Volvo XC90 SUV

rkuehn

Can you clarify on the XM radio... are you stating that it will be available or asking? Agree it would be nice, though I think Ford owns a stake in Sirius, XM's competitor...

nuc1111

I was asking about availability of Satellite radio in volvo- your are correct about Ford is aligned with Sirius but the bankrupcy of Sirius seems more likely than not so I would not pay $300 more for a Sirius radio. I believe XM will
survire and once youve had satellite radio, you wont go back if you spend any time driving or live on areas of limited radio choice. This satellite are in one where GM and a few others are going to make some inroads on BMW<Mercedes< Lexus etc Having great fidelity is not so great if the content stinks!

zecko

Can I ask which dealership you ordered from? Province? I put down a deposit in early October and was told my car won't arrive until late April/early May. As well, since I missed the end of September cutoff - I don't qualify for the $1000 accessory bonus that gmark2000 got. Like you said, I think it is irresponsible to place cars in airports when they can fulfil an order in 6 months.

suvdriver1

I bought my Volvo in Mississauga, Ontario from Erin Mills Volvo - The day I ordered it the dealer said he would put the order in. Several of my friends have had the same experience as you - their dealer told them whne the put down their deposit that they won't be putting the order in for a month or two as they have a quota? Anyhow certainly wasn't my experience - I have to say that I already have an S80 from the same dealer so maybe they did their best to accomdate me ? dunno, just thankful to be getting rid of my piece of junk Durango

imfookie

Well, My XC90 Suppose to arrive in Newark Ship Port this monday. I was told to come in on monday to do the paperwork. My only concern is that a lot of people seem have gotten alot of headaches from volvo dealer who don't get there way. My dealer told me to come in to discuss financing matter. I was afraid to tell him I have already gotten financing from a company(Edmund Recommended)that is giving me up to $45,000 at 4.89% interest. Some People are telling me that if I don't go with volvo financing, they might give my car to someone who will, since the car is in such high demand. Am I being paranoid ? I am considering telling my dealer that I am willing to go with them up 5.5% APR

comp

Let's not forget we are paying MSRP for this car. I cannot imagine any dealer giving a car away because you finance elsewhere. They get their cut, that is all they want. Go down there and hand them a check...that is all they want. We all need to enjoy the experience... I think we dream up possible ways of things going bad and get worked up for nothing. I have found Volvo dealers to be the most professional and courteous of any make that I have experienced. Give them some credit.

sleepless2

Folks, If you own an XC90 and find that the FM Reception on the radio is not good, then please let your dealer or Volvo know. Volvo appears to know of the issue but apparently doesn't look at it as problem. You know how manufacturers are, unless they hear enough complaints, they won't address it as a problem. Even if you only listen to AM or play CDs, a mediocre antenna is not what $40k should buy. You can e-mail at customerservice@volvocars.com.

i_yellow

I agree that the FM reception is terrible! I brought my car in for a jammed CD player (new stereo on order) and I asked them to check out the reception. The mechanic just flipped through several stations using the search function and of course found only clear signals. The search function actually skips the stations I used to listen to in my other cars (with perfect clarity).

My loaner car was a brand new V70 and it had similar poor reception. I think the new Volvo antennae may not be up to par. My 1998 S70 with a mast antenna gets much better reception. I will have them check it out again with specific frequencies, probably to no avail, when I bring it back in.

zecko

Thanks for the info!

byebyeminivan

I have the opportunity to get a demo 2.5T with less than 500 miles on it within the next few weeks. Is this a good idea, or should I just plan to order one and wait until May? How much abuse does a demo get? The dealer has convinced me that the vehicle is as good as new. The warranty will start with the mileage at purchase so there isn't any problem there. A VERY slight adjustment in price will be made. I would rather wait if the reliability is compromised. Several friends say that I am crazy to get a demo without a big cut in price, while others tell me that 400 to 500 miles isn't anything to worry about. What's a worrier to do??

