2003 Volvo XC90 Article at Automotive.com
»Locate a Dealer»Find a Used Car»Get Financing

2003 Volvo XC90 T5 SUV Review, Price, Specs & Road Test

Below is an enthusiast article written by the automotive experts at Motor Trend. All in all, we've enjoyed this thing a ton
Find a Car
 
Text Size


One-Year Test Update: 2003 Volvo XC90 T5

All in all, we've enjoyed this thing a ton
By Neil G. Chirico
Photography by Brian Vance
2003 Volvo XC90 T5 Rear Passenger Side View Hatch Open

The Volvo came due for its final (22,500-mile) service right before we sent it home, and we decided to try a different dealer. We're happy to report that the level of customer service was as expected this time out. Unexpected was that our vehicle qualified for eight minor service campaigns, called "updates" by our politically correct service advisor (manufacturers do service campaigns on a voluntary basis, so don't confuse them with recalls).

They "updated" the software "to improve comfort and customer satisfaction," which doesn't explain much. They also upgraded the headlamp-washer fuse from 25A to 30A due to increased electrical load during cold-weather conditions. Other updates addressed small items such as the installation of a swivel on the remote, the lack of which always bugged us about the Volvo's key. These items were most likely incorporated into the XC's assembly process as running improvements, so many only apply to early-build units like ours. All in all, we've enjoyed this thing a ton.

FROM THE LOGBOOK"It feels as good or better today as it did when we took delivery." (final log entry)
--Chris Walton

2003 Volvo XC90 T5
Base price$35,125
Price as tested $42,170
Vehicle layout Front engine, AWD, 4-door, 7-pass
Engine 2.5L I-5, turbocharged, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
Hp @ rpm 208 @ 5000
Torque @ rpm 236 @ 1500-4500
Transmission 5-speed automatic
0-60 mph, sec 9.9
EPA mpg 18/24
Total mileage 22,030
Average test mpg 17.8
Maintenance cost Free sched maint
Normal-wear cost $0

Related Articles

Astra-Based Car Almost Ready for Prime Time
Boxier Styling Cues Cribbed from GLK Playbook
BMW's First Small Hybrid Caught Testing
Just Smaller than a Jetta: Polo Four Door Begins to Take Shape
Edgy New Design to Reportedly Feature Bigger W-12 Engine, Tiny Turbodiesel
2003 Volvo XC90