Faults:

Audio system failure. Needed to be resolved with a software reload by the dealer.

Rear dampers (shocks) needed to be replaced at 2,500 miles.

Front and rear bushings needed to be replaced at 2,500 miles.

Vibration in left driver's door persists and has not been resolved after several attempts by dealer service staff.

General Comments:

The XC 90 is quiet and comfortable on the highway at speeds above 50 or 60 MPH, but exhibits poor ride quality at lowers speeds. For a car of this price, and at only 15 months ownership and 29,000 miles (mostly smooth highway) the XC 90 suspension and ride are not satisfactory.

Power delivery once at highway speeds is very good, but the engine struggles and lower speeds and the turbo whine is far too noticeable to the ear at low speeds.

The T6 engine idles very roughly. Engine compartment and chassis noises are excessive.

Interior build quality is high. Layout and usability of interior space is very good.

Faults:

Plastic cover to the rear seat fell off.

General Comments:

I've driven this SUV now for almost 4 months and I like it more and more.

We had our first big snow of the season and I got to test it out in some very serous weather. On slushy and icy streets it held the ground well. In about one foot of snow it was a little squirrelly, but I was going about 50 miles per hour. I got it stuck once in about 3 feet of slushy snow and had to dig it out. The tires from the factory could be a little beefier. The front and rear windows defog very quickly and the controls are in a great spot. The front wipers froze up and left a large portion of the passengers window icy and despite running the defogger I had to stop the car and clean it up. The car climbed hills with around 2 feet of snow and wowed everyone (all seats taken).

The cabin is very comfortable and all the controls seem to be right where you would want them. The only draw back is the bulky front window frames which seem to block your vision at times. The climate control works very nicely in both hot and cold weather. The fan doesn’t start until the engine is warm enough to provide nice warm air. The seat warmers work well. The back seats don’t seem to get enough heat and some of my kids feel a bit cold even after 30-40 minutes of driving. Of course my wife loves the middle rear seat that slides up to the front seats. My daughter is the envy of her friends and it gets her close enough that her dad can whack her if need be ;)

I bought this car for my wife because we live in a rural town in Utah and she travels almost 100 miles every day to go to school and be with her family. The more I drive the XC90 the more I’m trying to talk her into taking the BMW and leaving me her car…. Because it gets better gas mileage…. hem... hem.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

The Volvo XC90 is really an impressive vehicle. My previous car, a Jaguar, was traded back in as a lemon (multiple window failures), but I became used to the luxury interior and engine performance of the Jag and wanted similar things from my next car without the "luxury" price tag. I got it all in the XC90 and then some.

The interior is full of features and is very comfortable. The ride is just like a luxury car, if not better. Everyone that has taken a ride in it with me wants one or is very impressed with the ride and features. The engine power and speed is also very good. I've put it through the paces on the highway and street, and it performs like a champ.

So far, not a thing is wrong. Believe me - I'll come back and post here if things change. But so far, it's the best vehicle I've ever owned.