When Volvo hit the market with its snazzy XC90 sport utility vehicle a few years ago, it was the rave of many an auto writer across the country, including me. I'm happy to report that those first positive impressions proved to be accurate, as the charms of the XC90 have endured in an ever-changing market that sees new models appear almost daily.

This Volvo remains one of the safest SUVs on the road. The XC90 has a comparatively low center of gravity and is equipped with a new system called Roll Stability Control that uses gyroscopic sensors to register the car's roll speed and roll angle and, if it senses instability, reduce engine power and apply the brakes until the car gets back on track.

2005 Volvo XC90 (top) and interior (bottom). Click photo for larger image.

There's also a special steel in the roof that is five times stronger than normal; a whiplash protection system with special hinges on the front seat backrests and head restraints that absorb energy generated in a rear-end crash; an inflatable curtain head protection system for all rows of seats; and five padded head restraints.

Other standard equipment includes a 2.5-liter, 208-horsepower, turbocharged five-cylinder engine that is rated 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway, anti-lock brakes, tilt wheels and other items.

The XC90 is one good-looking set of wheels, too, with an air of elegance and sophistication. For some cars, color is important, and this is one that looks best in dark colors -- especially black with a black interior.

All of this comes at a price: $43,000. Perhaps not the most expensive SUV on the market, but not the cheapest by a long shot.

The feel behind the wheel is what sells this car. It's rock solid and stable on the road, and never feels as though it is becoming unglued or ruffled. If you make the mistake of taking a corner a bit too fast in this SUV, you won't feel as though you just bought the farm.

I loved the tailgate: it has to hold your groceries upright -- no more spilled milk or torn shopping bags with canned goods rolling all over the place. And if you are just hauling kids' drinks, you're in luck. There are 12 cup holders in the XC90.

The biggest problem I had was visibility to the rear -- it's awful. Between the rear windows, the roof design and the tall headrests, you can't see a thing. Volvo offers a reverse warning system for $400, and it's money well spent. Don't get this car without it.

Another issue: balky handles and levers for seats. Maybe it was the newness of the car, or maybe I was having a bad day. But it took some doing to get the levers to move smoothly and do what the owner's manual said.

But even two years after I tested the first XC90, the bottom line on this car is the same one I had back then: "I'll take the XC90's performance, sterling handling characteristics, manageable size and sophisticated look any day."