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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Volvo XC90

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Volvo XC90

Overview

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2008 Volvo XC90 Review

By KBB.com Editors

With the increasing movement to smaller, more efficient vehicles, the 2008 Volvo XC90 strikes the perfect balance between car and SUV. Riding atop the previous-generation S80 chassis, the roomy and safe XC90 comes wrapped in a manageable size and equipped with a choice of a V6 or V8 engine. Although more expensive than similarly-sized vehicles from Nissan and Honda, many consider Volvo's more luxurious SUV as something of a status symbol. Regardless of how you view the XC90, there is no arguing with the vehicle's rugged construction, all-weather capability, exemplary safety rating and strong resale value.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're not looking to carry half your kid's football team to practice and have a desire for an SUV that places safety and comfort front and center, the XC90 makes an excellent choice for the family transport.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're all about maximum interior space, the XC90's third-row seat is not well-suited for adults. Many families will find the V8's price tag a tough pill to swallow.

What's New for 2008

The 3.2 trims receive new wheels and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. The V8 models include 18-inch wheels (up from 17 inches), fender extensions and bright C-pillar trim.

Driving the XC90

Driving Impressions The XC90 achieves impressive on-road performance via a combination of unique safety and stability devices. The combination of a wide stance and Volvo's Roll Stability Control (RSC) system is a...

big part of the reason the XC90 can perform emergency maneuvers almost like a low-slung sedan. Though blessed with over eight inches of ground clearance, you'll hardly feel it as you round corners and zip through twisting turns. All-wheel-drive models benefit from a Haldex viscous-coupling system that splits the engine's power between the front and rear axles. Under ordinary driving conditions, 95 percent of the power runs through the front wheels. Should they begin to slip, the Haldex system routes power to the rear wheels until traction at the front has been regained.

Favorite Features

Sliding Center Child Seat The sliding center child seat allows a front-seat passenger to easily reach a child restrained in a safety seat in the second-row. Roof Pillars The XC90's roof pillars help protect the passenger compartment in the event of a rollover.

2008 Volvo XC90 Details

Interior

There is a lot of gray plastic and leather inside the XC90, although a smattering of wood trim helps warm things up a bit. Tending towards understated, the interior is tastefully appointed and very user-friendly. There is seating for five and the option of a forward-facing third-row seat. The driver and passenger relax in a comfortable pair of bucket seats featuring built-in whiplash protection. The XC90 is loaded with crash protection features, including front side-impact airbags, a head-curtain airbag running the length of the passenger compartment and a roof design intended to better resist collapsing in the event of a rollover. You'll also find subtle touches, such as the rear-seat sliding center section that allows a child in a safety seat to be moved closer to the front-seat passenger.

Exterior

The XC90 looks like a bigger, taller version of the popular XC70 wagon. All the familiar Volvo styling cues are present, including the raised-V hood bulge and the elongated taillights running the length of the D-pillars. Side mirrors include integrated turn signals that automatically flash when slight pressure is applied to the turn signal stalk. The tall ride height does not translate into a tall step-up height, though, making entry and exit similar to getting in and out of a car. Volvo takes particular pride in the XC90's reinforced roof design, which can provide an added measure of security in the event of a rollover accident.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The XC90 3.2 features a six-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), stability and traction control, a tire pressure monitor, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front and rear fog lights, illuminated remote keyless entry, dual heated power mirrors, AM/FM stereo with CD, Volvo's Rollover Protection System, eight-way power driver's seat, front skid plate, cruise control, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with touch controls, trip computer, rear wiper/washer and 17-inch alloy wheels. The V8 trim adds all-wheel drive, rear air conditioning, automatic leveling, power glass moonroof, leather seats and 18-inch alloy wheels. The V8 Sport adds a sport suspension and 19-inch wheels.

Optional Equipment

Options for the 3.2 trim include the Premium Package, which features a power moonroof, six-disc CD changer, power passenger seat and leather-surfaced seat trim. The Versatility Package (which requires the Premium Package) adds rear air conditioning, automatic leveling, an integrated child booster seat and a leather third-row seat. The V8 Sport offers a Technology Package that features Dynaudio Pro Logic II surround sound and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Stand-alone options for the XC90 include Active Bi-Xenon headlamps, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), navigation, upgraded audio with subwoofer and rear controls, dual-screen rear entertainment system and 18-inch wheels.