sbcooke

If you are a worrier, and possibly an OCD I would consider waiting. They probably won't cut the price...with the MDX they were offering Demo's at higher prices due to immediate delivery. If there is a price break then you should be able to feel better about it, if there is no price break and you don't NEED a new car...I would wait.

i_yellow

My wife is hauling kids on a field trip today, so I had to put a third car seat in last night. I thought I'd have to open up the third row, but all three Britax Roundabouts fit in the second row side-by-side (middle seat was not pulled forward for staggering them) with about 1.5" to spare! Two were forward facing and one rear facing, though I think that didn't matter. I don't know what we were all so worried about.

imfookie

I just want to share my experience trying to get a XC90. On Nov.18, I placed an order for a 2.5T.
The salesman calls me saying, It will arrive 2nd week Feb. I went feb 10, Sign all forms , got financing done. He tells me my car will be ready feb 13, he went to get my VIN. The car description he gave was totally different from what I had ordered, he them realize that the name next to the VIN was not me. He couldn't find my name in any printout anywhere. They try to blame the factory but I personally suspect that the salesguy just forgot to put my order in and then later got me confused with another customer.
MORAL OF THE STORY- MAKE SURE YOUR DEALER HAVE U IN THERE COMPUTER. TRY TO SEE ACTUAL ORDER PRINTOUTS WITH YOUR NAME AND VEHICLE DESCRIPTION.
The sales manager said he will call me in few days to see what he can do. In Limbo, rightnow.
Still want the car but considering just getting my deposit back and getting something else. If he puts the order in now , i won't get it till june/july. 8 month wait.

jjnewvolvofan

I placed my deposit in October for a xc90. I ordered the packages that got me heated seats, third row, xenon headlights, 18 inch tires, about everthing except nav, and dealer installed dvd. The dealer was pretty cool about selling me the unit at msrp for the base and giving me the packages at their cost. (It save me about $800 bucks) I have to say that the more I drove this thing today, the more excited I got. The acceleration is smooth, ride is exceptional, I have got to say that I am really glad I didn't opt for the MDX (local dealer was working with me pretty well MDX MSRP 38,800 they were going to take $800 off, and give me $500 more on my trade than Volvo. I am a small business owner and am looking forward to the tax loophole for vehicles with the 6000 lb gross weight - mine comes in at 6080lbs!!! can you say business expense write off! Thanks to everyone on this site, I looked at it quite often to make sure I was buying a quality product. I think that I did.

gmark2000

From Autospies:





Previously posted on Swedespeed.com.

chowr

I am currently researching the XC90 to possibly replace my X5 once the lease is up. Main reason is that I need 7 seats. I'd like to know from those who have the navigation what are your thoughts about it? I'm very familiar with the Acura MDX nav -- can anyone comment on the Xc90 nav vs. the MDX one?

volvomax

What you found was pics of the ACC, or Activity Concept Car, the predecessor to the XC90.

londonfin

I'm on a waiting list to order a 2004 when allotment is available. Does anyone know specs/changes yet? Will On Call Plus be available? I'm told May/June delivery. Does that sound correct?
Thanks.

crikey

That's what I had thought. So, I guess there won't be an XC50?

volvomax

Latest info is that there will be.
Its an on again off again thing.

nwchurch

This is my first post although I've been following it since early December. We have been Peugeot drivers forever and have been trying to find a wagon comparable to the Peugeot 505 SW8.(still have 3 of them). The SW8 is 8 passanger; stadium style seating, forward facing third seat, lots of luggage room behind third. Volvo wagons are too small, didn't want a minivan and didn't want a truck based SUV. Looked at Honda Pilot, Accura MDX and XC 90. Of the three, XC 90 had most room in third seat and most room behind third seat.(but not as much as the Peugeot in either catagory) We ordered the T5 late Jan. with versatility, climate, nautic blue. Hope to get it in April. I am curious that now that a bunch of you have had your T5's and T6's for a few weeks/months, how is the gas milage? Haven't seen any thing posted for a while. Thanks!

stul

I just picked up my 2.5T last night, and I made every excuse I could to get out and drive it today .

