Volvo XC90 SUV

wmquan

http://www.euroncap.com/details.php3?id=car_160_2003

EuroNCAP's offset crash tests are more stringent than the IIHS offset tests (which the XC90 proved to best-of-class in). The XC90 did very well in the EuroNCAP testing.

kaitsu

kbpa,

Try Gwinnett Volvo in Duluth. They have a sale today (Saturday) only until 7 p.m. All XC90's on the lot are discounted $2,000. There were 5 XC90's when I visited them this morning, two 2.5T (Ruby Red and White)and three T6's (two Silver and one Ashgold).

The catch is that you have to buy the cars with the "styling package", i.e. X-bars, running boards and skid plate. These are priced at $2875, so in essence you get the styling package fo $875 after the discount.

As I personally dislike the running boards on the XC90 and have no use for the X-bars, no new XC90 in our garage...yet

schuhc

Uvahoo:

I had a similar problem with my C70 a year ago. I took it in and the dealer switched out (and I'm going to get real technical here so bear with me)...

That plastic button thingy on the shifter panel. Shift lock button?

Anyway they opened that up, replaced the button and I've been sorted since. Don't know if that helps.

cheapskate7

As a follow up of my own unanswered inquiry [#1739], the standard interior has a two toned effect with vinyl and fabric in taupe as pictured nicely [incorrectly labeled I think] on page 38 of the slick '04 XC90 advertising booklet. The middle seat 2nd row is vinyl covered. The tailoring is excellent with the durability to be determined, of course. The standard model has no moon roof [to leak] nor CD changer [for stuck discs]. The dollars saved can help pay for license fees which triple Oct 1 in CA.
The dealer says a parking brake modification and radio software adjustment were made at port of entry. He also said a recent service bulletin recommends synthetic blend motor oil changes at 7500 mile intervals.

I'll pick up the car when I find the money to pay for it. It is the 5th new Volvo I have purchased over the years. One last thought. I wish I had ordered a factory installed backup warning system.

mzoey323

Has anyone heard of the official release date for the Volvo DVD entertainment system? Has anyone installed an after market system yet?
Thanks!

cotmc

We almost purchased a standard XC90 (priced at $35.5K) this weekend. This one had the graphite cloth interior, very similar to the model cheapskate7 describes. Both my wife and I thought it was the classiest looking cloth interior we had ever seen on any automobile. It was definitely nicer than the cloth seats that can be found on the S60 models. We probably liked it just as much as the XC90's leather interior. I am guessing that durability will not be an issue here.

Besides the moonroof and CD changer, this standard interior is also missing the power passenger's seat, the auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the garage door opener. Although it didn't significantly affect my opinion, I was a little disappointed that the old-fashioned manual day/night mirror was loose, so that I had to readjust it when flipping from day mode to night mode.

tonyt57

In response to a12,post #1877, I have an 03 2.5 AWD ruby red 5 seater, premium and climate, with current milage of 4200. I developed this intermitent clicking/popping aroud 3000. It's gotten louder and now more frequent/ all the time. Its due back to dealer 7/8&9. for diagnostics. Will post results.

mjreilly2

Has anyone been able to order the Wheelhouse Side Decor from their dealer yet? The Volvo web site indicates this accessory will be available mid summer 2003 so it may still be too early but I thought I would check.

Does anyone know the price range of this accessory - ballpark is fine? My wife and I have a 2.5T AWD on order. It is due in August. We're very excited about it, but I think this extra bit of styling will sport things up a bit, at least for my tastes.

Also, the description of this accessory alludes to the fact that the decor protects the side of the SUV. Is that marketing-speak since the decor will fit over the existing side paneling or are there actual dent resistance benefits from this side decor over and above simply being an extra layer of material?

Thanks!

libertycat

Then sign the petition at:
http://www.petitiononline.com/vs4ds100/petition.html
so far, there are 87 signatures. Add yours and maybe Volvo will build the car. Also join in on the Volvo S100 conversation under Future Vehicles.

volvomax

Is still not available, and there is no relaible info on when it will be.
It is a plastic overlay that should offer some increased dent protection although its main function is cosmetic.
The parts should cost @ $1200, no word on labor cost yet.

ryan57

Does anyone know how well the XC90 performs in the snow?

libertycat

It would obviously do better with the AWD option it that's any help to you.

shadowchaser

This is for marting or anyone else who installed the sherwin wood kit. Did you use the promoter in addition to the cleaner and alcohol?

any other installation tips would be appreciated.

thx

rkuehn

Could anyone who put some thought into any of these options share your impressions and final decision...

