Volvo XC90 road tests and consumer car reviews

Volvo XC90 2010

We have just sold our Volvo after under two years of motoring. Luckily we bought it with a substantial discount from a broker otherwise we might have been suicidal over it’s loss in value. We have a real love/hate relationship with this car. We could not fault the cabin design, especially with a family of five on long journeys. The ability to watch DVD’s, listen to the radio or plug in to the USB similatenously did much for family harmony on long trips to Switzerland. The configuration of the seats is excellent and very flexible allowing you to fully load up with ease. Now for the ’hate’ part. Do not buy this car if you like driving or want to survive a journey in the snow. We bought the executive model with 19" wheels and were unable to fit conventional snow chains because they hit the suspension struts - we were told Volvo don’t even offer chains on this model! Without them it drives worse than any other car I have known and the cost of changing to winter tyres with the Volvo garage would have required a second mortgage. It is slow off the mark and fuel economy is definitely less than that claimed, even on a long run. The biggest problem, however, is the turning circle, which makes the manoeuvrability of this vehicle so bad - three point turns are more like twelve point turns with bemused drivers looking on making for a stressful drive if used around town. All in all we’re very glad to have parted with this car. If the interior spec of this car could be coupled with that of something which drives really well someone would be onto a winner.

Volvo XC90 D5 SE 2004

Well, I understand people’s frustration with low mpg figures but, honestly, what do you expect? It’s a big heavy car and takes a lot of shifting. It’s my wife’s main mode of transport, and she does around 20,000 miles per year with lots of stop/start, shortish journeys. She is lucky to get over 20mpg using it for work as she does. Having said that, we do really get up to 35mpg on a long run (and I do mean long; visiting our friends in South West Ireland from Northumberland is pretty long), if only we could get that sort of mileage all the time. We’ve had the car since new, and have done 140,000+ miles in it. The interior has worn very well with only the shininess of the drivers seat giving any indication of the car’s age. Even the DVD player hasn’t given any bother and has proved a boon keeping the kids quiet on the longer journeys. (15 hours straight the 1st time we visited Bantry! We’ve learned our lesson and now split the journey in Dublin!) Repairs are becoming a little more frequent now; the only one to give real concern being some ’plug’ in the engine giving way, allowing the engine oil to deposit itself over the garage floor. The plug was a simple plastic component (it’s replacement is steel) and costs a tenner. Fitting it cost £600 in labour!! We are keeping the car, as the only thing we can think of that is as practical as this is another XC90. We have considered both the Audi Q7 and the Disco. The Q7 isn’t big enough inside to take all of our holiday gear, and being prior Land Rover owners, we will never have another, as they are too unreliable with service to match! However, we now find it difficult to justify the high running (low mpg) costs to carry on using the XC90 as our day to day workhorse (it does the job admirably, it’s just too costly) and so have just bought a 2.0D Volvo V50 for my wife to use as a daily vehicle. (Excellent service from Mill Volvo Hexham has kept us very happily Volvo customers.) In summary: The XC90 equals superb, comfortable, family transport that has coped with the very worst of Northumberland winters with aplomb (if you’re struggling in snow, you have the wrong tyres on, the standard fit Conti’s are poor, try Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow). Our favourite sturdy workhorse. However, these days it’s becoming expensive at the pumps, and that’s why it loses a star, but everything else is darn near perfect as a family vehicle.

Responses to this review

I’m not quite sure where people are getting this "Q7 small on the inside" from. This is taken from Auto Express about the XC90. "This is great news for storage, although with the third row of seats folded away, its 615-litre boot can’t quite match the 626 litres offered by the shorter Honda. Using all seven seats eats into the luggage space, with only 249 litres behind them. Drop them all, and the XC90’s enormous dimensions pay dividends, with a van-like boot space of 1,837 litres - the biggest here." So the Volvo has 1837 litres with all seats down, 615 with five seats and 249 with all seats being used. This is what they have to say about the Q7 "Longer and wider than either the XC90 or M-Class, the Audi also has the largest wheelbase. As a result, interior room is impressive, and seven seats are fitted as standard. The middle row of chairs offers good head and legroom, while the rear pair flip up out of the boot floor with ease. Access to them through the side doors and past the middle bench is a squeeze, but there is adequate room for two adults, and they are perfect for children. In five-seat mode, the 775-litre boot capacity is bigger than its main rivals’, while with seven chairs in place the 330-litre volume is 81 litres larger than in the XC90." Also "Both the easy-folding second and third-row seating can fold flat expanding the luggage capacity to an enormous 2,035 litres." So that is 2,035 litres with all seats down, 775 with five seats and 330 with all seats being used. So luggage capacity is much greater than the XC90 in every seating configuration - Graeme from Buckinghamshire

