2004 Volvo XC90 review from North America

This car has had many, many problems since the first year of ownership -mostly, but not entirely, of an electrical nature- that I have not bothered to keep track. So, I can't begin to list all of the problems here. Although I do remember the day the controls to the side rear windows stopped working and the car had to go back to the dealer, yet again. Just one of many visits to the dealer for problems I never had with previously owned Volvos.

By far the largest and most problematic is the blown transmission at 54,000 miles. The dealer has been wonderful and has offered to fix the transmission for free; however, I am through with this car and am trading it in for a 2008 cross country wagon.

I have never really loved this car as I loved my 940 Turbo wagon which I drove for 150,000 miles with very few problems.

But, I like the three forward-facing seats - very handy for driving a lot of kids around town although the third seat is really too tight for anyone over 6 year of age and the second seat is a little tight too.

The cargo space is adequate given the configuration of the seating.

The car drives like a truck, it's not terribly comfortable, and the gas mileage is terrible. I spend $100+ a week on gas -- am always at the gas station.

I like the rear sensor -- all cars should have this. It would prevent running over kids' bicycles in the driveway or worse, backing into another car.

Honestly, I can't say what else I really like about this car. My husband drives a 2006 XC70 which I love and am always angling to switch cars.