- Climate pack (i.e. headlight washers, heated seats)
- Xenon headlights
- Navigation system

Thanks.

jqhb

Hi! Does anyone know where I can get a crystal green XC90 diecast model? I'm not having any luck. Maybe they don't make crystal green? Thanks for any help you can offer!
Jennifer

chokkson

I bought the xc90 T6 in April. I love the car overall. Here's my beef:
1. Horrible sound when the front passenger and back seat windows down, like the reverberations of helicopter blades.
2. I noticed weird vibrations at approximately 70 mph but it hasn't happened again.
3. Car flat out wouldn't start a couple of days ago. Let the car sit for approx 20 mins. starts up just fine. Go figure.
4. related to 3. Starting the engine seems rather sluggish not robust. It's always been like that.

One of the other posters on the board said their rear wiper blade was missing. Same thing happened to me. I took the car to the dealer regarding the sound when the windows were down. He said they were aware of it and that's what commonly occurs with suv's. (B.S.)Not what you'd expect from a $50,000 vehicle. Has anyone else had similar experiences and if so any advice. thanks....

sharon

I took the car to the dealer regarding the sound when the windows were down. He said they were aware of it and that's what commonly occurs with suv's. (B.S.)Not what you'd expect from a $50,000 vehicle. Has anyone else had similar experiences and if so any advice. thanks....

first, noise. No, it's not b.s. It's been discussed here before. Just about every car I've had with a sunroof has had that noise--including the ML320 I had before this car. You have to play with the windows--if I have the sunroof open, I have to have another window cracked.

Options: I have the climate and nav options. I have found them well worth the money. I bought the climate option for the heated seats, but found that I really love the rain-sensitve wipers and the air cleaning system. I had forgotten we have the air system, when we were stuck for a few miles behind a truck that was spewing foul-smelling exhaust. I closed up all the windows and within 30 seconds you couldn't smell a thing in the car! I was very pleased.

Sharon

Kirstie_H

FWIW, I rented a Toyota Sequoia last week, and had the same issue with the windows & wind noise. It was actually a major drag since I was in Victoria, BC instead of my normal locale, St. Louis, and wanted to enjoy windows-down driving with no humidity. But the "helicopter" noise was too much.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

newposter

Not just first time poster here, but anywhere on the net. I must be in need of help. I'm about to buy a 2004 XC90 2.5. The only option I can't decide about is AWD. I live in Chicago, but don't care about towing, off road or even deep snow. I only care about safety, which is why I'm buying the car. If I read the brochure, it makes the case that the AWD helps with safety on slick roads (rain/snow). Two separate sales folk have told me that's not really true, and that AWD is really for deep snow, off road or towing. The car will have the standard DTSC (traction control) either way. I'm leaning towards getting the AWD just to be sure, but am also curious if anyone can comment on downsides of AWD that I'm not aware of (like handling or reliability). Any comments are welcome.

xcdriver

yup, common problem. My Grand Cherokee was real bad. You soon learn the tricks to avoid the bufeting noise. Even my wife's Avalon has this problem when were at highway speed.

xcdriver

It's been awhile since I've posted...
I'm wondering how many xc90 owners w/climate package have taken out the fuse to disable the headlight washers?

I finally made the move to replace my '01 V70XC with an '04 XC90, but I hesitated about ordering the headlight washers since I'm hearing so many comments about the hood getting covered with washer fluid, even if all you want is a quick wipe of the windshield.

Since I'm doing an overseas delivery I can get order the package componants seperately.

Thoughts..comments??

tidester

Welcome aboard! You did good for a firsttimer!

You might check out the Which is better? AWD, FWD or RWD? discussion in Coupes, Convertibles & Sports Cars.

We look forward to seeing more of you here as well!

tidester, host

ken125

chokkson posted:
2. I noticed weird vibrations at approximately 70 mph but it hasn't happened again.

Did the vibrations feel like you had a flat tire? Did it go away after you stopped?

I had the same problem last week with my '04 T6. It happened twice at around 70-80 mph. I pulled to the side of the road to check for a flat.. nothing.. hasn't happened since.

volvomax

I know where there is one, email me if you like

khanhvn

> I noticed weird vibrations at approximately 70 mph but it hasn't happened again

Most likely it's caused by the infamous parking brake problem. The brake may not be fully released, and at high speed, it's sucked into the brake disk causing vibration. You can confirm this by observing:

+ Does the instantaneous MPG drop when the vibration occurs? the drag caused by the stucked brake will reduce highway MPG from 20+ to around 15.

