: a 208-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder mated to a five-speed automatic transmission in the 2.5T, and a 268-horsepower 2.9-liter six-cylinder with a four-speed automatic in the T6 AWD model. A 311-horsepower V8 model arrived during the 2005 model year, and would soon replaced the T6. For 2007, the base version is called the 3.2. It has a 235-hp inline 6-cyl engine and replaces the 2.5T model, which had a 208-hp turbocharged 5-cyl. The V8 model returns with 311 hp.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
Turbocharged dohc I6 2.9 / 178 268 280 4-speed automatic: 15/20 4-speed automatic: --
dohc V8 4.4 / 269 311 325 6-speed automatic: 16/20 6-speed automatic: --
Turbocharged dohc I5 2.5 / 153 208 236 5-speed automatic: 18/24 5-speed automatic: --
dohc I6 3.2 / 195 235 236 6-speed automatic: 16/22 6-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In: Not Available
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Volvo XC90 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2005 XC90
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2003-2008 Volvo XC90 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2003-06 XC90: If windshield wiper arm is activated in extreme winter conditions without lifting arm and cleaning windshield, wipers might not move from parked position.
2003-06 XC90: Outer tie rod ball joint could deform at high load and nut may loosen, eventually leading to fatigue fracture and difficulty in maneuvering vehicle.
2005 XC90: Battery's B+ terminal may conflict with starter motor solenoid, which could develop into short circuit of battery cable to ground.
2005: While doing battery maintenance, the jack's crank handle can be misplaced under a bracket which retains the battery. Misplacement of the jack's crank handle can pose a safety risk as it can result in a short circuit of the battery. Dealers will inspect and ensure proper placement of the jack crank handle and affix a warning label to the bracket.
2007-2008: The climate control module may receive a 'shut-down' signal from the engine control module (ECM), rendering the climate control functions unavailable, including the defroster. Dealers will upgrade the ECM software.
2008 XC90 with 4.4-liter V8 engine: Incorrect engine-mount bolts may cause the aluminum bracket for the engine mount to break, resulting in reduced engine torque or stalling. Dealers will inspect the engine-mount bolts, and the bracket and bolts will be replaced if necessary.

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