In Volvo nomenclature, "V" stands for "versatile." Versatility is great, but as the departed V40 wagon proved, it says nothing about excitement -- not when the other elements in the mix are drab sheet metal and mediocre performance. The Volvo V50 was conceived to replace this less-than-memorable small wagon, and it improves on the formula by offering more style and the opportunity for greater performance.
The compact V50 has been dubbed a "sport wagon" by Volvo. With its bulging fenders and grooved hood, this Volvo looks, dare we say, ripped. And it lives up to the "sport" part through its sharp handling and sprightly acceleration -- as long as you opt for the turbocharged engine, that is. With that turbo under its hood, the Volvo V50 feels nimble and brisk. Alas, the V50's normally aspirated base engine is far less impressive.
Still, with either power plant, this upscale small wagon is enjoyable on the inside, offering a design that's as ergonomically correct as it is distinctive. There are also plenty of safety features, with a lineup that includes side-impact and head curtain airbags, active head restraints and optional built-in booster seats for children. Combine all this with the utility offered by the available all-wheel drive, and Volvo's V50 distinguishes itself as providing plenty of "V" without being boring to drive or own.
Volvo does things a little differently from other premium brands in
the automotive world. For this Swedish manufacturer, safety and
kid-friendliness are just as important as luxury amenities and driving
performance, and in no vehicle is this more apparent than the
Volvo XC90, a midsize seven-passenger SUV.
Innovative safety features aside, the XC90 is merely adequate relative
to the premium midsize SUV competition. Zestier performance is available
elsewhere, as are more cavernous cargo holds. With more and more
modern competitors measuring up to Volvo's high safety standards,
the aging XC90 isn't the slam dunk for families that Volvo products
used to be. It remains capable, though, and arguably safer than ever
thanks to some new tricks.
Current Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is available in two versions: 3.2 and V8. Available
with front- or all-wheel drive, the 3.2 is the entry-level model and
carries a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated for 235 horsepower.
Mileage suffers a bit on the XC90 V8, but the 311-hp 4.4-liter V8
provides strong acceleration, moving this 4,600-pound SUV
to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard with the V8.
The 3.2 comes with five-passenger seating (with the third-row
seat optional), while the V8 comes with seven-passenger seating.
As this is a premium SUV, almost all major safety and convenience
features are included, even on the base model. Major options
include a rear entertainment system with dual screens, a DVD-based
navigation system, a Dolby Pro Logic II surround-sound audio
system and an interior air quality system, as well as an ultra-luxurious
executive package for the V8 model.
Easily one of the safest SUVs on the market, the Volvo XC90
pioneered Roll Stability Control. This bit of technology uses
a gyro sensor to identify every SUV owner's greatest fear,
a potential rollover, and activates the stability control
system to try to avert it. Another interesting feature is the
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which monitors
images from a pair of cameras mounted in the side mirrors
and warns the driver via an indicator light when another
vehicle moves into the XC90's blind spot. Of course, the
XC90 also provides staples like side curtain airbag protection
for all three rows, anti-whiplash seats and an emergency
communications system. Volvo crash safety is legendary,
and indeed, this midsize SUV has scored well in NHTSA
and IIHS testing.
In reviews, we've found that the XC90 drives just as
you'd expect a safe, heavy Volvo SUV to drive. Ride quality
is smooth and the cabin stays quiet, while handling is competent
but not particularly sporty. Equipped with AWD, the XC90 makes
an excellent snow vehicle but isn't intended for serious off-road romps.
V8-powered models are considerably more satisfying to drive
than six-cylinder XC90s.
Despite its advancing age, the seven-passenger Volvo XC90 is one
of our top recommendations for families shopping for an SUV.
Although its on-road performance is merely average as luxury
SUVs go, the XC90 still offers a winning combination of safety,
solidity and style.
Used Volvo XC90 Models
The XC90 debuted for the 2003 model year. Changes have
been limited over the years. The V8 joined the fray in 2005,
while the 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine debuted in 2007 as a
replacement for the 208-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder
(known as the 2.5T) offered through 2006. Used XC90 shoppers
will also come across T6 models (sold from 2003-'05), which had a
268-hp, twin-turbocharged, 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder. Although
acceleration was adequate with either of these turbo engines, their
power bands really weren't well suited for duty in a heavy SUV.
However, if you test-drive a used XC90 T6 or 2.5T and find its
performance to your liking, there's no reason not to buy it.
Source from: Car