I couldn’t agree more, the XC90 is a superb car. I have the D5 185 remapped with RICA Stage 2, now has 240bhp and averages 40mpg on a long run and around town 32mpg, before the remap I was getting around 33mpg and 27mpg respectively. It’s more economical now and can out run a X5 at the lights too - Jim Cookson from England

Volvo XC90 SE 2005

Well it has just cost me over £2000 to get it through its service; £1400 for new Angle Gear (4WD), £300 for new pads and discs, £120 for new fluids and the rest for the cost of the service. Oh and £35.00 for a new set of wipers. The car has done 75000 miles and the past 15000 has been made up with light driving; school runs and small journeys. The only long distance journey is up to Nottingham and back. The mpg is about 28mpg if you are lucky and you get just about 280miles out of a full tank and at the current rate about £80.00 every other week! Apart from this it is a very good car. I knew these costs would be coming so we have allowed for it and it’s good too know it’s now all been done. Yes it is a lot of money, but the bottom line is what other car can give you 4WD and a 7 seater? A Q7 and a LR4, the runing costs of which would be the same or more. Plus the LR4 is too boxey and the Q7 is just too much money for a similar mileage XC90. I have read the rest of the reviews and it is chalk and cheese. Some rave, some hate. Me I am in the middle. However for the price, spec and reliability I am very happy with our purchase. I am currently looking into purchasing a MY07/08 in the near future.

Volvo XC90 D5 SE 2004

A fantastic car, which has never let me down. I have had no mechanical issues with the car, with the milage at a tad over 50,000 miles now. I am just awaiting delivery of a 2012MY XC90 Executive, which I’m sure will prove to be just as reliable and great to drive as my 2004MY XC90. Previously I owned three Land Rover Discovery’s (200Tdi, 300Tdi & TD5) all of which were nightmares when it came down to reliability. I have had seven years of relaxed trouble free motoring in my XC90. All I have ever had to do is replace the tyres at 25,000 miles.

Responses to this review

Ohh you funny f*cker. Enjoy your soon-to-be-dated XC90 shed - Graeme from Buckinghamshire

Volvo XC90 2010

Ok, I don’t actually own this car. My car is an Audi Q7 3.0. Unfortunately my neighbour decided to reverse into it last week and his insurance company have provided me with an XC90 whilst mine is being repaired. The Volvo had been on my shortlist before getting the Q7. After a few days I am happy to say that I made the right decision on leaving it on the shortlist. The engine is woeful. The noise on a cold start up is akin to builder’s transit van. I don’t have the heart to accelerate, as the poor thing just doesn’t like that. Best just let nature take its course and use the rotation of the planet and continental drift if you want to get it moving. I can’t really comment on the fuel economy, but so far it is under 30 mpg. As for handling, I’m pretty sure that the steering wheel does have some vague connection with the wheels, but that they had a tiff a while ago and now only communicate with each other via email. I will say this though, it is comfortable, it irons bumps and potholes quite well. I’m not a fan of the cockpit. Again, the Q7 has spoiled me in this regard. Nothing in the Volvo is intuitive. I tried to flash a driver yesterday but ended up blinding him instead as I had put the car on full beam and didn’t know how to get it off again. The centre console is a confusing array of buttons (too many!). The plastics and fascias feel cheap. In short, I really want my Q7 back. The Volvo is not a "comparible car" in any way, shape or form.

Responses to this review

"I don’t actually own this car"; what a great start to your review! The Q7 is the fastest depreciating car in its class. It’s thirsty and expensive to insure. This, along with being small inside, make it a car to avoid - Simon Greycat from England

If I was stupid enough to buy a Q7 from new then I would agree with you about the depreciation. As for insurance, I have just renewed my insurance for a cost of £390 (6y ncb). I average 30mpg on my work commute - not great but not too bad. As for being small inside? Ok... BTW, I am not the person who responded to your review. Just thought I’d make that clear before a full scale war between Volvo and Audi drivers erupted - Graeme from Buckinghamshire

Another response to Simon Greycat. Apparently your Exclusive XC90 is in a higher insurance group than a Q7 3.0 S Line (42 as opposed to 40), it also only retains 41% of its value after 3 years compared to 46% for the Audi. It is also smaller inside, slower, less powerful, thirstier and pumps out more CO2 (215g/km v 195g/km). So again, I’m left wondering where you get your information from when you commented on my review of the Volvo. Also, judging by the reviews of other Volvo owners, their experience appears to be "avoid" and "will not buy again" - Graeme from Buckinghamshire

Volvo XC90 R design 2011

I’m really very worried that we have made a huge mistake buying an XC90. We got what we thought to be a great deal and a nearly new car, and we loved it to start with, but then noticed just how low the mpg is. On a rim to rim fill the car is averaging 24mpg!! the computer shows 28mpg so I don’t believe those in car computers. I took it to a dealer last week to see about trading in or selling and buying something more economical and was offered £8,500 less than I paid 2 months earlier. Thinking this was just a dealer trying to rip me off I went to a friend in the trade who looked it up on a national traders website and it showed that was the going rate. He also showed me 2010 models for sale at £19750 trade that are priced at £29000 on the forecourt. Do yourself a favour and buy something else, diesel is set to rise again in January so wipe another couple of thousand off the cars value. I can not believe that I fell for the sales and image trap, which is short lived when you realise what a mistake you have made.

