I thought I would give those that are considering purchasing a Volvo a review after officially owning my XC90 1 year. For years, we have owned a variety of vehicles including Toyotas, Jeeps, Mazda’s, and Subaru’s. I personally drove a Toyota 4Runner for almost 20 years but was dissatisfied with the quality and the lack of technology and updates to the vehicle. I was in the market for a well built, larger SUV, not a vehicle that did NOT ride like a truck. I researched for 6 months and after a multitude of test drives decided on the Volvo XC90 Ultimate. I do not regret my decision one bit! I have 10K so it is definitely broken in. Here is the good and a few bad’s – because it is NOT a perfect car.
Good:
1. The ride is unreal – smooth as glass. I feel extremely safe in it. The pickup is terrific – I was on Interstate 95 and passed 3 semi’s who were all doing 70 MPH and I got up to 90 and it glided by like they were stopped. Our daughter drove it to the Northeast and proclaimed it the best car she has ever driven. I agree!
2. Unreal in the snow. I only drove it once in the snow and it was glued to the road. I drove down a on ramp that had not been plowed and it was so stabile in the snow – look forward to more snow time.
3. Pirelli tires are terrific – why do so many complain about them?
4. The seats are amazing – the best and most comfortable leather seats I have ever owned.
5. The heads up display should be mandatory on all cars. Now when I drive our other car, I am like how do you even know the speed limit? It spoils you!
6. Gas mileage. I avg about 26 MPG. On a road trip, I avg 31 – unreal!
7. I love having the map in the middle of the dashboard – so easy when driving to an unknown location.
8. Seats warmers and steering wheel warmer are outstanding.
9. Volvo dealership has been terrific. I had the only changed at 5,500 (I know a waste of money) but I felt better about it. I had the 10K mile service and they were awesome. i bought my own Volvo windshield washer fluid and dilute it – ez as pie. I also did my own ceramic wax. I can do as well as a dealer. Actually, better.
10. I feel incredible safe in this vehicle. My daughter was driving and went over the line and it corrected – she was like thats so awesome! Well built, styling is nice, steering wheel feels really good. Plenty of room. Paint job is amazing. Pilot assist is awesome. I could go on!
Bad:
1. Yes a few bad. The heating buttons are hard to touch and get right for the seat and steering wheel. Needs to be bigger and easier to access.
2. Same with the radio stations – hard to touch and change channels. I can’t get used to using the buttons on the steering wheel.
3. The display screen needs to be a touch larger of us older people!
4. I have experienced the hard stop when backing out of the garage – i was close to the side and it thought i was going to hit it. Sometimes those alarms are so annoying.
5. Wonkiness. Its wonky – the display reboots at weird times. I got a new iphone and i have not been able to reconnect to my phone. I lost all sounds when traveling this summer and I had to google rebooting the console. WONKY! Most display item settings I have not touched in months – seems crazy to have that many features and never use them.
6. I am not getting all updates OTA – this summer had to bring it in to the dealer as it would not update. I just installed the most recent. i think. Be nice to get a message saying its done but the phone app is not working for me!
I know I am leaving some things out – yes its still honeymoon as many have pointed out – but I love it. I have the platinum warranty for 10 years/100K and the 10 year maintenance – so lets see what the next 9 years brings me! If you are interested in buying one, I say do it! Best car I have ever owned. Glad I bought the hybrid and not the electric.
Let me know if you have questions.