1990 Volvo 740 GLE 2.4 I4 16v from North America

Summary:

If you want to purchase a car and keep it for many years, buy a Volvo!

Faults:

Power window motor failed.

Sun roof seal replaced.

Control arms replaced.

Heated seats no longer hot.

Engine seals replaced.

General Comments:

Very durable and reliable. Comfortable on long strips. My last Volvo 740 saved my life when I was hit head on my a car going 95 mph. Can't beat that. With proper maintenance they will run forever. The car is very heavy and the in-line four banger is often underpowered with the air conditioning compressor running. People sell their Volvo's because they grow tired of them and what something new; not because they need to mechanically. This model Volvo has been a joy to own and I will only sell it for a Volvo wagon (I need more room!).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th July, 2002

1990 Volvo 740 Turbo from North America

Summary:

Performance, comfort, safety for under $5000

Faults:

Wiring problem ($200)

Had to have air mass meter replaced.

General Comments:

First I will let you know, I am Volvo biased and this in my fifth one (3 240's & 2 740's). The car has ample power for useful things like pulling out on ramps and losing granny at the light. It also performs well on the highway although it is a bit loud at cruising speeds. The handling is crisp and sure-footed with good tires.

The interior is very comfortable and I love the wide leather seats. Beware coffee drinkers, there are no cup holders as the stain on my floor (and my favorite shirt) can attest to.

I have many people comment on how nice the car looks who are astonished when I tell them it is 12 years old. I would rather drive this car (purchased for $4500) than the vast majority of newer cars I have had the misfortune of either driving or riding in.

Finding a good Volvo mechanic in your area and avoiding dealerships will save you a lot of money and hassles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 2002

3rd Sep 2002, 16:25

Good review here. I own a 1989 Volvo 740 Turbo wagon and agree with everything you had to say, except for the part about crisp handling. Mine rides very squishy and soft, especially for a European car and it doesn't handle well in emergency situations. I found that out the hard way when coming home from work one evening. I almost lost control when I took a corner too fast on a country road and ended up fishtailing all over the road. A VERY scary experience! But I suppose it handles better than that Taurus wagon I once test drove.

1990 Volvo 740 B23 turbo Intercooler from North America

Summary:

Great people and gear mover with sports car engineering!

Faults:

The air conditioning doesn't work. I bought the car advertised with air conditioning, but I bought it in the winter and couldn't test it.

The engine/transmission leaks some oil.

Gas mileage is not as good as I would like at approximately 15 miles per gallon.

General Comments:

I love the turbo and the handling of the vehicle. My mileage would probably improve if I stayed out of turbo boost, but it's tough when all of your previous vehicles were putt putts.

Comfortable leather seats and heated.

The sunroof works fine with no leaks.

I appreciate the level of engineering of Volvo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2002

1990 Volvo 740 Estate 2.3 turbo intercooler from Netherlands

Summary:

Which other car can do 0-100 km/h in 7.8 sec with 6 persons and has a turning circle of 9.9 m?

Faults:

It had a broken turbo when I bought it, my dealer didn't tell us, but after a short period we noticed that it didn't give the engine the power it should.

The last part of my exhaust broke after 6 months.

General Comments:

It really really fast now with the new turbo.

We have 4 children so we installed a 2nd bench in the boot. It is folded down if we do not need it so our boot is more flexible compared with a MPV.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2001

4th Apr 2008, 05:26

Yes unbelievable as the Volvo seats 5 only and with such a load mine sure would not do such times and its putting out 113.6 at the rear wheels in other words tweaked up.