Responses to this review

Fully agree with you, my wife went for the same car and then had a heart attack when trading in for something more sensible. We lost over 12K in two years but like other XC90 owners, you learn the hard way - Jim Wiltshire from Surrey

Volvo XC90 2006

A lovely comfortable vehicle that I love driving, but they need maintaining and have some technical quirks that require either an expensive main dealer or an independent volvo specialist to deal with these issues, such as airbag errors and the annoying service light, which seems to be deliberately timed by Volvo to come on AFTER we have had it serviced! Aside from that, ours has covered a vast amount of mileage (242,000) so we feel sure we are approaching the world record! To sum up: Great drive, super tow vehicle, and very compfortable. Reliable providing they are serviced and maintained and someone is on hand with specialised Volvo kit to diagnose any light and beeps!

Volvo XC90 r design premium 2010

First of all I would like to comment on the fuel consumpsion it started at 27 mpg, but now it’s got 14000 miles on it and it’s doing 32 mpg and still going up; by the way I’ve been running it in properly. I carp fish and went to France last year the XC90 made it a breeze, it cruised effortlessly on the motorway and when we got there it took us around the lake with no problem. The track around the lake was like an off road coarse by the way. In short this car is awsome! It’s my second XC90, but the first I bought from new and above all it’s one of, if not the safest car, to transport your family around and let’s face it the most important thing about a car is the people in it. Enough Said.

Responses to this review

Wait until you try and get rid of it. Big shock - Tom Raynor from Oxfordshire

All cars are pretty safe now but Volvo built up their safety image before others. I don’t think buying an XC90 would make you a better or more caring parent, that is what Volvo want you to buy into. The XC90 is an outdated car and the one benefit doesn’t outweigh all the bad points. Best leave well alone, even the school run mums are starting to ditch them! - Brian from Rutland

Hi Mark, I have a 2011 XC90 R Design Premium as well and all is running well and as expected apart from one major thing. After about a couple of months, the suspension seems to change character from being fairly compliant and quiet to hard, noisy and crashy over mildly uneven surfaces. Have you experienced any suspension issues? Thanks - Jake Edwards from England

Volvo XC90 SE 2010

This car was without doubt the biggest waste of money I have ever made. As with all cars, when you buy them the dealer tells you of high second-hand values and what colours are best. When you come to sell you quickly discover it’s the wrong colour and there is low demand for that model. This is the same for all cars, but to add insult the XC90’s poor mpg hits it even harder. You will struggle to average 28mpg and most of the time 25mpg is more realistic. I can see why people buy an XC90 as we did, but you will soon regret it and will want to deck the car dealer when you try to sell it. Don’t believe the second-hand prices you see advertised, they are way out.

Volvo XC90 R-design auto 2011

Like other owners I have found this car just too expensive to run. Volvo service costs are a joke and the mid 20’s mpg is just daft at £6.00 a gallon. There are lots of other cars out there that perform just as well and when this car is updated or fazed out then the depreciation will really hit. Buy one if you want but just see how much it will really cost you each year, you will be gutted especially when you try to sell it. Don’t believe the secondhand prices you see, they never sell for that amount, dealers try to keep them falsely high. This car is an old designed car and was probably great 10 years ago. RIP

Volvo XC90 R design 2010

At first we thought it was a great car, better than all the German rivals and really nice to drive. A couple of months down the line and I realised just how expensive it was to run and we are not exactly living on the bread line with a household income of 6 figures. Don’t believe anyone who says they get 35+ mpg, I only ever managed a true 26mpg driving very carefully even worse if you want to keep up with motorway traffic. The other big shock is the cost of Volvo servicing. Have now got shot of it and will never again buy an XC90. Mums love them for the school run and to get one up on the other mums, but unless you love supporting BP buy something else.

Volvo XC90 d5 2007

Great car. Safe as houses. Joy to drive. Loads of space, but: Fourth year service, £500. Road tax this year £445. Lucky to get 30mpg, usually nearer 25. Wonderful car but at 8,000 miles a year I can’t afford to run it. Pity but there it is.

