1998 Volvo S90 2.9L
Summary:
Understated Swedish excellence coupled with the safety and reliability Volvo is known for
Faults:
A/C evaporator and radiator.
General Comments:
The S90 is the last remaining iconic rear wheel drive Volvos produced, and the 1998 model year was its swan song. The S90 production was only about 18 months.
This model not only competes very well with its European cousins such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi, but excels in overall fit, finish, performance and reliability. The S90 has such understated elegance, that belies its true heritage. Make no mistake it is a true Volvo with safety a paramount issue, and was the first to employ side air bags in this model year. Although some 17 years now into service, not many are available in the pre owned market.
Many of the S90s were used as transportation for royalty, diplomats, executives and UN duty the world over, based upon the safety measures that are employed in the S90 as well as its overall performance in emergency situations. One will feel totally safe in this car. Regardless of going out shopping, or a night on the town or a lengthy road trip, the S90 excels in all climates and situations one may find themselves faced with. With its powerful Porsche designed engine, cruising the interstates is a breeze, and it has low end torque that will sprint you away quickly. Has the tightest turning radius of any sedan in its class, which means even in the smallest of parking situations, the S90 excels with ease.
Throughout the years of designing and building cars, Volvo's purpose has remained the same: to deliver its occupants to their destination safely and comfortably. Our 1998 Volvo S90 adds another adverb to that list: stylishly. That's right - the famously boxy buggy lost some of its squareness for this model year, both literally and figuratively. With this beautiful sedan, Volvo lets style ride in the front seat with safety. In other words, "Sure, we're the safest, but we're darned good-looking, too." You've seen these pass you out on the roads, and most likely you've noticed the guy behind the wheel going about his commute with a smile. This is the result of rolling down the road enjoying truly exceptional handling and performance, while feeling confident that this vehicle, which received stellar ratings in NHTSA crash tests, will protect you should something go awry. Plus the Narcissus in every driver loves knowing that in this car he looks great doing it, too. Spend a while behind the wheel and you'll get the feeling this car was made for the highway, where you're sure to be all smiles. Our Volvo S90 offers you a great choice if you're shopping for a sedan with a few extras. Add in the Swedish comfort and impressive performance, and you have yourself a winner not often found.
A true European touring saloon of the highest quality, not often found today.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th February, 2016
15th Feb 2016, 22:44
Excellent review, executive saloons/sedans made in the 1990's rule. Drove a Volvo 940/960 many years ago and it was the best; critics disliked it at the time though. But the later S/V models were even better and there are still lots out there worth purchasing even in 2016 as an everyday car.