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Volvo XC90 SUV

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  • lejujulejuju Member Posts: 9
    Volvomax said:
    > As for the phone, the reason that there is no > Telematic or phone system for the XC90 is that > they are going to bring out a new system, GSM > based for 2004. "

    Are you talking for the US or for Europe as well? Per all the web sites I have seen, the 2002 Euro versions will already have the GSM phone option available. Do you mean that the GSM option will be available in the US in 2004?

    What about aluminium finish instead of wood? Wood looks really tacky to me :)? At this price range, it should at least be a choice...

    Do you know when the 2004 versions will be available in the US? There has been a rumor that it will be in May 2003 on this list. Any News?
  • gold49gold49 Member Posts: 23
    Had my first look at the XC90 today. Nice looking vehicle, and my wife fell in love. However, received a delivery date of March/April if I ordered this week. Hmmm....I've read in this space that '04's might make there debut sometime late spring/early summer. Does it make sense to wait the extra month or two?

    For that matter, with the luxury SUV market suddenly exploding, what type of deals could I get on other vehicles????

    Anyway, the SUV looks real nice. Have a test drive scheduled for later this week on the 2.5, and am looking forward to it.
  • rwolsonrwolson Member Posts: 1
    I just returned from the auto show in Boston and sat in two XC 90's.

    My impressions.
    Entry into the vehicle is lower than I expected. I climb in and out of an Explorer everyday and the Volvo is definitely easier to climb into. The driver's seat, very comfortable and firm. My feet felt a bit cramped, but I could not adjust the seat. Backseat room seemed good based on the sizes of guys climbing in and out.

    A griend of mine, who is 6'5" went with me. His knees hit the dash, but says he has a problem in all Volvos.

    The dash and console - strange, very strange! I'm not certain the intent when they designed the dash. Maybe someone watched too many Star Trek episodes.

    The second XC 90 I sat in had a wood finished steering wheel; why?

    Rear cargo door. Why did someone design a six inch lower tail gate? I suspect to keep things from rolling out. However, for totla flat access you need to pull up and drop the lower tailgate.

    Overall impressions, nice, very nice.

    However, price maybe a limiting factor. Both vehicles topped out at $42K; one a six cyl and the other a 2.5T.

    I'd love to drive one.
  • foghorn48foghorn48 Member Posts: 65
    Can anyone shed some light on how the AWD is operated? Is it a viscous coupling (like Subaru)? Dry or wet clutch pack? Torsen differential? Open differentials with traction control provided by the brakes? Some combo of the above? Thanks for any info.
  • kaitsukaitsu Member Posts: 41
    Our 1996 850 turbo wagon has 131,000 miles on it and there has been no problems with the turbo yet. Just a small oil leak from the turbo, which the local technician says is pretty normal and nothing to be concerned about.
  • zeckozecko Member Posts: 16
    foghorn48:
    This was from the current Dec02 issue (pg89) of Motor Trend on the 2003 SUV of the Year issue (the XC90):

    "The AWD is made up of three main parts: a hydraulic pump actuated by differences in speed between the front and rear axles, a wet multidisc clutch, and a control valve with feedback electronics. When both front and rear axles are rotating at the same speed, no pumping takes place. But if a speed differential occurs, the axles are progressively locked together, smoothly reducing the difference. This all wheeling setup also interacts with the vehicle's electronic traction and stability control systems to maximize thrust, control, and safety by braking a wheel that tries to spin."

    Hope that helps.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    1 The new GSM system is for the US.
    Aluminum is not an option on TDS as far as I can tell, we can always try to order one though.
    2 Availability, according to Volvo all of the cars in the intial allocation are pre-sold, many dealers, ourselves included have more deposits than we have cars coming. This will only get worse as the XC90 becomes available and people can see it and drive it.
    Given the numbers that they are planning to build the availability will probably be like the MDX and X5, limited.
    3. 2004. Rumor does have it that the 2004 version will be released in May. Don't look for many changes though.
  • sharonsharon Member Posts: 76
    I've been following this discussion for awhile. The lease on my current vehicle (ML320) is up at the end of next month. I've had a deposit on the Volvo since this summer, just to keep the car in the running. Today I drove both versions of the XC90. The dealer was great--gave me the keys, told me to take as much time as I want and sent me on my way.