Volvo XC90 Active 2010

Fuel consumption is the reason we want rid of this thing. 8,000 miles from new and with the price of fuel it has cost us a fortune. Never been above 30 mpg even driving it very gentle using semi manual. Big mistake, never again. DO NOT BUY ONE!

Volvo XC90 D5 SE Sport 2007

I bought my current XC90 new on 2007. It is my second XC and as the first is proving to be extremely practical. It has just covered 85k, most of which has been for business, and for the most has proved impecable. I opted for a vehicle with a high spec and as I have traditionally driven the length and breath of the country the additional extras have proved beneficial. I am, as some of the other owners, disapointed at the under powered D5 engine and agree that a 3.0ltr upgrade would be more usefull. My only real frustration is the cost of the AWD realignment at the main dealers, which really needs attention every 20k/2years to maintain efficient tyre wear. Sadely I feel this will be my last Volvo unless the bring out a newer XC which has a more executive package/feel within the next 18-months.

Volvo XC90 R-Design 2010

Love/hate the XC90! The wife needed to change the car so we plumped for a brand new Volvo R-Design as we got a good deal on it and it does look the business! Gorgeous car, nice interior! Loads of space and great for the kids and all their stuff. Very comfy over long distances too. That makes me love it! Sadly, many reasons to hate it: 20-25mpg round town makes it expensive to run, it does just about muster 30mpg on the motorway! But combined is poor. My old Audi Allroad does 28 and 38 respectively! It is now approaching one year old (under 7000 miles) and will need 2 front tyres soon tho rear are still like new. It has so far had one front bearing replaced under warranty, the complete heating system replaced and now the gearbox is showing signs of imminent failure as it no longer holds on hills in D and is taking longer to click into drive after reversing. Thats going to be expensive and hopefully under warranty! And as mentioned before it does not do snow! It is very front wheel drive biased. On the recent cold snap it was very disappointing! My Audi Allroad is faultless on snow! Car drives ok, but is a bit underpowered, should have put a 3.0l diesel unit! The V8 petrol is great but who can afford to run them!? Volvo dealership service is poor. In its first year it has been in 4 times! and they didnt valet it once! Staff were nice up to the point when we signed for the car - after that "I’m sorry, who are you?" I wouldn’t buy one again!! I honestly dont know how anyone could give this car 10/10, much as I wish I could as I spent the guts of £40k on it. It just aint what I thought I was buying!

Volvo XC90 SE Geartronic 2003

Bought new when they were launched. A number of teething problems that were dealt with under warranty. The gearbox reverse is intermittent and needs to be replaced (£4000.00) the steering rack is shot (£1000.00) amongst a number of other things. The car has not been off road or abused (7 year old and under 60,000 miles) all very disappointing for what we thought was a premuim brand. Will not buy another.

Volvo XC90 185BHP 2005 SE Manual 2005

Love/hate relationship with my XC90 After owning a Freelander for 4 years from new (which never let me down - despite poor reliability reputation). I chose the XC90 due to it’s practicality - really wanted the X5, but the boot space & 2nd row of seats meant there was no comparison - better spec as well for price. Love: I cannot fault the car’s styling & practicality, a bit noisier cruising than I expected - I keep thinking a window is slightly open when on the motorway as you tend to be aware of other vehicles passing by Consumption very good for a car of this size - we average 27 around town & 34.5 on motoway runs. Hate: Reliability is a problem - cars done 50,000 miles & on my 3rd set of Front wheel bearings, Dealer replaced rear set under warrenty after 18 months. Issue with CD player not shutting down properly & draiing battery. Very unimpressed with Dealership - I seem to be paying a premium for poor customer service. Eats standard factory fit tyres - 8000 miles on 1st set - average 25K on pirelli scorpions now. A plastic butterfly throttle was shown to be snapped on last service - £90 for parts - £400 to fit! (at cheaper Volvo specialist) Last service cost £1400 at cheaper independant.! Expected better for a 37K car - problems supposed to be resolved in later vehicles. Need to replace the car next year - If the customer sservice was better I would have another & hope reliability better as lease prices very competative - definitely extend warranty if I do though - trying to convince the wife she want a Q7.

Volvo XC90 XC90 3.2 AWD 2008

The Volvo XC90 is one of the best SUVs available in the market today. This fine Scandinavian design puts it far ahead of competitors in terms of aesthetics and good looks. I’ve had my black 7 seater 3.2 AWD petrol engine for almost a year now, 20.000 kms, with no problem whatsoever. Volvos are famous for their safety, durability and build qualities, the XC90 is no exception.The 3.2, 6 cylinder engine should produce more horse power than the 238 available. It has a high fuel consumption, but this is somehow normal for vehicles of this weight. If you opt for the Premium sound system, 12 Dynaudio speakers, you’ll enjoy one of the best audio systems installed in any car, any make, any year. If you are looking for muscles and performance,look some where else, this fine vehicle is designed for people who value quality and reliability. Keep rolling Volvo.

