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The running boards are relatively narrow and high. That makes them hard for the elderly to use. In fact, the boards get in the way of most adults entering and exiting. Note the infamous XC90 pant-leg mark caused by dirty boards; you can examine many an XC90 with boards and see a shiny spot below the door where the owner's leg has rubbed. They are mostly for children and for help in reaching the roof if you carry bikes, kayaks, etc. For occasional elderly passengers a portable step like some RV owners use might be an option worth considering.
I was at the Dealer the other day discussing options to put on it if I buy one. I was surprised that he actually recommended against them - his opinion is they were positioned to close/under the car and the profile was too rounded. Thus, in his opinion they were useless. I'm disappointed because I really think they help the aesthetics of it but I find it ridiculous to pay $800 for something that is SUPPOSED to be functional but isn't.
I wish the salesman I have been dealing with knew how to demonstrate the Nav better, because the Acura "demo" was superior even if the actual unit is not. The Acura was finding restaurants, addresses, etc by voice alone. The Volvo demo showed no voice capability and limited zooming in/out. I also didn't like the design of it - it always appeared to be tilting forward and bothered me every time I looked at it. No big deal I guess, I'll save $2k if I buy the Volvo.
VNS does not have voice control which is a mixed bag--sometimes it works well, sometimes it doesn't. Buttons always work and do not require you to mute the radio or the passengers.
Zooming is fine and the split screen option is very handy to look at both near and far views at the same time. The forward tilt is designed to avoid reflections and you quickly forget about it.
Split screen with near/far views sounds handy. How do you like it's functionality? I saw the Nav had some controls on behind the steering wheel but didn't try them. I do like the idea of a Nav system - if the Dealer has one available (all other things being equal) do you feel it's worth the price, compared to other auto types?
The volvo nav is okay and does the job, but as you said voice capablity is not there. For $2k difference, I'd buy the Acura. If you wonder why, read the "Problem & Solution" forum for XC90. My Volvo XC90, T6, AWD has been nothing but problems. I thought it was just mine, but afterwards realized there are alot of unhappy owners. Yes, I realize that it happens to all make and models, but after spending 50K for my car, I shouldn't have to endure the problems that I had. Because my XC90 been in the shop for so long and so many times, the service writer and department knows me on first name basis. It's really sad.
Sorry to hear about all your problems. We'll probably pull the trigger on the XC90 within the week. I still want to test drive the X3 and ML350, but they don't quite have the room or nice convenience features my wife likes (she'll be the principle driver). I'm also going to Lease since the rates are so good it's better than buying, and with decent residuals I'm satisfied with returning it if we don't like it. If we do like it, then I'll just buy it at the end of the lease which is what my wife is expecting. Personally I'd probably prefer the new X5 but I'll wait 2 years to see how that works out (reliability, etc).
I just picked up a 2004 T6 with the security package, and thus, no tint on the rear windows, which is curious. Does anyone know if adding tint in the rear is possible without disturbing anything? The salesman had no clue.
In response to your OT comments: * Yes, all brands do have problems and the differences are fewer than you assume. Check out the MDX problems forum with 1140 messages, not exactly trouble-free. * There is no intrinsic relationship between vehicle cost and reliability. * Establishing good communications with the service department is excellent advice for any brand. Modern cars are so complicated that there is no much you can do for yourself.
I usually have the split screen set at 1/8-mile and 3-mile zoom levels which works out well in most areas. It will zoom in 2 more levels and zoom out to half the country.
Is the VNS worth it compared to other types of systems? Hard question to answer! It is to me but I use it a lot--for much more than simply plugging in addresses. We have only one car; for occasional rentals I have a handheld GPS receiver that can be mounted on the dash. Ironically, a handheld can do more things than a single-purpose car system but it has many drawbacks, too. It depends on what you want to do and how gadget savvy you are.
