1990 Volvo 740 review from North America
"Ten years of reliability and luxury matched by few"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
New fuel pump around 135,000 miles.
Front end loosened toward end of my ownership; couldn't find anyone to give me a straight answer on how to fix this.
Headliner drooped in midlife; only thing about the car that seemed substandard.
General comments?
If it would have been possible to buy a brand new 740 in 2004, I would have done anything in my power to facilitate this.
One of the more "over-engineered" cars I've ever known; it truly was like saying goodbye to an old friend when it was time to part.
This car, though there were much more expensive and luxurious Volvo models out there, always made me feel special (this may have had something to with the beautiful buckskin leather interior with two tone dashboard) especially on a beautiful day with the sunroof open.
The most reliable car I've ever known. Ten years of bliss in this regard. Rugged as a mule, yet far more elegant.
The trunk was usefully shape (why are car manufacturers afraid of the box shape; it's so incredibly functional... in the 740's case, it was also beautiful).
Alas, after 200,000 miles, and fourteen years the car began to feel tired... the front needed work and the engine began to seep oil. I researched how to get the car re manufactured (there used to be a place in New Jersey that did this to Volvo's and BMW's) but came up empty. I really wanted to begin again with a brand new 740.
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| 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? | No |
| Model Year | 1991 |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 45000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 200000 miles |
| Previous car | Peugeot 505 |
| Date of Entry | 24th January, 2006 |