There was no sophomore jinx for the Volvo XC90, as it continued to enjoy great popularity in 2004. The first true SUV for the Swedish manufacturer had first rolled onto dealer lots in autumn of 2002 for the 2003 model year.
Based on an experimental development called the Adventure Concept Car, the XC90 is built on the same platform as the S80, Volvo's largest sedan. Its combination of safety features, comfort, and style appealed to everyone from suburban moms to young, outdoorsy types.
Since this model was totally new the previous year, not much changed for '04. Volvo did make it available in an additional color choice called Ice White. It was made in three trims: 2.5T, 2.5T AWD, and T6.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
because I drive 2004 Volvo XC90 for more than 8 years Apr 28, 2022
by Brandee F
Sep 22, 2021
In the shop all the time, nothing a problem. Avoided all cost.Sep 22, 2021
by Ayeri M
Jun 06, 2021
It was a first car for a first timer so the value is good the car needed a lot of repairs considering the price is value for what I paid for it . Thanks so much for your help Jun 06, 2021
User rating:
by Israel G
Apr 28, 2022
because I drive 2004 Volvo XC90 for more than 8 years Apr 28, 2022
by Brandee F
Sep 22, 2021
In the shop all the time, nothing a problem. Avoided all cost.Sep 22, 2021
by Ayeri M
Jun 06, 2021
It was a first car for a first timer so the value is good the car needed a lot of repairs considering the price is value for what I paid for it . Thanks so much for your help Jun 06, 2021
by Nicholas V
Nov 29, 2020
The car is great and very roomy and drives smoothly Nov 29, 2020
by Janell H
Jun 13, 2020
Love it! Amazing deal great family suv thanks car guru!!Jun 13, 2020
by Anonymous
Feb 04, 2015
The car is nice.. It gets me where I need to go on a daily basis. I been in love with the Volvo XC90 and knew I had to have it. I took put a new transmission in which makes the car a better car.Feb 04, 2015
by Stephanie C
Mar 07, 2014
This is Americas safest car around! Very reliable, safe, durable, yet, sleek and modern looking! The comfort of the seats makes any drive very comfortable, the built in booster seat, means youll never be with out one! Plus the 3rd row seat makes driving your kids around easy to do!Mar 07, 2014
by Jonathan C
May 06, 2013
The performance is right on par with other luxury vehicles from this time. Firm, but not stiff, steering and suspension. Transmission is very smooth. Not an overabundance of power, but it is fun to drive. The build quality appears impeccable. Everything is quality - no squeaks and rattles. I get about 21 mpg average right now.May 06, 2013
by Oscar H
Mar 30, 2013
So far dependable and safe. Perform normal service and will last for years to come. Use premium grade oil and filters. Don't use regular gas. Make sure tires are at normal air pressure. Enjoy the ride and be safe. peace.Mar 30, 2013
by Greg D
Dec 18, 2012
I was hesitant to purchase this car due to the transmission issues that are well documented on the internet. We decided because of the perfect service records and low milage that it was worth the risk. I think we made a mistake. With only 128km the transmission service light is on and the gears shift roughly once we get into city traffic and the engine is warmed up. We are dreading the visit to the mechanic. With all the horror stories about transmissions being replaced we feel we may be in line for one ourselves. Update. Well before we could even take it in to the mechanic, the transmission failed on the highway in traffic with my wife and kids aboard on Christmas day. We had to be towed at 40 miles an hour to our destination taking 4 hours. More to come on the outcome. Mechanic recommended rebuilding the transmission costing 2000.00 usd. That was over a year ago and we have not had any other issues other than a rusted tailgate rod that kept us from opening the back. We had to have it replaced for about $100. Other that that we have taken long road trips with no problems. Hopefully we will get another 128,000 km out of the rebuilt transmission.Dec 18, 2012