    I liked it a lot. I was pleased with the amount of space between the 3rd row and the hatch--much more room than my ML. I hurt my hand sliding the second row seat back into place (was holding the handle and jammed my hand into the door pillar) so I'll have to take another look at that.

    I'm not certain what to do about the engine. I noticed that the engine of the T6 did a lot of reving at low speeds through town, which annoyed me. The 2.5 didn't. The dealer felt that the engine on the T6 wasn't properly tuned (or tweaked), so he gave it to service and said he'd call me once it's out so I can drive it again--but I'm worried that it's because of the 4-speed engine. But, I've never driven a turbo, so I'm not certain how the engine is supposed to sound. I wish they would offer the XC90 with a manual transmission--my 850 and my Explorer were manual.

    Is there a reason no one seems to be comparing the XC90 to the ML series? I noticed the steering on the XC90 was looser than on my ML320. The ride of the XC90 is much quieter on the highway than my ML. My ML has been a great car, but it would be nice to have something a little bit bigger. The ML handled beautifully in the snow; I'm hoping for the same with the XC90.

    I'm told third week of December for delivery (ordered the car a few weeks ago) but we'll see. I ordered the T6, but have a day or so to change my mind, which would mean a later delivery date.

    Sharon
  • tomjavatomjava Member Posts: 136
    Hi all,

    I drove XC90 at Alameda,CA event. IMO, T5 has better performance due to its 5 speed transmission.

    What do you think?

    I also compare XC90 with ML. ML is simply outdated, XC90 wins hand down.
  • skyslimitskyslimit Member Posts: 32
    You might want to post this on the "2.5T vs T6" board..

    most people seem to be leaning toward the 2.5T for better gas milage and less cost. When I test drove the T6 and 2.5, I felt the T6 had much better acceleration, the engine seemed much more quiet and it was just as smooth if not smoother than the 2.5T.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Here's the link to Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD vs T6 AWD

    Edmund's Keyword Search does not return anything for 2.5T or T6.

    Just a constructive criticism: adding XC90 or Volvo XC90 to the title would make it more specific that the XC90 is the vehicle that is being discussed in that board since it has the 2.5T and T6 engines.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Great idea! (no promises on "2.5t" showing in the search though!).

    Steve, Host
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Now the search engine finds the Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD vs T6 AWD board, if using keyword 'XC90'. I'm sure it'll start to get more traffic. :)

    While you're at it, can you please modify the title of this board, i.e. please remove the space between XC and 90? This would make all the XC90 boards consistent.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Man, you're full of good ideas today -- keep 'em coming. Someone pointed out that "Volkswagen" was misspelled in Vans the other day, and I've been staring at the title for 2 years without noticing! Thanks!

    Steve, Host
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Makes searches a lot easier.
  • aleksd1aleksd1 Member Posts: 37
    Does anyone have any info on XC90 reliability?
    Consumer Reports rates Volvo S80 as poor, I wonder if XC90 will not be reliable as well because it's loosely based on S80. Any thoughts?
  • xmf314xmf314 Member Posts: 154
    I drove the XC90 recently at the Volvo event here in Southern California. Although I agree with others on the board that the XC90 has some great features, the sloppy steering was a letdown for me. The T6 was the the worst, way too light and very numb and vague on center. It puzzles me why Volvo created such a great vehicle and then cursed it with such lousy steering.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    What is the cargo capacity behind the 2nd row seat (when it is in use, with the third row, if any, stowed away). I could only find cargo capacity with the 2nd+3rd rows folded on Volvo's site.