There are pluses and minuses to every type of system. For example, the Windows-like interface is a bit clumsy and takes too many steps for some actions. But if you think you will use the VNS and take the time to learn its features, then the integration and convenience are hard to beat. Plus, if you want the new backup camera you have to have the nav system. It is a lot of money, though, so I certainly understand when people look at other navigation solutions.
The Volvo dealer would not even buy our fully loaded 2005 XC90 T6, that is what a piece of junk the XC90s are and Volvo knows it!
We have 6 cars including Ferraris, Hondas, Jeeps, Pontiacs. Volvo buyer beware, the only thing good about the XC90 is the ride quality. However ride quality does not matter when the driveshaft fails(twice), the left front strut fails(twice), tires wore out at 20k miles, and the left front axel seal failed which leaked all the oil out. Not to mention little things like the defroster barely works(and also failed) and the seat heaters mysteriously turn on. Then there are the interior ergonometric issues - try taking a family to McDonalds, there is no place to put stuff. I emailed Volvo a 65 item list, and suggested they require their engineers to drive a Toyota or Honda for 6 months of ergonometric research before starting the next interior redesign.
We put up with the XC90(for 35,000 miles and 18mo), the final straw was when we were leaving for a family vacation and the axel seal failed – leaving us stranded on the freeway. I would not trust this car any farther than I could throw it. After we were stranded, my wife and I went out the next day and purchased a Toyota Sequoia. We are now in HEAVEN – everything works, nothing breaks.
You're idea of ergonomics is having a place to put fast food? What a hoot! Did you ever try an accessory tray?
As for your shopping list of problems--your only post and double-posted on 2 forums at that--you would need to be more specific and maybe we could help. But, then, you are not looking for help. Enjoy the Toyota Sequoia problems forum which I see has nearly 1600 messages.
For me, approaching 70,000 miles and no major problems. Original brakes, too.
Sad to see that happen. Our transmission went out at 52,000 miles. The service writer told me that his tranmission on his XC90 went out at 34K. Its just the draw of the straw. Besides the tranmission, we had numerous problems. One part was on order to almost 2 months. We finally got fed up, we asked the Volvo dealer what they would give us for the trade. They told us that they have a hard time selling the new ones, that they would have to give us a really low offer. Maybe that is sales talk, but if the car was a great car, they would of bought it back in a heartbeat. If its a great car, Volvo wouldn't have to try so agressively to sell their products.
For $2000.00 I could save by buying a Volvo over a Acura. I still buy an Acura. My time is worth more.
The T6's GM tranny was known to be a weak link from the beginning. If you drive aggressively it is prone to fail. That is one reason I went with the 2.5T.
SUV sales across the board have declined, not just the XC90. Before the industry sales slump the XC90 was a top seller with good resale value. The new V8 and I6 models are still doing well in my area.
I'm interested in the XC90. The 2005 is the newest model year that I could afford and is still under warranty. My biggest concern with the Volvo is the reliability. I am also looking at the Land Cruiser -- because it is supposed to be very reliable. The question I have is the 2005 a better bet than an earlier model? Any things I should look out for? Would you suggest one engine over another? Any help would truly be appreciated.
If you want reliability, buy a Toyota. I bought a new,04 Xc90, second year out and had numerous problems. I bought a new, 03 Honda Pilot, 1st year out and no problems. Just bought a new 07 Toyota on Friday and the sales manager was telling me that reliability is the name of the game for Toyota. Land Cruiser has been out for a long time and is a proven truck. You have people with 06 XC 90 that are complaining about their car. To me, the Volvo isn't worth the troubles.
I have a 2006 w/2.5T and have been very happy with it. No issues to date, but still only at ~7000 miles. I would think you could find a closeout on a new '06 for what a used '05 would likely run if you aren't fussy about options. A base XC90 should be in the +/-30k neighborhood and they're nicely equipped from the start.
