Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90 History

The Volvo XC90 is Volvo's first SUV offering, and came late in the SUV game. In a market where some manufacturers have 4 or more models, Volvo makes just one. It debuted as a 2003 model, and sales have been higher than Volvo predicted.

The XC90 shares Volvo's P2 platform with the V70, S60, XC70, and S80.

Keen to avoid the Ford SUV rollover public relations fiasco, Volvo strengthened and perfected the XC90 to do very well in this type of crash, if not avoid it altogether with its Roll Stability Control. RSC is a system designed to predict and actuate brakes and throttle to eliminate rollover accidents.

The Volvo XC90 has an inertia sensor that monitors the SUV's attitude and its acceleration. The sensor can determine the difference between an impending accident and steep terrain. Working in concert with the inertia sensor are sensors that watch the body's lean and measures its roll movements. But if there is a rollover, the airbags will deploy and remain inflated for up to seven seconds, or 4 rolls.

The XC90 was unchanged in the 2004 model year, and for MY 2005 it got a V8.

Engines

• turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 20-valve 2.5-liter 5-in-line, 208 hp, 236 lb-ft
• twin-turbo-charged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 2.9-liter 6-in-line, 268 hp, 280 lb-ft
• DOHC 32-valve 4.4-liter V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection, 311 hp, 325lb-ft

Specifications

• Transmissions 4- or 5-speed automatic with lockup torque converter
• Wheelbase 112.6 in
• Length 188.9 in
• Width 74.7 in
• Height 70.2 in
• Curb weight 4450-4600 lb

Manufacturer's performance ratings

• Zero to 60 mph 8.7-9.3 sec
• Top speed (governor limited) 128 mph

Volvo XC90 Repairs

Volvo XC90