2005 Volvo XC90 V8

Look at what's happened since Ford acquired Volvo in 2001. The first-ever Volvo SUV, the XC90, was released for the 2003 model year. And then in 2005 there was another first: a Volvo (the XC90 again, of course) with a V8!
What's more, this was the only gasoline-powered V8 that year that earned official Ultra-Low Emissions status. So take that, all you anti-SUV folks! Sure, the gas mileage is still not quite where Greenpeace wants it to be, at 16 city and 20 highway, but it could be worse. The 6-speed automatic transmission can be shifted manually when the driver seeks either more control or more fun.
Since Ford lacked a V8 engine that the XC90 could accommodate transversely (to preserve both its size and safety factor in a frontal crash), Yamaha developed one expressly for this SUV. Delivering 311 horsepower, it put an end to the two-year buzz that the XC90 was underpowered.
Externally there are small clues to help distinguish the V8 from the 5- and 6-cylinder XC90s. Look for dual exhaust tailpipes and a small V8 logo on the car; inside you may notice the slightly upgraded trim. Leather comes standard on this trim, as do both climate control and audio controls for the rear seat.
Occupant safety is always the top concern with every Volvo. Standard features on the XC90 V8 include air bags, ABS, stability control, traction control, and a passenger safety cage with an ultra-strong boron roof. Comforts and conveniences come in the form of multi-zone climate control, daytime running lights, power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors (now with water-repellent glass), automatic transmission with manual shift function, trip computer, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and fog lights. Whereas the third-row seat is an option on the lower-priced trims, it comes standard on this one.