Great vehicle and loving it so far!

But the installation of the rearview mirror is a little strange. Not that I'm complaining, as I have had rearview mirrors break off on other cars. That will not happen with the XC90.

Has anyone tried putting an EZ-Pass tag behind the rearview mirror? There is a layer of black film behind the mirror where the tag is supposed to be installed, not sure what the film is made of. But I'm worried it may block the the reading of the EZPass at the turnpike and bridge tolls. Anyone else using EZ-Pass who has the XC90?

rollie

stul, unless it's changed for 2003, that's the same black stuff that's been behind the rear view mirror of Volvos since about 1999 or so. I've got transponders located under this stuff in my 99' T6 and '01 V70 T5. I have no problem with the transponders here in Southern California and had no problem with EZPass on the T6 when I used to regularly transit between New Jersey and Boston. I don't think you'll have a problem in the XC90.

Good luck.

-rollie

lenij

my experience with my xc90 was also not a good one. i actually placed $1000 deposit for the xc90, way back in sept. the salesman at the dealership first promised me an early november delivery. i said great! later on he called me that it will be in by the last week of november. november went by and no word on the xc90. december came and still no volvo. then he said it will be in by the 3rd week of december just on or after christmas. at the end of december still no volvo. then i called to inquire about it and he said it will definitely be in early january. well, i have enough of all these promises so i told him to "forget about it". i called an mdx dealership in springfield, nj. right away i was told there were 2 vehicles available in their lot. when i went to their delarship, i found a fully loaded mdx with touring and navigation. i immediately went for it and now i am driving this truly amazing suv, complete with a dvd entertainment system.
back to my $1000 deposit: the salesman said i won't be able to get it back until the vehicle sells (which he said came in jan. 3rd). so what i did was write him a letter demanding my money back or else i'll take all legal means to pursue my case. with a copy furnished to volvo of north america and asa aarons of nbc, my deposit money was finally credited back (after 4 1/2 months!). moral of the story: don't expect easy return on your money if you decide to put a deposit on your future suv. who said good things will come to those who wait? certainly not me!

comparing both xc90 and mdx (of which i test-drove the xc90 earlier on both 2.5 and t6), here's my analysis:
* both have equally the same capability as 4wd.
* mdx has lots of power with 260 hp, and accelerating is easy on your foot. with the xc90, you need to floor the pedal before power picks up, specially going uphill with a 2.5t.
* steering is very light on the xc90 (tends to oversteer when turning). the mdx has just the right steering feel and effort when you are behind the wheel.
* entry to 3rd row seat is easier on the xc90, which can be accessed on both sides.
* xc90 has a big "hump" on the floor of 2nd row seats. very uncomfortable for the person sitting in the middle.
* the xc90 has the boron steel roof, side curtain airbags and roll-over stability, which the mdx doesn't carry. however, mdx's wide stance renders it virtually improbable to roll over, unless hit hard on the side by another oncoming, fast-moving vehicle.
* a 2.5t xc90 with premium, climate, versatility package without navigation is almost the same price as a fully loaded mdx touring/navigation with voice recognition. of course, a t6 with all options are thousands over and above the mdx.
* for backing, the mdx has the rear-view camera and tilting pasenger mirror which the xc90 doesn't have.
* the 17"-wheels are standard on the mdx, which is an option on the xc90.
* the mdx is backed by honda/acura reliability and customer satisfaction. however, volvo's reputation on newly-released vehicles is still a big question mark. the issue on the s-80's problems still lingers until now.
* bottom line, if you want safety, your best choice for the suv is the xc90. if you want more features coupled with reliability, then your best bet is the mdx.

sharon

I'm also in NJ, but I had no problems getting my deposit back. In April I put deposits down at two dealerships in NJ. My ML320 lease was up at the end of December, and I knew that if I didn't get my name on a list early, I'd be out of luck if I decided I liked the XC90. I wasn't sure which dealership I wanted to deal with.