Responses to this review

Abed, how much a car like yours is worth in the Lebanese market? Mike from England

Hey, I’m sick of people like this guy in England who obviously can’t afford to Service and keep it fueled up! Then don’t buy a Heavy S.U.V! I’m laughing my a*s off at people saying "oh I can’t get 25mpg blah ,blah". What a cheap a*s! Go drive a Fiat 500 - Jason from United States of America

Volvo XC90 D5 exec 2010

Bought a Volvo XC90 D5 exec. Great car to drive and to be in. Just 2 issues until now. 1 - Poor urban economy; I was told the economy will improve with time 2 - Volvo oncall system keeps getting cancelled on its own. Been to the dealers 3 times and they don’t seem to know why. Looks like its a common problem with all Volvos. To make matters worse I have paid another £100 for an extended Volvo oncall security package but what’s the point if its not working at all most of the time? I would rather have preferred not to have this facility at all. In hindsight would have gone for the Subaru Forester

Volvo XC90 Executive 2006

I have owned a black xc90 D5 Exec with nearly every extra (DVD, satnav, fridge etc) for the last 4years, from new, and have put 112,000 miles on it. So I’m in a pretty good position to have a view! The good points are that it looks good, is spacious, comfortable, is reasonably economical given its size. The built in child seat is excellent. The bad points are numerous and I would not buy another. The biggest problem is the engine. It is underpowered, sounds like a tractor, and has ’lag’ from stationary that has put me in dangerous situations several times - literally you can wait for 3 seconds before starting to accelerate which is scary when a truck is bearing down on you! It also doesn’t do snow. Actually 4x4 is a misnoma - because it doesn’t have limited slip differentials or ’diff lock’ as soon as one wheel gets stuck all the others have no traction at all. So it is really a 4x1. It is oddly expensive on tyres. The satnav has a mind of its own, sends you odd routes, doesn’t do postcode navigation, and the graphics are appalling. It has just failed and I’m told it is going to be a very large bill to replace. Now its a few years old I would prefer to put secondhand parts on it. But Volvo have put chips into nearly everything on the car that mean you can only replace things at a main dealer for full price. I’m told that even goes down to things like the mirrors, wiper motors, anything. They claim that this is to reduce theft - call me a cynic! Smaller niggles include the headlight dip which is the type that needs 2 movements to dip (why do manufacturers do that?), a very plasticy dashboard (on their top version that isnt acceptable), an expensive DVD system that doesn’t and has never worked and the dealer couldnt get it to work and other little things... I have only failed to replace it because it isnt important in my life, but I’m really looking forward to my new audi Q7 arriving. My other car is an Aston Martin DBS so dont worry about me - I get my kicks elsewhere....

Volvo XC90 D5 SE Diesel 2010

I have recently obtained the vehicle. I was worried that moving from a BMW5 series 530D, I would be disappointed by the reduction in power, especially the torque in the lower gears. As a result I had a Polestar chip fitted uprating the engine to 205 BHP. This cost £700. Whilst the top and lower speeds are not really affected it does hit the mark in the ’mid-ways’. This also caused a problem with SAGA my insurers who wanted to charge a premium of £1500 with 60%NCD. Aviva came to the rescue with a more reasonable £480. I am only 1500 miles into the vehicle but as I do mostly motorway driving I do enjoy the higher driving postion and the very safe feeling one gets from the Volvo. I can also fill up the back with all sorts of music and PA equipment. I hope it lasts my three year contract.

Volvo XC90 Exec 2009

Bought my Volvo XC90 new six months ago, black D5 exec with running boards and dark tinted windows to rear, it cost 32k from internet supplier. Looks great, great handling due to 19" wheels and new firmer damping, the ride is a little harsh as a result. Never had a car that feels so safe and solid. Do not believe the mpg figures, in the real world is 23 mpg for shopping trips and school run and 30 mpg on motorway. This is with moderate driving. Every gadget I could wish for on exec model, bit of a bargain for 11.5k off list through drive the deal. Gets a lot of admiration as it is a real looker in this trim / colour. D5 performance is reasonable, feels faster than my Celica, which is supposedly quicker probably the D5’s torque Diesel audible but quite pleasant sound. No faults.

