2004 Volvo XC90 from North America

Summary:

We like it so much we are going to buy a second one

Faults:

Normal wear and tear nothing major... yet.

General Comments:

We love the xC90- it has just enough room for kids, gear etc. It drives beautifully in the snow and bad weather. I like being higher than I would have been in a wagon. It looks nice even when we don't wash it. We use all 7 seats in every configuration, car seats, booster seats, etc. The biggest thing is that we feel safe in it= it's a tank.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st July, 2008

2004 Volvo XC90 T 6 6 cylinder turbo from North America

Summary:

Very disappointed--poor value

Faults:

Repair and tighten loose steering column (twice) 12,000 and 22,000 miles.

Upgrade computer software reinstall at every maintenance--still get persistent and seemingly errant messages.

Replace both rear wheel bearings at 52,000.

Exterior courtesy lights, electric seat memory never worked, cruise control fails and has been addressed by service technicians fix never lasts more than 1 to 2 weeks.

Car gets very light duty used by my wife and has never been on so much as a gravel road and yet has had constant and now increasing reliability issues.

General Comments:

It is comfortable to drive though a bit soft at highway speeds. Acceleration below 60 is sluggish--above 60 is well powered. Handles exceptional well in snow and slick conditions--computerized power distribution is an exceptionally good feature.

Poor rear visibility.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th July, 2008

2004 Volvo XC90 D5 SE 2.4 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

This is Volvo's best yet. I love it

Faults:

Rear wheel bearing at 50,000 miles, Volvo have recognized this as a problem, and it has an extended warranty to cover the possible issue as it arises.

Bi-Xenon head lamps, one failed at 45,000 miles. Volvo warranty replaced the bulb.

Windscreen washer pump failed intermittently and finally failed permanently. Curiously this component is stamped with the Ford Motor Company emblem.

General Comments:

This car is one of the most comfortable Volvo's I have ever had. (They have all been comfy). The seats are very supportive and well shaped. The interior is well laid out.

The delay in acceleration from the auto box takes a little getting used to, but once you get used to it, there is plenty of power there.

The car handles a load really well. I just returned from a 3,500 mile trip across France. Fully loaded with luggage, kids, and full roof box, and of course about 80 bottles of wine on the way home. The car handled and performed just the same as it does empty.

The car is a seriously sturdy, safe, well designed SUV that performs really well. I could drive the car all day.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th June, 2008

27th Jun 2008, 11:40

I fully agree, just completed a touring holiday in the Highlands of Scotland and it was great AND returning over 30 MPG! You can't beat it in the SUV market! Great car, the design is just so well thought out.

28th Jul 2008, 13:59

Exactly the same with my XC90. Bearings and washer at 50,000. Also like the car a lot.

17th May 2010, 16:05

2009 XC90 Executive. Superb car, feels safe, solid and dependable. Great price and package. Could live in this car in comfort!!

2004 Volvo XC90 T6 turbo from North America

Summary:

Safe, fun to drive, least reliable car I've owned despite having owned 3 other Volvos

Faults:

6 Disc CD changer locked up and had to be replaced.

Cable in rear seat broke and seat wouldn't fold down.

Transmission seized at 45,000 miles. Coolant leaked into the transmission. Transmission was replaced.

Brake pads and rotors wear very quickly. (Roughly every 15,000 miles).

Dealer couldn't pinpoint cause of mildew smell in the interior of the car. Only occurred after rain or a car wash.

General Comments:

The car has great handling, steering, and decent power.

It's also very comfortable, but the rear seats are suited for children under 12.

Gas mileage is poor. On average: 13/14 miles in town and 17/18 on freeway. Combination of hwy/town: 15mpg.

The tires wear quickly on this vehicle. The stock michelins wore out in 22,000 miles. I even added air to balance the wearing on the outside of the tire. Tried Pirelli scorpions next and these are worse. Tires are nearly bald at 20,000 miles. Pirellis are terrible in the rain too. (I live in northern california).

It's hard to see out of the rear windows and the pillars in the front windows are huge blind spots for pedestrians.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2008

29th Oct 2008, 12:34

I agree with everything you put here. I sold my Jaguar XJR and bought the XC90 T6 2004. I have had so many more problems with the Volvo.

The tire issue is that the front suspension does not allow the tires to turn correctly, thus pitching the tires in a way that make them wear way too fast. It also pushes the car in the direction you want to turn on sharp turns, as opposed to rolling in the direction you want to go.

The mildew you smell is from two issues; one is the interior cabin filter that gets wet when it rains or you wash the car, and the other is a leak that the vehicle sometimes gets through the passenger side door and the carpet gets wet.

I have had no problems with the CD player.

I did have the P45 warranty issue, and did not pass the state smog inspection due to this. (since taken care of)

I replaced the front brakes at 6,000 miles, and now have 22,000 on the car and need the front brakes and rotors changed and the rear brakes changed.