Under the Hood

The 3.2-liter in-line six gives the base model a significant advantage over the last generation turbocharged in-line five-cylinder engine. More horsepower and torque help the big Volvo cruise up to speed a bit quicker, but many SUV owners just can't live without a V8. For them, the 4.4 trim level's hefty helping of torque and impressive horsepower vastly improves the performance figures. On the flip side, both engines require premium unleaded gasoline and the V8 engine option can push the XC90's price tag well out of many shoppers' ranges. 3.2-liter in-line 6 235 horsepower @ 6200 rpm 236 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3200 rpm EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (FWD), 14/20 (AWD) 4.4-liter V8 311 horsepower @ 5850 rpm 325 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3900 rpm EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Volvo XC90 vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2008 Volvo XC90 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.7

Out of 10

Based on 392 Ratings for the 2003 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

7.8/10

Quality

8.0/10
Reliability

7.9/10

Performance

8.1/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.5/10

Beware, this car has a lot of flaws

By AuntieBea (MD) on Thursday, June 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "LOVE how it drives"

Cons: "Hate all the repairs!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"We bought the car used with 75,000 miles. Less then 2,000 miles later, the car just stopped working on the highway. We were told it was a part that needed to be cleaned. Another 1,000 miles it happened again. Then the windshield wipers stopped working. Then, an engine light went on and after the codes were reset, the headlights and bright lights stopped working. Then, the left turn signal went out. Finally, a transmission light went on and I was told it would be about another $5,000 to fix. I put in $4,000 since I bought it five months ago! I have heard there are a lot of glitches in this car. I did not believe it but NOW I DO!!!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Excellent, Reliable Car so I bought Another One!

By HotRod (GA) on Saturday, June 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 153,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Value, Reliability is Excellent, Great Ride"

Cons: "Can't think of any....."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"In 2006, the Cadillac dealer made my wife mad so she retaliated and bought an XC90. That XC90 now has 153,000 miles and has been the best car we ever purchased. We've done regular oil changes, tires, brakes. In seven years, I've spent $200 on unscheduled maintenance. You just can't beat that!! We love this car so much that I replaced my Chevrolet Impala with this car and bought my wife another XC90. We've had it 8 months and it looks to be just as good the first. We love the Volvos!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Wow what a ride!

By Christiana (AZ) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Holds value, fun to drive long distances as well a"

Cons: "No double visors like Tahoe for driver & passenger"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am a diehard Tahoe truck lover yet recently purchased a used Xc90...and I am ecstatic. Talk about maneuverable, powerful, comfortable and smooth. I thought I'd have to give up room....not so, the cargo area is huge. This vehicle is a dream to own and drive...much easier on the wallet at the pump too."

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Been an awesome car!!!

By John (NC) on Thursday, February 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 122,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "seating, comfortable, well built materials,"

Cons: "gas mileage, expensive maintenance"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Have only owned the car little over a year now and it has been awesome! Has never left us sitting nor has any major problems. Wheel bearings are a common problem for the xc90 so those needed to be replaced. Love my volvo and would recommend to anyone. I have read terrible review on the xc90 t6 so i went with the xc90 2.5T. Wouldnt trade it for anything!"

12 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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What a safe feeling driving my Volvo, Love it!

By CamCamJibJab (FL) on Wednesday, January 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 120,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"My XC90 has been an awesome car. Bought it used but have have no mechanical problems with it. The maintenance/tires are a bit expensive and now that I will also have a teen drivning it part time I can't afford what it will cost me in brakes and tires once a year. But all and all I have been extreamly happy with my Volvo. If you have a turbo watch the oil level. My burns extra oil and I have to add a quart between oil changes, there are no leaks or any problems. Many mechanics have assured me that all is good with my car. Runs like a dream!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Completely smitten over this SUV

By Erin (NE) on Friday, January 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 110,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "nice drive, luxury feel, great in snow"

Cons: "pricey to repair"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought this car used, in 2009 with around 58,000 miles on it. It is a 2006. For the price we paid for it, and the amount of wear and tear I have put on it in 4 years, it has been a real trooper. I lived in Kansas City at the time, and my family lived 3 hours away, so it was driven over 400 miles at least once a month, sometimes twice to three times a month. The ride this car will give you if you travel a lot is unbeatable. Every other SUV is subpar to the luxury this car will offer in a road trip. The drive is quiet and smooth, and it is hard to stay under the speed limit because it drives so naturally. It has tons of room, and I can attest to how much stuff you can pack in that car, and still not feel any drag from the weight. Also, if you live in an area that can be hit by heavy snow, this car does great. I was flying by other SUVs in the most recent snow storm we had, and it really eased my mind to feel that safe during a blizzard. My volvo has run into a few problems in the last few years though. For example, my AWD sleeve has gone out TWICE and luckily both times it was covered by my warranty. I also have had to replace my headlights, which each cost 100 dollars. While the car is fantastic, it can become costly fast. I definitely recommend this car, esp. if you travel alot, or have children and want an insanely safe car. It is worth the money you pay for it, but just be willing to pay a little more when things go wrong with it."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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