Responses to this review

Had my xc90 exec for 12 months - very reliable car which has a real feel good factor for the driver. Feels faster than performance figures suggest which may be down to the high torque and the fact you get a feeling of safety and security when pushing it hard. Must be said you tend to feel like king of the road when driving a large SUV with the high seating position combined with volvo safety. Nice roomy but car never used the third row of seats yet but a great way to transport loads of people and your stuff. Dont think this will be a cheap car to own, diesel consumption appears to be around 23 - 33 depending on how and where it is driven. But for me at least it is well worth the cost of buying and running this car. Must say I have never found a car with cheap tyres and frugal fuel consumption that I like to drive. verdict - nice car to own and drive which will transport you and 6 of your loved ones virtually anywhere you could reasonably wish to go in complete luxury and safety - Robert Radcliffe from Buckinghamshire

Volvo XC90 D5 Active Geartronic 2009

My wife and I had been looking at an XC90 around 3 years ago when she was 1st pregnant and at the time we just couldn’t get one for our budget of £25k. We decided to go for a BMW X3 2.0d se demo that was on offer and had plenty of toys (leather, privacy glass, h/seats etc). This car was faultless for the 2 1/2 years we had it having only 1 service with BMW (£190) in 28k miles and averaging 42mpg on short journeys. However it was coming up due a large service and 4 new tyres so I started looking again and visited Volvo to look at the XC60 and ended up buying a new XC90....got a 2010. MY This car is nicer to drive (although not as sporty its far more comfortable) and has great road prescence. As my wife is expecting our 2nd child it is going to be prefect as the boot is huge and the car has loads of nice wee family friendly touches. Its only done 2K miles since we got it and the only faults I would mention are : 1. I’m getting poor mileage - average 27mpg which I hope will improve in time as the engine gets run in. 2. A car this size should def have front parking sensors as standard. We ordered the car in fairly standard spec; Metallic paint, automatic and winter pack - that was really it, the standard spec is the same as an SE less full leather and alloy wheels are a wee bit smaller, add to the SE spec you get privacy glass and adaptive xenons; we are delighted so far. All of this plus 3 years servicing included for £24k; there was a 3 year old XC90 SE on the forecourt with 42k miles and it was the old D5 ( 163 ) and it was for sale for 21k, only 1 year warranty and no servicing ????? I think I can do without leather seats thanks. Ill keep you posted

Volvo XC90 D5 SE (185bhp manual gearbox) 2006

Bought new in March 2006 and now at 77,000 miles in Dec ’09. Twice yearly trips from Scotland to Austria otherwise rural roads and town driving. Luxury pan-euro cruiser at 100mph+ on autobahn commands respect from other road users. Never used snow chains in Alps or Scottish winters as AWD simply pulls car anywhere (fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow winter tyres). 29mpg town / 35mpg rural / 39mpg at steady 70mph UK motorway. £210 / band F road tax. Faults have been rear wheel bearing (known fault replaced with enhanced units by dealer under warranty) & drop links. Otherwise reliable. Servicing costs pricey but dealer is best ever experienced - washes, valets car and dresses tyres for even the smallest of vists - swaps summer / winter tyres at no cost. Load lugger, takes 7 passengers (rear seats comfy up to about 45min journey for adults), super safe, fantastic drive. Power just about matched to car but avoid pre-2006 D5 smaller units (162bhp). Great car but make sure you have the budget to continue servicing & ownership!

Responses to this review

I agree with David Blattman... Volvo`s rock - johncharlesohara@msn.com for more info - Chas O’Hara from Dumbartonshire

Volvo XC90 D5 SE Geartronic 2006

At present I am in a love-hate relationship with my April 2006 XC90. I bought it at 3100 miles as an ex-demonstrator. Mileage now 25785. It is mainly used for towing a 17 foot caravan and it is the best towcar I have had in 40 years of caravanning. Towing mileage so far 6034. The car had its annual service as usual in April 2009. At 24856 miles (957 miles after service including 205 miles towing) while towing it suddenly displayed "Anti-skid service required" followed by "Engine service required urgent" and then went into limp mode. The engine management symbol was on. The car was recovered by truck to the supplying dealer who diagnosed "injector for No 4 cylinder not seated fully into unit and after clearing codes and road testing found the engine management light and then discovered a signal wire detached from block connector/housing - not fully in block connector. Resecured & tighten (sic) wire cleared codes and road tested. Vehicle OK". Last week the same sequence occurred with caravan on tow and we had to be trucked home 130 miles. Mileage from first breakdown 929 including 230 miles of towing. By the time we got home and it came off the truck the management light had gone out and an hour or so after that the message about engine service had also gone out. After some persuasion the dealer collected the car by truck, having no difficulty driving the car up the ramps. Their finding is now awaited. The car has otherwise performed well and took us on 1493 miles of towing in Iberia in 2007 and 1617 in France last year without problems. In 2008 while solo away from home we had similar displays but no limping and another dealer to which I immediately took it said there was a recall outstanding which the supplying and servicing dealer had not told me about. Something to do with software I was told. I bought the car for retirement and long term ownership but am now wondering whether I have to review my decision.

