1990 Volvo 240 DL 2.2 liter inline 4 from North America
Summary:
Underpowered, but comfortable and utterly reliable
Faults:
About a year after I bought the car, the engine began to cut out unpredictably, which turned out to be an electrical problem.
Most of the plastic in the car (e.g. dashboard, map holders) has cracked, from being in the sun for fourteen years.
The rear left tail light blows out far too often.
General Comments:
As an eighteen year-old, I feel the car is underpowered, with only 120 or so horsepower and 3,000 pounds of steel to haul about.
The handling, however is superb. The weight of the steering is good, and it is direct and communicative. Body roll can be a problem if you desire performance driving (few do from Volvos).
It is utterly reliable, safe, seriously overbuilt, and a joy to drive.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st October, 2004
27th Oct 2006, 19:40
A Classic. Bought a white 240 DL used with 76,000 miles on it for $14,000 in 1996. Had it serviced only by Volvo mechanic at dealership. Had to replace timing belt and "main computer" in engine for $1,000 and fuel pump relay. Still, this has been my favorite car; even people with much newer more expensive Volvos at the service garage at the dealership offered to buy my car because it looks so classic. This was Volvo's car of the year when it came out -- a.k.a the "tank". They don't build 'em like this anymore. It's not sporty, but is possibly the safest car ever made and looks classic as well. I will never sell this one, even though I have since owned two other cars. Volvo mechanics love to work on this car. No matter how old it gets, I never feel embarrassed driving it -- it has taken on that classic car image almost like an old Rolls (almost!)