The XC90 is our 3rd Volvo, and we have had very good luck with the brand, having owned a pair of 240s earlier. We trust them to the point that we just bought a 96 850 for my son. We also own a Toyota which has been reliable, but I prefer the Volvo for substance and quality of overall build.
If the volume of the XC90 isn't absolutely necessary, you could also consider a late model V70.
I'm glad that you have had no problems with your 06 XC90, so far. Hopefully it stays like that for you. I suggest to "jessica1" to read the "Problem and Solution" forum for Volvo XC90. There's even complaints of 07 XC90.
As for V70, we had new a 01 Volvo V70. We kept it for 3 months and ended up trading it in for a new 01 Mercedes E320 station. The V70 was a little to small for my wife. I realize that the size becomes a personal preference.
I am researching the V8 XC90 and am very disappointed in the Ipod solution in the 07. From what I understand, you have to plug the headphone jack in the AUX jack? In my Mercedes, I can control the ipod with the steering wheel controls and display the songs or playlists.
Has anyone seen the Sirius config? Is this an AUX setup as well or is it part of the factory stereo?
How about the bluetooth? Is it troublesome? I have read about the NAV being disapointing. I am wondering if putting in an aftermarket system with NAV, Bluetooth, IPOD, and DVD is the answer.
The iPod connection in the XC90 (and other Volvos with the MOST communications architecture) is a sore point. Aftermarket systems are possible but difficult to do and many installation shops won't touch the XC90.
The Nav system is middle-of-the-road. There are better ones in terms of features but if you want integration and the nice retracting display there is no other choice.
We picked out a 2007 Titanium Silver XC90 off the lot last weekend after a few weeks of testing the competition. I'm leasing with the intention of buying (originally planned to buy but the Lease terms were worth choosing). My wife was interested in the Ruby Red (?) but we didn't want to wait for another shipment to arrive, and she also really likes the silver and it had the options we liked:
AWD, Versatility (3rd row), Premium, Convenience, Wood dash, hitch (non-Volvo unit for light duty such as bike rack).
Per a previous post of mine, I was interested in Nav but wasn't impressed with the Volvo Nav and they only had it on some blue truck, which my wife didn't like.
FWIW. My wife and I are returning our 04 XC90 T5 tomorrow as our 36 month lease expires. Overall we were somewhat disappointed in the vehicle. The safety features, AWD and the comfortable ride were positives. Unfortunately our vehicle had a few issues that bothered us. For example a vibration coming from the front passenger side that the dealership could never get rid of as well as a clicking noise when you turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. Again, the dealership could not solve the problem. We also felt that some of the materials were cheap (i.e. door handles). We felt we had a $40K+ vehicle with some $15K vehicle characteristics. To replace the XC90 we bought a 06 Mercedes Benz E350 Wagon in August.
Hi, everyone. As you've probably noticed, we have been trying to refine the discussions into more narrowly focussed topics. Our objective is twofold. We want to make it easier for people seeking specific information about their vehicles to find it easily and without having to wade through hundreds or thousands of postings.
To those ends, we will be shutting down the general make/model discussions and work exclusively with specific issues. This requires us to populate the make/model subsections with relevant, interesting and timely topics. Rather than having the hosts simply create boilerplate topics for each make/model, we feel that you, the owner, the make/model enthusiast and the prospective buyer can best judge what those topics should be.
You can help by adding a discussion (it's easy!) or suggesting one here.
To add a discussion, click on the last link in the "You are here" line at the top of this page. That will take you to the topic page for this make/model. Review the list of topics and click on the "Add discussion" link when you've decided what topic you'd like to add. Follow the directions and you're done! Feel free to add more than one. Just avoid duplicating existing topics and try not to make it TOO specific!
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New to the forum. I'm ready to give up the large repair bills and quirky problems of my BMW for a more reliable ride. I'm looking at the XC90 but never having owned a Volvo I wonder if I'm trading one set of problems for another?