Responses to this review

Richard, Just had EXACTLY the same problem! Refusing to pay the £1k the main dealer/Volvo Uk want to charge me for a complete new loom. Local mechanic attempting a ’fix’. Happy to report results. Good luck - Jeremy from Gloucestershire

At 67,000 miles my vehicle went into limp mode whilst driving solo at 50mph. A cam follower had failed resulting in a new volvo engine costing £6,500!! I also tow - a 26ft twin axle caravan and until now it has towed very well. However, with the new engine, after around 40 miles of towing the car goes into limp mode with the same message as you are getting. 3 times I have been recovered and still no solution although they now suspect the turbo unit is faulty - another £1000+!!! How much more is this car going to cost me?? Is it time let it go?? Stuart Albutt from Worcestershire

Volvo XC90 D5 SE 2004

I too have had a love hate relationship with my XC90. Bought 02/2007 for £19,800 with about 50k on the clock. I love the look and practicality of the vehicle and the fuel economy is very good when you compare it to its peers. I have just passed 80k and have had the following faults in the last 30k miles. (1) wheel bearing failure at 65k cost £200 (a common fault it seems), (2) turbo module sensor failure at 70k cost £120, (3) this is the big one, I noticed an intermittent knocking noise coming from the front soon followed by what sounded like transmission whine. It turns out that the Transfer Box / Angle Gear has disintegrated and this is going to cost £1,200 ouch! Having read various blogs on the internet etc, these always seem to fail around the 60-60k mark, so I should have been prepared for it. I have also got through a set of tyres as they were all new when I bought the car cost £450. Is 30k for a set of tyres good? I am a bit disappointed with these failures on what is supposed to be a prestige car, but when you hear some of the horror stories about Landrover Discovery’s I guess you get off lightly being an XC90 owner. So if you are going to own an XC90 out of warranty make sure that you drive a good bargain when you buy the car and put the money you saved in the bank ready for some expensive repairs along the way!

Responses to this review

My 2001 Volvo XC70 has done over 180,000 km in a variety of terrains in South Africa. Until December 2009 I had had no problems whatsoever with the transfer box angle gear. That is, until I replaced the two tyres on the front wheels. I had Michellin 215/65R 16 tyres on all four wheels, having done 45,000 km by November. The treads on the rear wheels were still fine but I replaced the front tyres with Continental "4x4 Contact" tyres of the same size. In December I travelled 1,000 km down to the coast and the angle gear failed, costing me over R16,000 to replace in East London. On my way back to Johannesburg the angle box again failed! When the Volvo agant in Johannesburg examined the car he claimed that the failures were due to a difference in tyre circumference from front to back of 50 mm! That equates to 16 mm on the diameter or 8 mm on the radius! If this is such a critical aspect of the tyres, why does Volvo not highlight it in the Owner’s Handbook? Chris Hughes from South Africa

The angle gear ("Haldex clutch") failure is due to differing tyre circumference. Common on all earlier model AWD Volvo’s, it’s due to the transmission misreading the rotational speed of the tyres and constantly connecting in and out the drive to the rear end Haldex clutches presently go from series 1 through 4. These problems were eliminated by the development of the series 3 clutch, which preloads the rear axle at all timewith no less than 5% of the drives. Pre ’06 vehicles have the series 2 or 1 unit and you have to move the front tyres to the rear and vice versa every 5 to 10000 km’s. By the way, I have a 2007 XC90 D5 geartronic exec and love it... Roger Allen from Sweden

Volvo XC90 2004

D5 SE all-wheel drive. Bought 2nd hand 2006 with 16k on the clock from a main agent. Fitted with the complete options list. All bells and whistles. Bargain. Recall for steering bushes inspection but all ok. Snag list some chrome strip coming away and the small speaker on the inside of the front passenger window window came off. All fixed free. Locking system went on strike for no reason which the agent fixed Now 35,229 miles. Very happy. Very comfortable. Fuel consumption on around and about local roads and town, 35 mpg (diesel). Motorway 45-48 at steady 60 mph. Drop it to average 50 mph and it will return 55 mpg. Have had six largish family plus luggage on board for 100 miles with only minor groans but they were distracted by movies on the seat screens. screens Regular servicing with main service at 12,600 and an oil/filter change at halfway. Good investment. No mechanical problems. Tyres have lasted 25,000 miles but then I do so before the regulations say and keep careful watch on pressures. Two had to be changed with deep cuts at 10,000 miles. Possible malicious. Excellent for long distance. Brake pads long lasting but I use Geartronic for braking mainly. One unhappiness is the rear brake discs rusting and having to be replaced. Watch out for changing down using Geartronic. It is possible to go to 1st at too high a speed and I suspect that will do the transmission no end of harm. Servicing is a bit pricey but you do get the feeling that is has been done well and servicing staff will answer your questions and provide explanations. Only problem. The Government VED bands that do not relate to real life.