by Anonymous
Nov 20, 2012
Almost didn't buy it, due to towing. But so thankful I did. It tows our snow mobiles fine in the snow and handles well. Also, we tow a small trailer for moving things. Such a fun car to drive and I receive so many compliments on its handling and comfort from passengers! I am thinking it would do ok with a small boat for towing. My kids are grown, but this would have made a great family car. But still not too big for my husband and I.Nov 20, 2012
by Anonymous
Jul 31, 2012
This SUV does so many things well: the engine is powerful and smooth, the steering is firm yet easy, comfortable and flexible seating configurations, love the intergrated child booster and that the center console is made to be easily removeable and the childs seat can be pulled up very close to the front seats! Jul 31, 2012
by Anonymous
May 28, 2012
I bought this car in Aug 2009 secondhand from a dealer, the prices were astronomical, but it hasn't cost me a penny until the service this year 2012. I'm not a spring chicken, but the insurance is always less than £300. The best bit is the car tax is £245 instead of £400!. There was a crack on the drivers side electric controls part of the seat and the rubber spring/grip had perished on the filler cap. I was disappointed that the Volvo dealership took the car for its MOT and failed it on the bushes, however, when I took it to a local Volvo specialist he passed it and said they were worn but didn't need replacing! The main dealership also collected the car and racket up 75 miles extra and brought it back with a dent in the bumper, which they denied doing! Not impressed with them. The car runs sweetly, have just had the filter replaced in the Air-con and its great (sinus problems seem to be alleviated!) When driving partly on the motorway and a lot round town I'm getting 31mpg. I was going to get it chipped to 185bhp but the insurance company was not too impressed. It gets left outside so it can be a bit sluggish in the mornings, but when its warmed up it goes very well. It can still see off a BMW saloon round a 360 degree slip road with a large downward gradient, so handling is brilliant!
The integrated booster has really come in handy when transporting older shorter children. I need to get the cam-belt done soon and that is a bit hefty, but well worth it. Also the key spring has gone in both keys making them very awkward to store in pockets/bags etc, but the local specialist said he wants to try and fix it otherwise its a hefty £80-100 each.May 28, 2012
by Anonymous
Jan 02, 2010
Very heavy, solid vehicle. Decent on gas being that it is a
"SUV". Beautiful styling. Navigation system is unreliable
however, the "pop up" position is a plus. The cost of
ownership / maintenance is relatively low for the quality of
vehicle. It's a enjoyable car to drive for a mom who likes
to transport her son and his friends everywhere!! Jan 02, 2010
by Twyla Z
Aug 12, 2009
This machine handles so well. Cornering, acceleration, braking and quiet. It handles roads in the winter better than most others out there, including the 4x4s. It makes me happy sliding behind her stearing wheel. As far as vehicles go it is my most fave. Even the sound system rocks... but it isn't needed to cover the noise of this machine, she is a quiet beauty. The interior is beautiful, comfortable and the heated seats are awesome!! Tilt, telescopic stearing wheel, sunroof and heated seats are all standard. The only thing that would top her is the muscles of the 60's and 70's, but that is a different drive all together. Aug 12, 2009
by Braam C
Aug 09, 2009
I bought the D5 and it is something getting used to with in town driving. My previous car the s40 2.0T of course had lots of robot to robot power... Now i have to get use to the diesel taking a moment before it drives of...
