Any experience with Volvo XC90?

[ChiTownZee]

Does anyone have any experience with volvo's XC90? The SUV/crossover (I guess it depends on who you ask).

 

[ToyStory Fan]

He used to have a minivan, then was looking at the Lexus RX300, but realized that the newly designed model would be out within a year. He then looked at the Lexus GX470 and that was his choice, BUT that would not be available in time since his lease was due on his minivan. His 2nd choice was the Volvo and he is very happy with it. THey have 2 kids btw, but frequently travel with other nieces/nephews so the 7 seats are convenient.

Personally, I like Volvo's safety record, but I'm not thrilled with their service history or exterior "look". I will be getting a Lexus GX470 when the '04's start to arrive, but for me the Volvo would probably be a little farther down my list than 1 or 2.

Car and Driver magazine did tests I think in Oct 2002 or Jan 2003 on the Volvo XC90 by itself (more a review than test) and on 7 SUV's in that class in the other month (including the Volvo). I think the VW Touareg won, but they said it was a very close race.

 

[jel0511]

I currently own a 2001 Volvo V70XC, and am trading it in. I did look at the XC90, but it looked too much like my car, and with all the problems I've had with my current Volvo, I wouldn't buy a first year model from them again. We used to have the old style V70 Cross Country before we bought the new model, which looks like the XC90. I NEVER had a problem in the 3 years I had that car, worked like a dream, but the first model year with Volvo's are a NIGHTMARE!!! They are unforunately norotious for having problems in the first model year, and then figure it out by the second or third year. Volvo are GREAT cars and do have a lot of safety features, but I'm going with the Acrua MDX this time around. It's a slightly bigger car, and the third row of seats, my 5 year old can fit into, she can't fit in the third row in the XC90, she says, "It's too small back there." Also, as an V70XC owner, the XC90 looks just like the 2003 XC70(which look just like my 2001), but raised up. I just didn't think the extra costs were worth it. Also, Consumer Reports has just come out with reliability ratings for the various brands, and Volvo rates one of the worst, with 70 problems out of every 100 cars after 3 years. The average amount of problems out of 100 cars was 55. This just proved to me that all the problems I've had with my 2 year old Volvo wasn't just me, and I don't know if I'll buy another one again.