I decided to go with the Summit dealership because it is closer, so I dropped the contract in East Hanover in December. I received my deposit check three days later, no questions asked. When I went to pick up my car in Summit, I discovered that the salesman never even ran my card for the deposit.

Glad you are finally happy. I love my XC90.

shap1

We've had our 2.5T since Dec. 31 and already a portion of the roof rail has fallen off. Parts were forever falling off of my V70, too. We called the service dept. hoping to simply order the missing part over the phone. What resistance we were met with! They wanted us to schedule a service appointment just to order the part. Finally convinced them to order via phone. Volvo needs to work on the falling parts problem.

eaton3000

NWCHURCH - 16.7 mpg cumulatively since pick up on December 24. Snowy hilly intown conditions with an occasional 150 mile ride. T2.5.

Stul - Mounted my EZ Pass transponder somewhat low (ie close to clear windshiel) on the "black stuff" as I had the same concerns. Seems fine, although if I read rollie's message correctly you may want to ignore the black stuff (I'd rather my Ez pass be somewhat higher).

Lenij - I really know pretty much nothing on this subject, but a friend of mine who used to work at a Honda dealership told me they can't keep your deposit. No matter what. Seems counterintuitive but my guess is you need not worry and may want to learn from better informed people (than I) about what your rights are and then enforce them.

Good luck.

wmquan

Ouch. May we ask what part of the rail has come off, and how? Does it look like a bolt has come loose?

lenij

i should have been driving the xc90 by now, and not the mdx, if not for the continued delay of promised delivery by the dealer. had i gone with the dealership in hasbrouck heights (who promised to deliver the xc90 to my house), i would be driving the xc90 around town by now. of note: the salesman/owner of this dealership promised to return my deposit "with no questions ask" if i decide not to take the vehicle by virtue of my "right of refusal". for some reason, i made the test drive in montclair, and the rest is history. so there you go, one dealer might be totally different from the other (or is it the salesman?). anyway, my lease with my infiniti will be over within 12 months, and i saw that beautiful xc50 which i thought would be a good replacement.
i just tested my mdx today by driving it in over 12" of fresh, unplowed snow in the backroads (the blizzard of '03!) and it behaved predictably with little slippage and body sway. i could feel the 4 wheels working their way to get through and over the soft snow. i did most of my driving in 3rd gear. i'm sure the xc90 will exhibit the same traits and characteristics.

imfookie

oh man! I hope I don't get the same run around like you. I had order a xc90 in November and was told to come in 2nd week feb., came in got financing all done, when they went to get my VIN. They couldn't find my name anywhere. They gave me this BS excuse saying the factory had made my XC90 with no NAV.system and in Ash Gold, which happens to be the model sitting in the showroom. I think they just forgot to put my order in. The sales manager said he will see what he can do, that was a week ago and no phone call. I was going to get deposit back tomorrow, now I'm wondering are they going to give me the run around.

snowgirl

I am ordering my 2004 T6 XC90 this week. They are saying any production after 4/12 will be 2004. There are no changes for the 04 except a different white paint. I was hoping for heated back seats. For those of you that have the T6, what type of gas do you use?

volvomax

Ice white replaces regular white.
Aluminum trim is available in place of the wood trim.
The wood wheel is a stand alone option, no longer part of the T6 premium pkg.
17" wheels are standard on both models, 18" wheels are available as a factory option for both models.
No On-Call plus as of yet, no other changes.

As for the deposit debate it pains me that there are some incompetant or careless dealers out there.We take great pains to return deposits promptly and to insure that the proper cars are ordered for our customers.
I'm sure that the majority of dealers are also doing the right things, but a couple of bad apples are giving us a black eye.

londonfin

Any idea on when On-Call Plus would be available? Is there a set date when 2004 items become finalized? Could it yet appear?
Thanks.

imfookie

well, I went to get my deposit, The sales manager told me that if I stick with it. He will put me first in his allocation of 2004 model to be delivered in may. He promised that he will personally take care of my order and told me to expect a suprise when I get my car. Free accessories?? to be continue.......

stever

With the economy like it is, I think most dealers are hurting for sales. By keeping your deposit, your dealer is "taking you out of the market."