    Thank you.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    It seems that Volvo modified the Specifications Page located at XC90 Specifications and it does not indicate those figures. William, I'll check my brochure and let you know.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Not sure if everyone has seen the XC90 Accessories page but the XC90 has a ton of accessories. I hope that a reasonable retailer like what the MDX folks have (hondacuraworld.com) is sourced so that XC90 owners can get these accessories at more reasonable prices.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Behind second row w/ 3rd row folded is 43.3 cubic feet according to Volvo
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    All in all, the accessories seem to be priced fairly relative to what other manufacturers seem to charge.

    Front mud flaps were listed as an accessory. I assume that rear mud flaps are standard?

    Noticed there are running boards but no side steps yet. Though running boards probably are more in character with the vehicle. Should be a good look on a good-looking vehicle.
  • parmelabpparmelabp Member Posts: 1
    After weeks of research, I put my order in. My only 'bone of contention' was the Climate Control package should of been included in the Premium Package. By the time I added the PremP, CC, child seat, color, destination changes and Luxury/Sales taxes (8.9%!) where I'm at, I'm looking at 50K. My 83 Mercedes 240D had a good life (400K!) and is still a looker and will remain in the family. Hope my XC90 will be as reliable and easy to maintain and the 240D. Thanks for the accessory link!
  • foghorn48foghorn48 Member Posts: 65
    Thanks for the heads up on the AWD drive system. I hope for Volvo's sake that the clutch packs work better and are more reliable than the Jeep Grand Cherokee Quadra-drive system, which is very similar and has had horrific reliability issues. Has anyone here cross shopped the XC90 and the new Toyota 4runner? Anyone thinking of waiting till the VW Touareg is released for a comparison b/t it and the XC90? Just curious if I'm the only one.
  • ozcar1ozcar1 Member Posts: 8
    Info from http://swedespeed.com/


    The Motor Trend SUV of the Year episode featuring the XC90 is on the Speed Channel


    Saturday, November 9, 2002:

    4:00 pm EST

    3:00 pm CST

    1:00 pm PST


    Monday, November 11, 2002:

    4:30 pm EST

    3:30 pm CST

    1:30 pm PST


    Sunday, November 17, 2002:

    2:00 pm EST

    1:00 pm CST

    11 am PST


    Saturday, November 23, 2002:

    11:00 am EST

    10:00 am CST

    8:00 am PST

  • ozcar1ozcar1 Member Posts: 8
    fyi...on top of the SUV of the Year here in the US, the XC90 just won two awards in the UK:


    "...by scooping both '4X4/SUV' and 'Safety' awards in the IVehE¹ Motor Show Design Awards 2002 at the British International Motor"


    http://car.kak.net/print.php?sid=541

  • patrickg1patrickg1 Member Posts: 7
    I placed my order for a T6 with everything but the nav system on October 10. The dealer says the order was placed the same day. My dealer here in the Northwest says he is unable to give me a delivery date even tho they have called Volvo. He tells me the Volvo rep is showing up Friday and hopefully he'll have some info then. I mentioned the R.O. number (was it here or on Swedespeed I saw that suggestion) and the salesman went "Huh?" I asked about the SUV tax break and the salesman went "Huh?" Pretty much anything I ask the salesman goes "Huh?" Seems pretty lame when you're buying a $50,000 car. Is this typical? Doesn't every dealer have computer access to the production info? And, Volvomax, if you've read this, where does one get the manufacturer certificate regarding the gross weight for SUV tax break purposes? My salesman just says "Huh?"
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    As for dealer info, not every dealer shares info w/ their sales people.
    I do make it a point to make sure that our sales people have as much info as possible.
    Still, sometimes Volvo is at fault.
    They are on record telling us that the order dates in our reports are not necessarily accurate.
    So we are unable to say exactly when an XC90 would arrive at the dealer.
    Still, not all salespeople are created equal.
    My advice is to find someone who does know the answers to your questions. If necessary ask to speak with the sales manager, or the fleet manager or the internet manager.

