2003 Volvo XC90 Trims and Specs

The base-model 2.5T, with its 5-speed automatic overdrive transmission (a manual transmission was not made) and front-wheel drive, was a very good value in a mid-sized SUV. On the list of standard equipment were ABS, traction and stability control, front air bags including side-curtain, and power locks, windows, and seats.

Volvo's reputation for safety sealed the decision for many a family. Its rating in the NHTSA Frontal Crash Test was not quite perfect, at 4 out of 5 stars, but it earned the highest rating possible in the IIHS Frontal Crash Test.

Some users felt that the engine was not powerful enough for this mid-sized SUV, but the turbo helped to provide a boost. Nevertheless, many users complained about the turbo lag. As for the inside, they loved the ever-comfortable seats that Volvos are known for.

Although the basic 2.5T XC90 is a wonderful all-around vehicle, it is all the better with all-wheel drive. This trim became especially popular in snowy climates, although no XC90 was available in standard transmission - a good thing to have in less-than-perfect conditions, but bad for that stop-and-go commute.

Safety features and comfort made this model a great success. The hype that went along with the unveiling of Volvo's first true SUV helped get some attention, but it was the vehicle itself that made the sales.

Long-term owner satisfaction has been positive, with most of them praising the car-like ride and comfort. Negatives concern turbo lag and insufficient power.

The fully-outfitted XC90 trim, the T6, fared better in the power department thanks to its 268-horsepower I6 engine (versus the 2.5T's 208 hp). User opinions registered fewer complaints about a lack of power, although some still kvetched, and a fair number had something to say about the turbo lag and a bit of annoying turbo noise.

But why focus on the negative? The XC90 took the world of mid-sized SUVs by storm in its debut year, with the greatest accolades going, naturally, to the top-of-the-line T6. Superlatives were not in short supply, as some labeled it the best SUV - and even the best vehicle - available for that year.

In addition to the standard safety equipment (air bags, ABS, stability and traction control, and those famed Volvo side-impact beams) and comforts found on the other two trims, the T6 came with a sunroof and leather seats, both of which had to be purchased in options packages with the others.