Depending on what the freebie is and how they are treating you, it may be worth it. If you don't have to buy today, that's a big hammer to hold over any dealer.

Steve, Host

volvomax

With Volvo equipment changes are never finalized.
They can always add or delete items at any time.
However, no one is syaing anything about On-Call plus for the XC90.
Volvo is working on a next generation system for the car, which is why On-Call isn't currently available.

rbirns1

I like the current XC90 in white. How will Ice White be different? Also, will it be an extra charge color (metallic paint)?

rkuehn

Anybody heard anything about satellite radio in the XC90? I'd settle for factory or dealer-installed...

volvomax

Ice white is supposed to be a brighter white, non-metallic.
We don't have a color sample as of yet.
Volvo is not currently offering satellite radio for their cars.
If you want it you'll have to go aftermarket.

ambaer

I just ordered my '04 2.5T and was able to get the aluminum trim package on the interior like the European cars have - not sure how much it is going to cost us though. We were also finally able order front wheel drive too. We got an estimated delivery date of May 1. We have been on the dealership list for a long time though but have been waiting to be able to order the front wheel drive. No word yet on changes in pricing though.

mirage00

I thought front weel drive was just about the same prices as AWD

prelude1997

considering how your dealer is, I'd get in writing what exactly this little "surprise" is before agreeing to wait any longer. Until recently, I was sure that the XC90 was going to be my next purchase, but now, with the v70R coming out with more power and less money. hummm.....

cjo87

I've seen several postings on the Honda Pilot string regarding the vehicle's handling in snow. How are you XC90 owners doing with the recent snowfall?

stever

The Evolution of SUV Safety (Washington Post)

Steve, Host

jqhb

Put my deposit down in September, didn't think it would arrive until March. I got just what I wanted plus navigation which I'm happy about. It's a T6, crystal green, premium, versatility, climate, reverse warning (recommend this feature - I'm still adjusting but think it's hard to see out of the back, plus I have little kids around), and navigation. I absolutely love it. Definitely worth the wait! Paid MSRP. Sticker had some "savings" on packages noted. Also, a note about the integrated booster seat upholstery. I don't know if they've corrected it yet, but on volvocars.com the price is wrong for these items. I got them at volvoaccessories.com for $49.50 for head cushion and $109.80 for upholstery. That's a bit discounted from regular price that you'd pay at dealer. Shipping was free because order was over $80. Happy driving!

imfookie

What is your impression of crystal green. I went from crystal green to silver and back to crystal green while waiting for my car. I'm still not really sure. I really like the color but my wife thinks is to feminine for a guy to drive around in that color.

soreloserman

I'm with your wife, the c-green is a chick color. Can't go wrong with silver and nothing looks better than a black car (when clean!). Also the black reeks of testosterone.:)

jqhb

I really like the crystal green. I almost ended up with silver, but am glad I held out. It's not so far off from silver, but "different." I asked my husband, who's very manly, and he doesn't really think it's feminine. It's not a real minty green. It looks very silver in some lights, more light green in some lights, and even khaki-ish in other lights. Also, I think the taupe interior looks better with the green than with the silver (I didn't want graphite leather in the silver because of the heat here in AZ.) Good luck with your decision!

sharon

I have the crystal green and I'm sorry. Not because I don't like the color (it's very nice) but because it is getting too darn popular.

I was hoping it wouldn't be so popular. I had a silver ML320 before this. Just about every ML I saw on the road was silver, also. Sigh. Now I wish I had bought the red.

Sharon

mulligan2

Anyone who has driven these two vehicles back-to-back , what is your assessment?