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> 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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Steve, Host
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.
Steve, Host
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?
Thank you.
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.
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
"...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
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.
i will try to drive the T6 the next time. maybe the bigger engine has smoother transmission and probably delivers quicker acceleration.
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.
Turbo.fr XC90 Video
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....
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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......
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.
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.
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
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