    The GVWR certificate is part of the builders sticker found inside the door on the B pillar.
  • lenijlenij Member Posts: 18
    i just took a volvo xc90 2.5T AWD out from our dealership here for a test drive. although i was at first impressed with the looks and the features, however the ride and handling were not quite as impressive as i have expected. i could feel the turbo kicking in late for a good start from stop, and the engine seems to be working hard during acceleration,, maybe due to the small engine hp. since i've been doing a lot of driving up and down hilly terrain, i noticed my right foot got a little tired of pressing hard and deep on the gas pedal. in the highway, however, the vehicle behaves well, and is quite predictable and delivers soft and cushy ride. my kids complained about the ride being a little boring (it took us about half an hour of driving around town. the salesman was generous with me by letting me drive the vehicle for as long as i want). driving in the backroads delivers quite a bit of jolt and bumpiness, however i think this is normal with most if not all SUV's. there is a noticeable gap in the dashboard - it's probably for the digital read-out for the high-end sound system which the test car doesn't carry.
    i will try to drive the T6 the next time. maybe the bigger engine has smoother transmission and probably delivers quicker acceleration.
  • surfer454surfer454 Member Posts: 26
    I drove the new 4 Runner right before my first test drive in the XC90. I liked the Toyota except for those new guages and HVAC controls - too funky for my taste. I also thought the Volvo fit me better. If I wanted a real offroad truck I would get the Toyota.
  • gcmomogcmomo Member Posts: 3
    I have just driven a T6. Many of the negative comments I have read, I could not find on this test drive. I was allowed to drive the vehicle by myself, and had the car for a very nice long drive. One review said the windows had a "mind of there own". I simply found this not to be true. There were two positions on the switch and the windows acted as I felt they should have. The transmission shifted very clean in auto and in manual modes. When the car was accelerated from a stand still the transmission was very smooth and the gear changes were clean. Every thing on this vehicle was very nice. I consider this vehicle better than any other that I have driven to date, including the MDX, Mercedes, RX300, and the X5. I placed my order today.
  • ozcar1ozcar1 Member Posts: 8
    The latest Consumer Reports study confirms the results of JDPowers and others studies that indicate Volvo is in the top tier of quality.

    Consumer Reports today revealed that the Volvo S60, Volvo S70 and Volvo V70 XC Cross Country are all on the recommended list. All of these vehicles are on the same platform as the XC90.

    From CR "...Volvo unit continue to post solid gains in reliability, while the quality of recently redesigned models such as the 2002 Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima has fallen, an influential buying guide said Thursday."

    No Mercedes-Benz vehicle scored high enough to be recommended.

    The Consumer Reports study confirms the results of JD Powers which reported that Volvo is the highest ranked European car in quality and in the top 5 of all manufacturers.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    The video is pretty good as it was a bit more extensive in showing the interior of the XC90. The dialogue is in French, though.

    Turbo.fr XC90 Video
  • felizfeliz Member Posts: 32
    Thanks for the link. Did you notice the engine was a diesel?
  • a12a12 Member Posts: 14
    Drove a T5 today and I put a deposit down on a Crystal Green w/Taupe Leather T5 with:
    Prem. Pkg.
    Climate Pkg.
    Versatility Pkg.
    AWD
    17" Neptunes
    Couldn't use the X-Plan, but the dealer knocked off $300.
    Dealer tried to get it with the Xenons, but to no avail. (disappointing) According to the dealer, the car will begin to get built next week and should be here by 1/2/03. This car is awesome, drove very well and is definitely well deserving of all the awards that it has won. Hats off to Volvo on this one. Just wish I could have gotten the Xenons. I'm counting the days till delivery....
  • eaton3000eaton3000 Member Posts: 16
    Hi --

    Sorry for the stupid title, but I feel kinda stupid. I ordered almost the exact same car as a12 above on Tuesday Nov. 5. Didn't order fancy tires, did order Xenon's. Otherwise, exact same car (even color).

