Volvo Xc90 Estate 2002-2006

The Volvo XC90 is one of the leaders in the leisure 4x4 sector. Despite its massive price tag its always been a popular vehicle, and in 2005 it was the best selling Volvo model surpassing the sedans by a good margin. The main XC90’s main competitor is the BMW X5 and where the Volvo is comparable in performance and quality, it betters the German SUV in safety and cabin space.

Pros and Cons:

• Spacious cabin with 7 seats
  A huge boot compartment
  Superb safety features

• Very expensive to buy and to keep
  It’s not a serious 4x4
  Thirsty engines

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Exterior and Interior

The car was built on the Volvo S80 platform and apart from a common floorpan, it also shares certain design elements with the luxury sedan. The front end and the rear lamps on both S80 and XC90 are clearly drawn by the same designer.

Although compared to the BMW X5, the Volvo’s wheel base is only 1 and 3/4 inches longer, the XC90 has an appearance of a much bigger car. It looks solid and it means business. The interior is built to a high quality and all things have been well put together. The cabin is very spacious and there is plenty of space for 7 passengers (the rear row of seats is very narrow and mainly good for children only). With all seats in an upright position, there’s very little boot space left, but in its maximum configuration with all seats down, the cargo compartment increases to 2400 litres, almost a thousand more than in an X5.

The Volvo 4x4 is a very practical vehicle with a high level of equipment. There’s no compromise when it comes to safety and the XC90 consistently receives top rating in various crash tests. Apart from all the usual airbags, there are full-length curtain airbags and side airbags.

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Engines

The most unusual engine in the Volvo XC90 range is the large 4.4-litre V8 310bhp petrol engine designed by Yamaha. It’s nothing like the bike engines they used to make! The more common range includes: 2.5-litre 210bhp, 2.9-litre 272bhp and 3.2-litre 234bhp petrol engines and a 2.4-litre turbo diesel with 163bhp.

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Performance and Economy

Considering that the Volvo XC90 is a leisure 4x4 and the real off-road conditions are too hard for it, several of its engines might be overpowered. Tactically, however, it is a step to keep in touch with similar models of other European manufacturers. The V8 Yamaha engine is a great powerplant, it allows the car to accelerate to 60mph in around 7 seconds, but the fuel consumption is very high hardly managing 20mpg.

The other petrol engines are not much better with fuel economy. The smallest 2.5-litre unit delivers around 25mpg, but only at optimum conditions. A diesel XC90 can manage around 30mpg and thanks to the high torque output, the diesel offers good dynamic characteristics. Acceleration is not great, though at 12 seconds to 60mph.

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What it's like to Drive

The driving position is comfortable and high. It’s just like your sitting in a proper 4x4, the only exception that it is not a real 4x4 car. Despite its impressive dimensions and powerful engines, it was never designed to attempt serious off-road conditions. Thanks to its high road clearance, the XC90 will manage muddy roads where smaller vehicles would simply stick, however, you shouldn’t try to follow the real off-roaders in their adventures – the car might get damaged.

It’s better left for cities and highways, smooth roads will give you the most joy driving an XC90. It’s got soft and comfortable suspension, maybe even too soft. High-speed corners can get the body rolling, although the roll is not too bad. Driving an XC90 is a positive experience. It’s a fast and comfortable car with an excellent safety record.

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Faults and Repairs

The XC90’s off-road gear is rather fragile so when buying a used Volvo XC90, you have to check the suspension. The big Volvo can be diagnosed by listening to the noises and rattles. It’s important to buy the best XC90 with the least mileage that you can possibly afford because the servicing costs are quite high.

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