Are Volvo's typically "problem" cars and are the maintenance costs exorbitant? I'm also looking at the Acura MDX but love the safety features of the Volvo and the third-seat option on the XC90.
Generally all the euro-makes are less reliable than both Japanese and American makes. If you are looking to maximize reliability and minimize dealer-visits as top criteria, my advice is: don't buy any Euro-make - probably a honda/acura or toyota SUV will have top reliability. Me, I'll still pick volvo over honda/acura/toyota - Volvo have been plenty reliable for me. (I'm a happy XC90 owner, previously was happy with 96 855 no-turbo & 2001 V70 2.4T/DSC). Also, as far as I know, the XC90 is still the only SUV with gyroscope/rollover-stability-control - literally impossible to roll it over if you stay on pavement (i tried to roll one over at lime rock - couldn't do it, but i didn't get above 55 mph while trying.)
None. The 18's are a little quiter than the 17's. The cost difference to replace them isn't that great. The size Volvo uses for the 18" tires is a little oddball, but there are some non OEM options.
Thanks all for the feedback. Checked tirerack.com and you guys are right. Definitely a lot less selection if you go with the OEM sizing on the 18s. I think I'll stick with the 17s.
hi everyone, i am in Canada and got my truck last year. Honestly, the XC90 V8 is really awesome and has barly any problem within 9 month. The only issue is the 6-disc player, get that one changed eventually. The only annoying thing is can not play my ipod on 2006 modual.
My question is, 1, handbook shows interval for maintainence is 10k, however dealer told me 6k per, which one show i listen to? 2, For oil change, every time dearler strongly recommend to use "synthetic oil" instead of regular oil, which costs me almost another $100, i am just wondering if it is really beneficial to use that? How do you guys deal with that?
Hello all, I just purchased a 2007 XC90 and had a few questions.
When I picked up my Volvo at the dealer, the trip odometer had 3 miles MORE than the regular odometer. Is that normal? How is that possible?
Also, the pictures of the leather interior on the Volvo web site as well as the brochure, show a padded arm rest on the door panel. It does not, however, show one on the cloth interior door panels. I have leather and do not have this arm rest. Is it missing or are the photo's wrong?
jwa, if the handbook says the interval is 10k, it's 10k. don't believe the dealer's "supplemental" schedule unless you are using your xc90 as a cab. synthetic oil is a fine idea - but it shouldn't cost an extra $100. buy it yourself at canada-mart for 1/4 the price, mobil 1. i prefer the 15000 mile formulation.
I had the 18" chrome wheels put on my new XC90 and they look awesome. I realize I may have fewer choices on replacements, but did I mention how AWESOME they look? Have you heard of inflating the tires with nitrogen? I hear you get less variation from hot to cold and makes the tires last longer. I may have to check it out.
hey suzq43, those wheels do look awesome. they better not have "spinners" though! also, the nitrogen/tires idea is worthwhile only if you particularly enjoy the placebo effect.
I traded for a 2005 XC90 T6 AWD today. It came with 2 keys but no manual. How do I turn on the Surround Sound? When I scroll through the audio controls I see the "Surround Off" screen, but no matter which button I mash it doesn't change it to "Surround On". Also, one of the remotes doesn't work, I'm assuming dead battery. What is the appropriate fuel for the T6? I assume 91 Octane, but it doesn't say "Premium" on the fuel gauge nor on the filler cap/door. I think I got a decent deal, it has 3rd row, wood package, tow package, rear A/C, Bose Sound with speaker in the center of the dash, 18 wheels with new michelens. 36K miles on her for $26K plus tax. Any help appreciated, first Volvo after owning/leasing 25 vehicles. Thanks for the help.
Am confused. Have Britax car seat in middle. I'm pregnant so I purchased another Britax and brought my car to the california highway patrol (they install carseats as a public service). I asked the officer to place one Britax on each side of the second row, as Volvo recommends. He said he couldn't because the headrest, which does not remove, pitches the Britax seats forward at an unsafe angle and that size carseat will only fit safely in the middle. I called Volvo of North America and they say that they just can't keep up with all the carseat manufacturers. I am sure that's true but I hate to switch from Britax to another brand. How are you guys fitting your Britax seats on the side????