    But I'm told March or April. And they did accept my X plan.

    Am I going to get the car? Think the X plan will push me back as it cuts into dealer profits?

    In case it's relevant, I'm in Massachusetts.

    I DO LOVE THIS SUV. IT IS BEAUTIFUL. AND FUN.

    Thanks for any advice, thoughts, etc.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Wow! I think you're the first one to get X-Plan on the XC90, marvelous. Would you mind sharing the numbers with me -- you can send me an email if it's to your liking.

    How was the X-Plan price structured? Invoice + a certain % or is it below invoice? A dealer, who is bit of a drive from me, says they will take X-Plan if Volvo allows but only on an ordered vehicle. I guess Volvo allows, but dependent on dealer participation? Anyway, details would be appreciated. Thanks.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Yeah, I did notice it was the common rail diesel D5.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Uhhmmm...you probably meant 2.5T or T6. The T5 is not offered on the XC90.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    From the Ford partner X-Plan site (requires username/password, so just I copied and pasted):
    "Super Duty F450-F750, Thunderbird, Volvo XC90, Range Rover and Aston Martin vehicles are not covered by this program. Exclusions are subject to change."

    It seems the XC90 is not available via X-Plan at this time, so I'm not sure how your dealer will be able to complete the sale without factory authorization.

    Anyway, I'd still be interested in your X-Plan numbers. I'll just keep an eye out on when the exclusion is lifted.
  • eaton3000eaton3000 Member Posts: 16
    RATS!! I just checked and you are correct. I think the reason I seemed to get away with this is that the salesman I was dealing with recently changed over from Toyota, so is likely unfamiliar with X plan (as, admittedly, am I).

    Now, what would you do if you were me? Hope against hope? Or call up and rectify the error so that it doesn't hold things up? In other words, I'd hate to hear in March that I need to re-enter the queue at the end because of this.

    Thanks in advance.
  • a12a12 Member Posts: 14
    Thanks for pointing that out, I meant to say 2.5T. I must have been to excited when I posted.
  • a12a12 Member Posts: 14
    You may be able to get the car sooner, if you forfeit the Xenon's, but it probably all depends on the dealer and what cars they have allocated. I was able to customize one of the XC90's that my dealer had allocated, except for the Xenon's. Oh well, maybe I can do something with aftermarkets, if they have them for the XC90.
  • rlindenrlinden Member Posts: 2
    Had a chance to drive the 2.5 and the T6 today, though it was rainy in S. CA, and brief drives at the dealer. We are thinking of the 2.5 FWD with the 7 seats, primarily for city driving. Some questions are - I had a bad experience years ago with the silver paint on a 242turbo. Is there any problems with fading, etc with this color still? Has anyone driven the 2.5 with the 7 seats, and is the extra weight ok with this engine? Is the difference between 16 and 17 inch wheels in the driving, or mainly cosmetic? And has anyone had success in getting the brushed aluminum rather than the plastic wood (plood) for the interior? Thanks for any advice.
  • eaton3000eaton3000 Member Posts: 16
    Okay - I admit I'm not a car buff. But really this whole XC 90 thing has gotten me totally confused.

    If the dealer takes my order for Xenon's without saying anything, how am I to interpret this? That it will arrive in March/April without trouble or that it will maybe arrive later? I admit this is sort of an academic exercise as the XC 90 is what I want and I find the Xenon's extremely attractive based on my research. But I am curious.

    Additionally, what is everyone doing re: follow up? Laying low till March? Calling weekly? Calling in February?

