Current Volvo XC90 Will Keep Trucking Along

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

If you like your Volvo XC90, you can keep it – as long as you live in China.

This spyshot from Carnewschina.com shows the newly dubbed “XC Classic“, while Just-Auto reports that the XC Classic will be built in China, at first using imported components, with local content ramping up over the life of the vehicle.

The current-gen XC90 was once Sweden’s most valuable export, with a value of close to $6 billion during the peak of its 636,000 unit production. Given the investment in a Chinese production facility, it’s not unreasonable to expect the XC90 to be built for another decade or so, including a Geely badged spin-off. That should give the car a two decade production run, making it one of the longest-running Volvo vehicles in recent years.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Ramjetroger09 Ramjetroger09 on Aug 27, 2014

    Since I don't live in China, I have to turn my XC-90 in? And to whom?

  • Beemernator Beemernator on Aug 27, 2014

    I was looking for a family car a few months ago and the Volvo XC90 came up on my shortlist. Available with a V8 engine? Check. Seven seats? Check. High ground clearance and all wheel drive for occasional light off-roading? Check. Reasonably priced as a used car? Check. Reliable? Not so much. Oh dear... I got myself an RX350. Very happy with it so far.

    • Mandalorian Mandalorian on Aug 27, 2014

      I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago, only it was to be a new car. I was in the market in late 2011 and the V8 was dropped around that time. Also the split tailgate is plain stupid.

  • JohnnyFirebird JohnnyFirebird on Aug 27, 2014

    Canada had a rare instance of this in North America with the Golf / Jetta City, MKIV versions sold until 2010. A bit of an ugly update to the bumpers but otherwise the cars aged pretty nicely and were, I think, more fun to drive than the MKV/IV. Even with the 2.slow. As for the reliability foibles of the XC90s, they're pretty predictable. Well-maintained ones usually hold up much better, but they don't have the high-mileage near-unkillability of the XC70 / V70s. The biggest problems I've seen are the front axle being seized in the bearings, ABS / traction control issues, and a cup holder cover that gets expensive to repair when jammed. Except the 2003-2005 T6. Beware that one.

    • See 3 previous
    • 28-Cars-Later 28-Cars-Later on Aug 27, 2014

      @scrappy17 Alot. The most common major oopsie was the fact on Volvo sourced the GM 4T60-E transmission in the I6 S80 and XC90 (and possibly turbo I5 can't recall) because the Aisin unit could not handle the torque. Problem is Volvo did not program its motor to work correctly on launch and it chewed through the 4T60s quite frequently.

  • Flybrian Flybrian on Aug 27, 2014

    When it receives one more minor refresh... And appears in a movie starring William H. Macy selling them... Then be driven exclusively by poorer rural Chinese who will equip them with donuts and sport $200 Maaco repaints that cover all exterior trim... Then - and ONLY then - will it EARN its place as the NEW Cutlass Ciera.

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