Responses to this review

The 6000cd does not have aux in - Martin Jones from Essex

Volvo XC90 D5 Executive 2004

My wife had wanted an XC90 for some time and we finally got around to buying this one second hand, two years old, in March 2007. We both enjoy driving it, particularly the handling and the driver position, but have been disappointed by the lack of space - we have 3 grown-up kids - particularly with the two seats at the very rear, which would just about accommodate two young children comfortably. In the first row of rear seats we can only get two of ours in comfortably as a third in the middle inevitably ends up with his or her knees up under their chin. Running costs have been very high. So far in one year we have had to replace all 4 tyres, the two rear brake discs and now we have the start of what sounds like a failing wheel bearing in one of the front wheels (the rear wheel bearings had been replaced by the dealer before we bought it as part of a recall) and of course the warranty has just expired! There are a number of reports online both here in the UK and USA of XC90 wheel bearings failing at an alarming rate, which is VERY disappointing in a car of this supposed quality. Nothing associated with servicing or repairs has been anything but expensive, even going to a local independent garage. As much as we enjoy the car we are becoming increasingly concerned about the reliability and it is not what we would have expected from a high-end Volvo. My wife previously owned a V70 turbo which she ran for 8 years up to 85K miles without any real issues.

Volvo XC90 Se D5 2003

We have a love/hate relationship with our XC90. We love the build, reasonable fuel consumption, comfort and space. We have, however, been plagued with problems. The first and most serious was a complete engine and gear box melt down whilst driving in France. We were flabbergasted that a car of this calibre and cost should suffer such fundamental failure at 51,000 miles and less than 4 years old (just outside warranty - arghhh!) We have also recently had suspension bushes replaced and the drive shaft imploded last week at 60,000 miles! Is this normal? Volvo tell me ’well it is quite an old car’ Well our Audi is even older at 11 years and we have never (touch wood) experienced such major failures. Perhaps we are foolish but we do intend to buy a new XC90, we are hoping that we are just very unlucky and bought a ’Friday’ car. We have looked at alternatives and feel that there is nothing else out there that offers the same space and style. We have 3 young children and 2 dogs so appreciate the large boot and 7 seats. We will however ensure we sell before the warranty expires!

Responses to this review

You must be mad to buy another Volvo. The dealer kept on saying I had a serious oil leak from engine - estimate £2k (nothing wrong with it - just some oil oversplash from filling at service). On to my second gearbox at 90k, computer now totally collapsed, air bag failure notice etc. Sat-nav completely useless, goes through tyres at a rate of knots. Every time I get in it, I wonder if I am going to make my destination. Green Flag recovery almost on speed dial. On the plus side, it is comfortable but then so is the tow truck I spend most of my time in. JUST KEEP CLEAR OF VOLVO - Derek Price from Carmarthenshire

Volvo XC90 se d5 geartronic 2004

Excellant car would have got 5 stars except for recalls and part failures Wishbone replaced under recall. Wheel bearings collapsed at 20,000 miles (scary) Ignition lock failed on a car that is just over 3years old with just 28,000 miles done was told wear and tear .First time ever this has happened to me with nearly 30 years motoring behind me my 20 year old ford cortinas ignition lock never failed strange. interior trim falls to bits. Steering Rack failed at just over 3 years old and 26,000 miles was told pot holes would cause this god help me if i ever took it off road. this happened on my ford at 19 years old and 180,000 miles. TV/DVDs stopped working replaced under warrenty. fuel economy good for a big car 25 to 30 mpg

Volvo XC90 2007

My XC90’s ride quality is very soft and smooth. Visibility is good and the high seating position means it feels safe. The boot is massive, the fuel economy not too bad. As with all Volvo’s - it’s as safe as houses.

Volvo XC90 3.2 SE

The 7 seats makes this off-roader perfect form my extended family. Both the interior and the exterior are built to last and are built using quality materials. This a quality 4x4 and Volvo have got everything spot on. The steering column can be adjusted for comfort and the car offers a pleasant ride with the minimum of noise. The only reason I have not awarded the XC90 5 stars is due to the fuel economy which is not the best at arounf 20mpg.

Volvo XC90 D5 SE

Excellent quality, wonderful to drive. This car is fantastic on long journeys with the children and full of luggage.

Volvo XC90 Vovlo XC90 D5 SE

If you are looking for a family car with high comfort and that is exceptional to drive, look no further. This car is so well thought out I really can’t think of a single thing to mark it down. 10 out of 10, well done Volvo.