You don't. I had two Britax in the car and needed to rest tightly against headrest. Check out the Recaro or Radian Sunshine Kids car seats. The Britax sit on a base that is too high and doesn't work in any SUV that has the fold down seats and headrest you can't remove. (many of them).
Yes, I too have heard that Recaro will work on the side of the XC90 or at least give me some more room if the recaro is in the middle. Thank you for confirming. I feel better about the Recaro purchase now.
Comments
Zooming is fine and the split screen option is very handy to look at both near and far views at the same time. The forward tilt is designed to avoid reflections and you quickly forget about it.
* Yes, all brands do have problems and the differences are fewer than you assume. Check out the MDX problems forum with 1140 messages, not exactly trouble-free.
* There is no intrinsic relationship between vehicle cost and reliability.
* Establishing good communications with the service department is excellent advice for any brand. Modern cars are so complicated that there is no much you can do for yourself.
Is the VNS worth it compared to other types of systems? Hard question to answer! It is to me but I use it a lot--for much more than simply plugging in addresses. We have only one car; for occasional rentals I have a handheld GPS receiver that can be mounted on the dash. Ironically, a handheld can do more things than a single-purpose car system but it has many drawbacks, too. It depends on what you want to do and how gadget savvy you are.
There are pluses and minuses to every type of system. For example, the Windows-like interface is a bit clumsy and takes too many steps for some actions. But if you think you will use the VNS and take the time to learn its features, then the integration and convenience are hard to beat. Plus, if you want the new backup camera you have to have the nav system. It is a lot of money, though, so I certainly understand when people look at other navigation solutions.
We have 6 cars including Ferraris, Hondas, Jeeps, Pontiacs. Volvo buyer beware, the only thing good about the XC90 is the ride quality. However ride quality does not matter when the driveshaft fails(twice), the left front strut fails(twice), tires wore out at 20k miles, and the left front axel seal failed which leaked all the oil out. Not to mention little things like the defroster barely works(and also failed) and the seat heaters mysteriously turn on. Then there are the interior ergonometric issues - try taking a family to McDonalds, there is no place to put stuff. I emailed Volvo a 65 item list, and suggested they require their engineers to drive a Toyota or Honda for 6 months of ergonometric research before starting the next interior redesign.
We put up with the XC90(for 35,000 miles and 18mo), the final straw was when we were leaving for a family vacation and the axel seal failed – leaving us stranded on the freeway. I would not trust this car any farther than I could throw it. After we were stranded, my wife and I went out the next day and purchased a Toyota Sequoia. We are now in HEAVEN – everything works, nothing breaks.
As for your shopping list of problems--your only post and double-posted on 2 forums at that--you would need to be more specific and maybe we could help. But, then, you are not looking for help. Enjoy the Toyota Sequoia problems forum which I see has nearly 1600 messages.
For me, approaching 70,000 miles and no major problems. Original brakes, too.
For $2000.00 I could save by buying a Volvo over a Acura. I still buy an Acura. My time is worth more.
SUV sales across the board have declined, not just the XC90. Before the industry sales slump the XC90 was a top seller with good resale value. The new V8 and I6 models are still doing well in my area.
The XC90 is our 3rd Volvo, and we have had very good luck with the brand, having owned a pair of 240s earlier. We trust them to the point that we just bought a 96 850 for my son. We also own a Toyota which has been reliable, but I prefer the Volvo for substance and quality of overall build.
If the volume of the XC90 isn't absolutely necessary, you could also consider a late model V70.
As for V70, we had new a 01 Volvo V70. We kept it for 3 months and ended up trading it in for a new 01 Mercedes E320 station. The V70 was a little to small for my wife. I realize that the size becomes a personal preference.