+ Burning smell when you get home.

I experienced all those on my 2004 XC90 and will bring it to the dealer for a fix.

1sttimevolvo1

One thing that has to be taken into consideration is the vast improvement in automobile aerodynamics in the past 15-20 years. In the late 70's to early 80's, a Porsche 911 had (what was then considered very low) a drag coefficient in the neighborhood of 0.28 to 0.33. If you look at even your every day base model sedan, they are at worst in the low to mid 0.3's. I believe the XC90 has a coefficient of 0.36? My point is, when your are able to pull the airstream closer to the car through-out its length, opening windows will disrupt the stream significantly. Years ago when I was in college, I had a 1985 Chevy Nova (Toyota hybrid). Even it had a low coefficient (0.36 or 0.38). I made the mistake of buying one without A/C. I drove with my windows down quite a bit. The helicopter noise was horrible. Check the Toyota Highlander discussion sites. Some owners have the same complaint about it as well, as I'm sure is the case for any myriad of new (and not so new) car owners.

dirkleas

This is too funny -- you should have bought my XC90 -- I've had the dealer replace the fuse twice already! ;-) Good news is it never spoooges on the hood.

dirkleas

Mine is consistently noisy at highway speeds whenever there's any wind. It sounds like it could be the chrome framing around the windshield isn't sealed completely and has enough play to vibrate instead of whistle. Dealer hasn't been able to repeat.

ellsupremo

I have a 2003 T6 with the navigation system; it came with it, I didn't want it. However, I have found it to be very useful.
When I am in an area I sort of know and am driving my usual route (say, through a city), I keep the nav system on with my destination dialed in and in the 2-map display mode. One map in 1/32 scale and one on 1/2 scale. This gives me both a close-in view and a broad view. IF I run into traffic problems, I vector off on the general direction I want to go to try to avoid the traffic (for example on surface streets verses the freeway). At first, the nav system tries to convince me to turn around to get back on the "planned" route. Then, it gives up on the turn-around approach and plots me a new route to my destination. This is tactic I cannot use in cities I don't know a lot about.

Conclusion - I find this to be a very useful option both on trips into unknown areas and on trips to areas I frequent.

tonyt57

I picked my 90 up last night, the dealer fixed it by the Volvo recommended glue/epoxy of the front spline shafts. So far so good. They had one to do today also.
03 2.5 Ruby Red prem/clim soon trailer hitch(self installed)

volvotex

This question is for anybody, but was prompted by the last post by "tonyt57". I've got a deposit on a 2.5T AWD that should arrive next week. One accessory that I'm debating is the trailer hitch (more for bike racks, etc. than towing). Including installation at the dealer (5 hours of labor at $95/hr), the total cost is approx. $900. (1) I was wondering if anybody has got the Volvo hitch or found an aftermarket version that works, and (2) I was thinking about installing it myself as well. Has anybody done that or know what it involves?

zecko

I had my dealer install the hitch and purchased the bike rack for about $700USD. I was told that it had to be dealer installed. It does need some cuts of the rear bumper (and the rear skid plate).

I love the bike rack - the hyrdraulic lift is really useful in allowing access to the rear hatch without removing the bikes.

Here's another option some other forum groups have discussed.
http://www.hitchesonline.com/volvo_c3_XCV90_03.htm

breowt

Considering that I live in the NYC area, how much would I pay for a 2004 T5 w/ Prem., Ver. and Climate packages. Even though this truck is so new to the market, can a get a good deal on it paying in cash?

This is my first time buying a car and I am not sure where to start. What price should I start at when I begin visiting these dealships?

Thanks for any help!

tonyt57

I'm still waiting for the hitch to be delivered to the house. Hopefully this weekend! My dealer wanted $700 for the install of hitch and wiring, and about $190 for just the wiring and install. Of course the hitch web site didn't mention anything about cutting the bumper, and I hope not. Dealer also said Volvo wiring system is very sensitive to "add ons" which may trigger some messages about a tail light out. Its a tough call.

bigeddy

It took the dealer an entire afternoon to install the Volvo hitch. It bolts on the subframe members and requires the bumper to be removed and a slot cut out. It is a standard U.S. 2" receiver with a combo 7-pin/4-pin wiring connector, as opposed to the Euro hitch & connector that Volvo used in past years. The hitch body is tubular and hidden behind the bumper.

