1990 Volvo 740 GL review from North America
"It spoiled me for anything else.."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Had air conditioning rebuilt and converted to new refrigerant. New front and rear brakes. New Shocks front and Rear. Transmission overdrive solenoid failed and needed repair ($800!). Headliner is falling apart... please pass the contact cement...
General comments?
This is a great car. The interior plastic bits area a cheesy. The seats are amazingly comfortable, and I take lots of long trips (200 to 500 mile days.) Quite quiet. Very roomy. I think the back seat is even more comfortable than the front, except for leg room. A benefit of not being a front drive car... huge foot wells... spread out your feet and get comfy. The car handles nicely and has an amazingly tight turning circle. Since it is not a turbo, it's acceleration is, uh, leisurely. But sufficient. Very large and well shaped trunk. Nicely designed controls and a wonderful heater. I live in a snow belt area... this car is actually very good in snow, with some sandbags in the trunk and real live snow tires I prefer it to my large 4x4 SUV (usually) I have recently passed it along to my 16 year old son. Perfect kid car... very strong, very safe, very dependable and very (or at least fairly) slow. I replaced it with a very fast model from another Swedish car company... I miss my Volvo...
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | Ten years of reliability and luxury matched by few |
![]() ![]() | 1989 - 740 Turbo Wagon 2.3L turbo 4 cylinder. A great car for little $$$...beware of high repair costs though! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 87000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 143000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Jetta |
| Date of Entry | 21st August, 2004 |




