1990 Volvo 240 review from North America
"Built like an anvil, and seems to last forever"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Vehicle speed sensor went bad, $25 replacement.
Some of the trim tends to crack after 17 years.
Light bulb burnt out in the radio.
Air con needed a recharge.
Had to replace the shocks and struts.
Annoying service light tells you to change the oil at 5000 miles, and the reset button was broken.
Transmission pan bolts were loose, leaking fluid.
Obligatory Volvo dashboard cracking.
General comments?
Overall, I think this is probably the most reliable car ever made.
Some quirky things bother me sometimes. Drivers side leg room is a little cramped. It's a little slow and lumbering. Gas mileage is not terrific, but the motor design is from the 70's.
On the plus side, the timing belt is easy to change. Parts are cheap, but you usually don't have to fix anything. Easy to work on. Amazing condition for a car with 226000 miles, most things still work like new.
Handles great on highway. Always seems to get me there; I routinely drive 1000 miles to Florida. Easily drives 80 mph all day long.
Great in a small parking lot.
Seats are real comfortable.
Easily passed emissions test.
Statistically the safest car ever made (see Wikipedia).
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1990 - 240 DL Sedan 2.3L 4 cylinder An unbelievably reliable car |
| For the money this has been a reliable, stylish, classic car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1990 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 197000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 226000 miles |
| Previous car | Volvo 164 |
| Date of Entry | 2nd September, 2007 |