An odd note is a sticker on the receiver that warns not to use a ball mount more than 6.22" long. Well, there are very few mounts made that are that short and none with more than a 2" drop. I assume a longer mount will simply lower the towing capacity somewhat.

volvomax

I watched on of our techs do one, you have to drop the spare and the exhaust.
Also, you have to open a bunch of interior panels to do the wiring. It does take alot of time.

volvonewbie

i have put down a deposit for a 04 t6 xc90, but since reading posts on this board i am somewhat worried about my decision. i have been reading alot about a emergency brake issue, i hope this wont hit me or the fuse issue on the headlight washers. to be honest unless someone on this board can convince me otherwise i am starting to think about looking at a lexus 330. thanks for all advice!!

jp666

I also put a deposit down for the T6 XC90 this week and expect delivery for first week of Oct..I am positive all the bugs will be worked out by then and hope the DVD will be available as well...I am paying basically MSRP minus 1500 and I better be happy...safety for my child is the only reason why I am getting this model

1sttimevolvo1

In response to #1923 "hesitant about xc90" and #1924 "Hesitant but Positive".
We ordered our T2.5 XC90 February 1st. We got the premium package, climate package, stereo upgrade with subwoofer. It's black with the dark graphite leather interior. We picked it up July 3rd and thus far have been very pleased. The standard tinting on the passenger windows is plenty dark enough to keep the interior from getting too hot. We have not experienced the component problems that we've seen posted here. You should keep in mind that the nature of these discussion sites are research in nature. The people posting tend to have some sort of vehicle problem or they have questions about a vehicle they want to purchase. The number of people posting with problems is a very small percentage of the total XC90 owners.
As far as the Lexus 330 goes, I think that would be a very good choice as well.

1sttimevolvo1

In response to #1919 "how much would I pay"
breowt, I found out after researching the Acura MDX and the Volvo XC90 (ended up purchasing the XC90), msrp is about as good as it gets. We paid cash for our Volvo and didn't get a break on the price. Both Volvo and Acura are confident enough about the market for their vehicles that if you don't buy it at msrp, there are plenty who will. In my personal experience, Acura seemed a bit arrogant in their stance. It's basically supply and demand. Honda (Acura) and Volvo produce a significantly smaller number of suv's than GM, Ford, Chrysler, etc., thereby keeping the supply well below the demand and the price where thay want it.

plush

I just purchased the T-6 '04, which we love. We had the e-brake problem initially and have since fixed it. It made noise periodically, I called service and they weren't convinced it was the e-brake but he asked me how many how many clicks we got depressing the pedal. We got about 2 hard ones and should get 5-6. They changed the cable - no more problems!! We added the hitch prior to purchase. In Denver the cost for parts and labor is $625. I noticed the part is substantially less without the wire harness, and assumed labor would be too. I will only use for a bike rack so I asked about the difference in cost. The $625 was a set rate and service was not sure how much less labor would be required so they just did it and charged the hourly rate. I believe it came in around $350 for the parts and labor. Worth the difference to me since I can add the wire harness later if I plan to tow...

itsaford

So we were thrilled to drive home in our new T6XC90 several months ago. Solid, safe vehicle. Nice styling. Reputable company. Safe for the kids. We've been to the dealer three times with the same problems that others have. The seat belts have damaged the doors, the cup-holders in the front and second seats all broke, the brakes still squeak after four months. We also have aproblem with engine noise. A high-pitched, intermittent whistle/squeal that can occur ten times an hour or more. Not brought on by anything in particular. Definitely not a normal automotive sound. Local dealer has been very nice, but ineffective -the problems persist. Others in our area having similar problems - but haven't written on this web site. All this for $44,000. Glad my other car is an Acura.

1sttimevolvo1

I thought it was a 2003 Volvo XC70.

bigeddy

Except for the cupholders--you must be very rough to break them!--the XC90 problems you mention are all well known and easily fixed. What is happening at the dealer when you bring the car in?

stever

Updated NHTSA results:

Rollover, Crash Test Results for Fourth Group Of 2003 Vehicles

Steve, Host

sconditvolvo

To itsaford. It sounds to me the whistleing sound you are hearing is a sound heard on all T6's. If I'm understanding your problem correctly, it is the sound from the twin turbos, when you press hard on the pedal, it has a whistling sound and when you let off of the pedal, it's almost like a swooshing sound...if that's right, it's very normal and there is no "fix" for it, as a matter of fact, if it wasn't making those sounds, then I would woory

dachshund2

I originally thought I would get the Volvo hitch receiver and wiring harness installed, but after seeing several installations I don't like the appearance. With or without the skidplate the cuts made look like a poor afterthought. Volvo needs to develop a bumper fascia modification that looks cleaner. As an example I think the Jeep GC has a well integrated hitch array in its bumper.

