The Volvo XC90 was first introduced to the public at the Detroit Motor Show in 2002. It is a mid-size crossover vehicle manufactured at plants in Sweden and Malaysia. Consumers liked what they saw and this model was a top seller for Volvo in the United States in 2005. The XC90 is also the most popular model the company sold worldwide that same year.

It didn't take long for the XC90 to get noticed. In 2003 it received accolades when it was declared both Motor Trend's Sport/Utility vehicle and North American Car of the Year

2005 saw the introduction of a new engine in the Volvo XC90. The new 4.4L V8 engine may have contributed to the impressive sales showing that year, when over 85,000 units were sold.

The next update to the model took place in 2007. At this point, the interior was updated, keeping in mind the consumer's desire for something that is both attractive and functional. Controls are easy to find and operate, and an integrated booster seat in was added in the middle rear seat. The second and third rows of seats fold down easily for hauling cargo.

Recalls and Fuel Efficiency and the Future
In July of 2007, more than 42,000 XC90s (2005 model year) were recalled. There were concerns that the vehicle's batteries could short circuit and result in a fire. Cars manufactured in Sweden between June 7, 2004 and May 13, 2005 were included in the recall, and recall notices were sent to owners in Canada and the United States only.

For 2008, the XC90, the company considered the kinds of features that it thought were most important to today's consumers. As a result, this model has an updated, more fuel-efficient engine. This means the vehicle is a bit more environmentally friendly and you can save a bit when you need to fill up at the pumps. Plus, wherever you need to go in your XC90, you can get there in comfort, due to the heated front seats.

What does the future hold for the Volvo XC90? The company's plan to introduce an updated model in 2010 has now been scrapped. Instead, consumers will have to be content with a few updates to the current model until at least 2012. Volvo has announced that a second generation of the XC90 will be available, but that it's official launch will be put off until some point in the future.