1987 Volvo 740 GLE 2.3

Summary:

A safe reliable car

Faults:

I needed to replace the catalytic converter.

My sunroof jammed and I had to replace it.

General Comments:

The car feels like it wants to be a sports car, but it is trapped inside a Volvo body.

Great hi-end torque!

Very comfortable, especially with the seat warmers.

Does not handle well in the snow unless with extra weight in the back, and/or snow tires.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2001

1987 Volvo 740 GLE 1.8L

Summary:

Reliable

Faults:

Water pump, A/C compressor, fuel pump, but being original parts to begin with it's amazing they lasted 13-14 years.

General Comments:

I love this car. Stuffed 8 people in it one time, no problems. Drove it to Montreal... then to Virginia Beach no problems. Countless trips to Home Depot. If it wasn't for the accident I'd still be driving it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2001

1987 Volvo 740 Turbo Sedan I-4 turbo

Summary:

What more could you really ask for?

Faults:

Needed bushings when I got it, along with major a service @ 150K..

General Comments:

Runs like new, with power to spare, for city driving anyway.

Comfortable, reliable and safe.

Really don't think I would buy anything much out there except for another rear drive manual Volvo sedan or wagon. Maybe a 780... then onto Mercedes... the newer front drivers just don't impress...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th November, 2000

1987 Volvo 740 GLE 2.3 liter 4 cylinder

Faults:

The speedometer only works when it wants to... about 50% of the time... Just hit the dashboard and it goes up.

Catalytic converter and trunk lifters.

General Comments:

This is one solid car for a guy that loves to just abuse it! I am 20 years old and got this as a hand me down, and constantly floor it and brake hard and it does fine, especially in LA traffic! All she needs is a little oil and a wash... This is a great car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th August, 2000

6th Jun 2003, 08:43

Did anyone else realize that the foam-rubber steering wheel center could be pulled out. There was no airbag in that model year, just the space where an airbag would be. Great hiding place.

13th Oct 2004, 09:45

I have a Volvo 740 and it is in great shape, but the only bad part about the car I don't like is the 4 cylinder.

11th May 2005, 11:00

Why do you need more than 4 cylinders? In the United States they drive very slow compared to Europe. In Europe, 4 cylinders are more than enough. It hits the 190-200 km/h on the Deutsche Autobahn. Well that's enough for me. And I'm driving this baby since 1989, and never have let me down, except some small things which weren't expensive.

Since Ford took Volvo I don't like it anymore. I love the old solid Volvo's.

7th Dec 2013, 06:56

I am the original poster of this review, and I am visiting this review over 13 years later.

I miss this car more than any car I have ever sold. It has been gone for 10 years. I own and drive two very expensive cars now, and yet I miss the old 740 a lot. I missed it so much I bought its coupe brother, the 780, to restore.

There is something about the old Volvos from the early 90s and before that just exude character and strength. The newer ones are good as well, but the older ones always put a smile on people's faces. Old Volvos may be cosmetically beaten up by now, with ripped leather and faded and rusted paint, but they do what they are supposed to do with charm.