    Thanks to all who respond......
  • sleepless2sleepless2 Member Posts: 28
    Don't feel like you are alone. There is so much confusion and dis information that it's hard to know what is what. Our car is on the boat (for supposed delivery (maybe?) in mid to late December)and it was ordered with Xenons. The dealer has had no information from the factory regarding whether any of the first shipment is as ordered or not. I guess we'll know when it gets here. I can't give Volvo high marks for this roll-out. Nobody really knows anything...and if they do then they aren't talking! Yannis at Grecian Volvo over on Swedespeed.com is willing to answer questions based on his knowledge. You might try asking over there. Personally I'm trying hard not to get stressed about it.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    chances of a car arriving in Dec w/ Xenons is almost nil.
    If xenons are ordered now the car will arrive with them. It would probably arrive in Feb or March.
    The dealer can track the order status as well as equipment status. Volvo can bump equipment from a car if they don't have the parts.
    X-plan, not available for the XC90. Shouldn't mess you up eaton, I'm sure the sales manager knows that the car isn't eligible, you'll get your car you'll just pay the same as everyone else.
    Paint, Volvo paint has improved immensely over the decades since the 242.
    Volvo has one of the thickest paint jobs in the industry. Wax the car like your supposed to and it will last.
    Finally, I agree that Volvo has not handled this lauch well. Fact is they never do.
    We dealers have to muddle thru as best as we can in the face of incomplete or contradictory info from Volvo.
  • eaton3000eaton3000 Member Posts: 16
    Thanks for your responses. It's good to know that it's them, not me...

    Volvomax, as a dealer can you explain to me how this works from a dealer's perspective? What (theoretically of course) happened to my order after my salesman wrote it up? Did he contact the Volvo factory that day and tell them what I wanted built? Or does a dealer to wait until the next month (or the next or the next) when it has freed up allocation? What is this dealer allocation concept anyway?

    Also, if a car is ordered a certain way (e.g., with Xenons) and it arrives different (without) and the customer says "no" does the customer have to start over at square one?

    Thanks in advance, and thanks for your previous replies.
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    Got to go to the Volvo Event in Alameda, CA a few weeks ago and enjoyed how much effort they put into showing off the XC90. Had three courses to drive, one with professional drivers and three passengers doing the European Moose Test and then two others with chance to personally drive either the 2.5T or the 6T. The Moose Test is 50 mph into a dead end with sharp lane change not allowing an early escape due to cones blocking exit. Stability control allowed driver to keep the foot on the gas through whole maneuver while pointing out that the system took care of braking without driver input. They did this with 3 passengers in each unit even children, and it was not a simple lane change, if you didn't watch out you could have taken a good head knock on the door jam, you were warned to hang on.
    The other two chances to drive were in the T6 doing a 0 to 70 to 0 and then a slalom to get the feel for the car. The other was in the 2.5T on a slower speed course with wet start and lane change and then sand for slow speed kick in of the stability/roll control.
    I'm not in the market currently but will be sure to watch how this model holds up in the market. Reading the past 60 or so posts I noted one comment about the mini tail gate. They pointed out that 1. you could sit on it with upper gate open for shade or to keep light rain off and 2. you could close upper gate and stand on the mini gate to access the roof rack.
    I didn't go back real far but surprised that there are no comments on the stability/roll control which Volvo seems to think is the most unique feature of the vehicle, it is a first the way it is implemented and the moose test would make many believers.
    I will also mention a comment made in a small group before the general presentation. One represenative from Volvo mentioned that they were mostly building 6 cyl models due to early orders and getting a 2.5T might take a wait.

    Link to another review:

    http://www.bayarea.com/mld/bayarea/classifieds/automotive/4472844.htm
  • ozcar1ozcar1 Member Posts: 8
    "The Volvo XC90 ran away with top honors as Overall Winner at the 2002 Northwest SUV of the Year event. " XC90 won boths its price class plus won the overall category.


    Under $25,000 Kia Sorento

    $25,001 - $35,000 Toyota 4Runner

    $35,001 - $45,000 Volvo XC90

    More than $45,000 Land Rover Range Rover

    Best Value Kia Sorento


    Overall Winner Volvo XC90


    http://autos.msn.com/advice/windowshop.aspx?contentid=4021410&src=volvo

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