XC90: pros worth cons?

[F. Todd Wilson]

Hello,

Normally, I'd not be in a position to either buy a new car or to step
into the Volvo realm of things. But I find that I may be in a position
to get a new XC90 at a significant discount over the next three months
or so. So, now I'm thinking about it.

I presume that this would be a 2004 model (as opposed to a 2005
model). I'd be looking at a T6 with a few amenities (third row, moon
roof, DVD navigator, leather, etc).

I've got one toddler and hope to give her a brother/sister within a
year or so, so I'm thinking that the third row investment would be
useful.

But, overall, I'm worried about some of the quality issues I've read
about. I'm not super concerned, since I expect that I'd work a lot of
these out across the four year warranty, and the lower purchase price
would make me more tolerant of the time in the shop, if necessary. But,
of course, I'd rather not have it there at all.

Bottom line. Is this car really borderline non-functional, as some
reviews would have you think? Is there anyone out there who's hade
virtually no problem?

Any other issues? Cautions?

Thanks,

Todd

 

[Stephen M. Henning]

Bottom line. Is this car really borderline non-functional, as some
reviews would have you think? Is there anyone out there who's hade
virtually no problem?

Volvo XC90 Selected Motor Trend SUV of the Year

http://www.motortrend.com/motor/oftheyear/suv/112_0212_volvo

More than any other vehicle in the running, the 2003 Volvo XC90 moved
the standard in its market segment. This innovative machine drives
comfortably like a sedan, tows like a pickup, off-roads like an SUV, and
moves bulky cargo or as many as seven people like a minivan. And it
does it all with the mechanical polish, premium exterior style, and
attention to interior detail associated with top-drawer luxury vehicles.
In addition, this Volvo addresses the safety, emissions, and, to a
lesser degree, fuel-use issues associated with SUVs.

 

[F. Todd Wilson]

Volvo XC90 Selected Motor Trend SUV of the Year

http://www.motortrend.com/motor/oftheyear/suv/112_0212_volvo

More than any other vehicle in the running, the 2003 Volvo XC90 moved
the standard in its market segment. This innovative machine drives
comfortably like a sedan, tows like a pickup, off-roads like an SUV, and
moves bulky cargo or as many as seven people like a minivan. And it
does it all with the mechanical polish, premium exterior style, and
attention to interior detail associated with top-drawer luxury vehicles.
In addition, this Volvo addresses the safety, emissions, and, to a
lesser degree, fuel-use issues associated with SUVs.

Hello,

Thanks for citing this. I've seen this review and the R&T review.
But, they're both reflecting driving a car that's new, not one that's
been driven for a few months, etc. I've seen numerous complaints about
the car being in the shop most of the time. So, I guess I'm looking for
testimonies to the contrary (or, not, for that matter).

Views on that concern?

Thanks,

Todd

 

[Nick Cassimatis]

I looked between the XC90 and the Acura MDX. Personally preferred the MDX -
the ride, visibility, that stuff. All very subjective. The price played
in, but more as a nice bonus for liking the MDX.

One objective thing, since you mention having younger kids. My 5 year old
(6 in less than 2 months) couldn't climb up into the XC90 on her own. The
MDX she could. At 2-4 car entrances per day, that's a lot of lifting I'm
not having to do.

 

[Frank McGirt]

Volvo XC90 Selected Motor Trend SUV of the Year

http://www.motortrend.com/motor/oftheyear/suv/112_0212_volvo

More than any other vehicle in the running, the 2003 Volvo XC90 moved
the standard in its market segment. This innovative machine drives
comfortably like a sedan, tows like a pickup, off-roads like an SUV, and
moves bulky cargo or as many as seven people like a minivan. And it
does it all with the mechanical polish, premium exterior style, and
attention to interior detail associated with top-drawer luxury vehicles.
In addition, this Volvo addresses the safety, emissions, and, to a
lesser degree, fuel-use issues associated with SUVs.

I have a 2004 XC90 T6, build date of 11/03/03 and I have not experienced
any of the problems that many people, especially with 03s, are
complaining about. I had an unconnected rear 12v socket that I fixed
myself and trip odometers that reset at 629miles (1000km). This was
taken care of by a software update at the first service. No other
problems. Get about 19mpg @ 80mph on trips and a little better around
town. It is comfortable, handles well for such a large vehicle and we
are pleased with it. Of course if I had experienced some of the
problems that other have, especially with the apparent
non-responsiveness of Volvo Cars North America to their problems, I
would be infuriated. I would try to talk to other owners and perhaps
ask for comments at swedespeed.com. Hopefully, the models now being
built don't have the problems of the earlier models.

Hope this helps,

Frank McGirt
[email protected]

 

[Rob Guenther]

You have to remember, there are always problems for the first model year or
two... and remember this especially: only people with problems ever speak
up... and their numbers are always smaller then the people who have no
problems.

Don't know much about the XC90 (not interested in it) but this is generally
true about any car.

 

[Stephen M. Henning]

Thanks for citing this. I've seen this review and the R&T review.
But, they're both reflecting driving a car that's new, not one that's
been driven for a few months, etc. I've seen numerous complaints about
the car being in the shop most of the time. So, I guess I'm looking for
testimonies to the contrary (or, not, for that matter).

Consumer reports rates the '03 XC90 as one of the most reliable Volvos
with a less than average frequency of repair.