Brilliant on long road though...Aug 09, 2009
by Thomas R
Jun 02, 2009
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this vehicle! This was my second Volvo, and it drove amazingly! Of all my cars I've bought and sold, this is definitely in the top 3 to buy back!! Haha
But overall it handles great, the accelleration and braking are good, as is the reliablily that comes with the Volvo name!Jun 02, 2009
by Anonymous
Feb 21, 2009
This car has handles extremely well when cornering and with snow tyres it is fantastic in snowy conditions. The 4 wheel drive compensates for icy roads without the driver being aware that it's slippery. It has a fantastic cargo bay and has carried a dining room table without taking it apart. The 7 seats are great for children as is the integrated booster seat in the midle of the 2nd row. It even has a cargo divider in the trunk to keep your shopping from sliding around and I've never needed extra space. All round fantastic vehicle with excellent safety features, ride and handling.Feb 21, 2009
by Doug M
Jan 27, 2009
Good car. Fuel mileage is horrible, even acknowleging the weight of the vehicle. Really nervous about the transmission, as have heard horror stories about the GM trans mated to the 2.9L motor wearing out at 50-100K. Car has just over 50K on it now, and is starting to make some interesting noises from the front end. Goes like a bandit in the snow, though!Jan 27, 2009
by Ryan S
Jun 05, 2008
I eat gas as if I were a rocket being launched into space. I am safe and warm, but I do it all by eating as much gas as possible.Jun 05, 2008
by Michael Dansken B
Feb 11, 2008
Classy big suv,plenty of power og seats for a big family..Feb 11, 2008
by Luke C
Jan 18, 2008
As this is a Volvo, I think its best to start with the safety aspect, as this is what volvo do best. The lights always stay on, like every other volvo, and this is highly annoying. Especially when your driving on a motorway at 1pm in the middle of the summer. This car also boasts about 2 million airbags, which means you have more chance in having a fatal accident whilst watching TV, then you do driving this car. The one thing I do love about the safety on this car is a little button on the dashboard with the letters DSTC on. Flick this switch and suddenly you feel like your on a broken roller coaster, but this is great, this is what makes you appreciate the design of cars because we like to feel unsafe, we like to experiance adrenaline.
On to the car itself, the version I drove was actually a 2.4 D5 (turbo diesel). It has a very slow acceleration at low speeds, but stick it on a motorway and 60-100 mph will seem quicker than the average handgun firing a bullet at a wall 2 inches away.
The build quality is amazing, and for a base price of around 30k, the leather interior and stylish dash makes you feel like youve just bought a bargain bentley.
The Sat-nav is cool but extremely annoying. It comes out the dash in a very slick way, but try programming it and you suddenly feel like Bill Gates working on the original IBM computers.
The car looks good on the outside, the wheels are big (18 inch) and the front looks fierce.Jan 18, 2008
Hello I have an Volvo xc90 2004 T6. I have a very bad MPG (10MPG). Recently I got a code saying something about leak detection pump. I read this response by ¨Justin¨ (see image attached) and trying to find out more response for my issue
I usually got pretty decent gas mileage with my xc90 (17 mpg in the city). I then noticed it stall out and the a gas guzzling situation with a gas smell. My guy said it was the fuel pump and a few other pumps needed cleaning. I got a true volvo replacement and have found that the car STILL is gas guzzling. Not quite as much, but still a noticeable amount. ( I go 12 miles and use up an eighth of a tank...I literally watch the needle move.) This really doesn't make sense. My guy says there are no codes that come up as if this is the millage that is normal, when it's not. I really feel something else is going on, OR I got a faulty new pump, or it wasn't installed properly. Does anyone have an idea of what this could be? This car has been well taken care of so none of this makes sense.
There seems to be a pinhole gas leak somewhere in the engine compartment of my 2004 Volvo XC-90. When it rains, I notice that there is sometimes a rain puddle on the driveway that has gasoline in it or else a gas stain (rainbow colours) on a drier portion of the driveway. Typically, this occurs right after I back-up the vehicle a few feet towards the street. The location of the leak appears to be from under the engine compartment. I took the vehicle to a qualified mechanic (Canadian Tire) and had the fuel lines and components inspected - the mechanic indicated the fuel lines and components were fine. Also, the check engine light has not come on, meaning the gas vapour sensor has not detected a leak in the fuel system. Nevertheless, I see evidence of a leak when it rains and immediately when I move the vehicle (ie, backing up). My theory is that rainwater collects somewhere in the engine compartment near a pin hole leak that is too small to detect. The leaking gas combines with the rainwater over some hours. Then, when the vehicle is moved, the rainwater mixed with gas is disturbed and flows off the vehicle (I have watched dripping for a minute or so after moving the vehicle a few feet). This then leads to the gas stain. Questions, is this dangerous? Comments from anyone? Thanks, Mike