Once you get your hitch installed tonyt57, I'd like to see a detailed report with pictures if possible. Thanks in advance.

Just wanted to tell those that don't know, some information about the XC90's emergency brake. Most automobiles use the same brake array for braking and emergency braking. It is just a mechanical application with a cable in an emergency brake instead of the normal hydraulics. The XC90 has 4-wheel disc brakes as you know, but what you may not know is that there is a drum assembly in the center of the rear rotor with drum brake pads. So there are 2 separate brake arrays in the rear of the XC90 (hydraulic disc and mechanical drum).

Also in response to "itsaford's" post, there is a fix for the engine noise (wastegate opening and closing in the turbochargers). The part is basically an exhaust pipe that fits onto the turbocharger plumbing and essentially muffles the sound. Personally I kind of like the sound, but I understand that some turbos are making more noise then others.

I'll close with a note to those hardcore detailers who get under the XC90 to clean the skidplate, inside of wheels, suspension components or just to look. On the inside of the Atlantis wheels there are 3 words along with the dimensions and serial # (Volvo, Borbet, and Germany). I really don't get out much.

jqhb

itsaford (and sconditvolvo if you're interested),
I think I may have the same whistling as you. It really sounds as if it's just audible inside the car, coming from the dash somewhere. It's not an acceleration noise, just random. Seems to happen only when engine's warm. It even happens right after I turn the engine off sometimes. It's a low whistle that can last up to 5 seconds. Unfortunately they couldn't replicate it at the dealer so they didn't do anything. I called Volvo USA and they said I should make an appt. directly with the service MANAGER and plan to leave it there for a while until they can hear the noise. The Volvo USA guy said he hadn't heard of this type of noise, just acknowledged the turbo whistle and parking break screech problems, which I don't have. Anyway, I will post if I find anything out. I don't have an appt. yet. Please let me know if you have any luck solving this mystery noise issue. Thanks! Jennifer ps. Despite the whistle, I love my XC90!

arthurbede

Greetings everyone. This is my first post. I will be picking up my 2004 2.5T FWD XC90 in Sweeden next month and am very excited about it. I intend to add a trailor hitch to transport my bikes. Here is my question. The dealer wants to include the wirering and the modifications to the cooling system as well, even though I do not intend to pull a trailor at this time. If I do intend to pull a trailor, I can always add this later. The dealer says that they have to install the wirering ad cooling system change when they do the trailor hitch. Is that true? Why is this not a factory install anyway.

thank you

omegav

I waited a month to write about my new 2.5. First of all I live in San Francisco and after doing a lot of research here and at other sites, I used an online site- cars direct to buy the car. They referred me to a local dealer and they found a car that I wanted within 1 week! I ended up with a 2.5 w/ premium, versatility, climate and reverse system, they only sacrifice was the 18" wheels. At the time of pick up the left rear seat wouldn't fold down - broken spring - they replaced it the following week and gave me a loaner car while they did it. They also threw in the rear rubber mats for the 7 seater - worth about $75. I also had a hitch put on, mainly to carry bikes, so I didn't get the wiring done. The hitch they sold it to me at cost for about $169 and labor they were asking for $400 but they gave me a $100 break since I had to bring the car back in. Lastly I bought the steel barrier for the dog that would eventually ride in the back. It was $265 and they charged me $65 for installing it, which basically screws in after placing in the slots, so do it yourself and save the money.
As for the ride, its been great. Living in the city with all the hills just kills the milage, I've averaged only about 13mpg in the city. I went camping in Yosemite the past week and averaged about 23mpg on the freeway before the mountains. Overall on the trip, average was about 21 mpg. Getting the 2.5 at first worried me with the power, but it was more than enough to climb the mountains at 70mph and more. Did some scarry mountain passes where I floored it and passed well enough. I am even tempted to pull a little camping trailer one day! Over all I am very pleased with the truck now if I can only get the keys away from my wife to drive it more that would be even better!