Has anyone seen the Sirius config? Is this an AUX setup as well or is it part of the factory stereo?
How about the bluetooth? Is it troublesome? I have read about the NAV being disapointing. I am wondering if putting in an aftermarket system with NAV, Bluetooth, IPOD, and DVD is the answer.
Bluetooth works fine.
The Nav system is middle-of-the-road. There are better ones in terms of features but if you want integration and the nice retracting display there is no other choice.
AWD, Versatility (3rd row), Premium, Convenience, Wood dash, hitch (non-Volvo unit for light duty such as bike rack).
Per a previous post of mine, I was interested in Nav but wasn't impressed with the Volvo Nav and they only had it on some blue truck, which my wife didn't like.
So far we're pleased, no complaints.
To those ends, we will be shutting down the general make/model discussions and work exclusively with specific issues. This requires us to populate the make/model subsections with relevant, interesting and timely topics. Rather than having the hosts simply create boilerplate topics for each make/model, we feel that you, the owner, the make/model enthusiast and the prospective buyer can best judge what those topics should be.
You can help by adding a discussion (it's easy!) or suggesting one here.
To add a discussion, click on the last link in the "You are here" line at the top of this page. That will take you to the topic page for this make/model. Review the list of topics and click on the "Add discussion" link when you've decided what topic you'd like to add. Follow the directions and you're done! Feel free to add more than one. Just avoid duplicating existing topics and try not to make it TOO specific!
Your help and continued participation in the Forums is greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Volvo XC90
tidester, host
Are Volvo's typically "problem" cars and are the maintenance costs exorbitant? I'm also looking at the Acura MDX but love the safety features of the Volvo and the third-seat option on the XC90.
All opinions welcome!
(I'm a happy XC90 owner, previously was happy with 96 855 no-turbo & 2001 V70 2.4T/DSC).
Also, as far as I know, the XC90 is still the only SUV with gyroscope/rollover-stability-control - literally impossible to roll it over if you stay on pavement (i tried to roll one over at lime rock - couldn't do it, but i didn't get above 55 mph while trying.)
Also I thought 18 wheels are common.
The 18's are a little quiter than the 17's.
The cost difference to replace them isn't that great.
The size Volvo uses for the 18" tires is a little oddball, but there are some non OEM options.
- increased likelihood of curb/sidewall damage to tires.
- decreased handling (if unsprung weight is increased.)
The contact patch is bigger and the 18" tires tend to be stickier than the 17"s.
My question is,
1, handbook shows interval for maintainence is 10k, however dealer told me 6k per, which one show i listen to?
2, For oil change, every time dearler strongly recommend to use "synthetic oil" instead of regular oil, which costs me almost another $100, i am just wondering if it is really beneficial to use that? How do you guys deal with that?
When I picked up my Volvo at the dealer, the trip odometer had 3 miles MORE than the regular odometer. Is that normal? How is that possible?
Also, the pictures of the leather interior on the Volvo web site as well as the brochure, show a padded arm rest on the door panel. It does not, however, show one on the cloth interior door panels. I have leather and do not have this arm rest. Is it missing or are the photo's wrong?
Thanks in advance!
synthetic oil is a fine idea - but it shouldn't cost an extra $100. buy it yourself at canada-mart for 1/4 the price, mobil 1. i prefer the 15000 mile formulation.
For some reason there is a software issue w/ the trip odo's.
Once you reset the trip odo it functions normally.
As for the armrests, the US cars don't have the padded door armrests.
They probably photographed the European version for the brochure.
Have you heard of inflating the tires with nitrogen? I hear you get less variation from hot to cold and makes the tires last longer. I may have to check it out.
also, the nitrogen/tires idea is worthwhile only if you particularly enjoy the placebo effect.
Thanks for the help.
Enjoy the car.
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_00.htm
and Audio section:
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_11a.htm