1991 Volvo 740

Summary:

Outstanding!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I've owned MANY Volvo's; 240's, 740's and 940's mainly. THE most reliable, simple and rock solid cars made. Can be purchased inexpensively and will run for 300,000K plus miles with only basic maintenance. Great "Anti-Status" car... why drive a BMW unless your main goal is to impress someone...I've owned BMW, Mercedes, Saab and Volvo. Volvo is hands down the best of the breed!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2005

1991 Volvo 740 Turbo 2.3 Litre 4 cylinder turbo

Summary:

Great first car, reliable, safe, turbo is a must have, that's about it my good friends

Faults:

The battery died in a parking lot while I was listening to the radio when the car wasn't running. This happened shortly after I bought the car and nothing like that has happened since.

Mechanically it has been sound as far as I've owned it.

Interior is good, with noticeable wear from the previous owner.

General Comments:

The turbo makes its performance manageable, and I can't imagine its performance without it. I would find it painful.

Great turning radius, easy to park.

Parts tend to be expensive, be sure to find a fairly honest mechanic, good luck.

Ebay is good for parts, too.

It seems to be a "wholesome" and "down to earth" car to own, but the ladies really don't dig it, they want some dude in a big truck or sleek BMW, Volvo has the soccer mom image and its too safe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2004

1991 Volvo 740 2.3L

Summary:

Best $1000 I ever spent

Faults:

My exhaust system has been giving me trouble since I bought the car. The tailpipe rusted clean off and I have had to replace several gaskets, but none of the problems cost me more than 50$ tops to fix. All small stuff. Wiring has also given me some trouble. Interior light dosen't work, right rear taillight still dosen't work after having it fixed twice by dealer. It works for 2 or 3 weeks then dies again. Gas door fell off, and that is apparently a very very common problem.

General Comments:

It has decent pickup for an old Volvo. High-end acceleration is surprising as well. Cruises at 115mph very .

The steering is very steady and responsive in good driving conditions. Excellent for long highway trips. Rear wheel drive combined with the weight of the car means that it won't respond well at all in the snow. If you accelerate at all while the wheel isn't perfectly straight, it fishtails almost immediately, even with snow tires.

The body has aged very well. No rust at all.

It is the most reliable car I have ever owned. I have not had one mechanical issue with it in the entire time I have owned it.

I have been in two accidents with it. Once in a foot of snow I slid into a telephone pole at 20mph. The car bounced off. I was fairly shook up, but the only damage was a broken blinker. I literally backed up and drove away. The other time I skidded off a trail in the woods and hit a tree at 15mph. I dragged it back onto the trail and drove away. Very impressive.

Interior is practical and nice. Heated seats big plus.

Gas mileage averages about 21 - 24.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th June, 2004

28th May 2006, 12:01

I differ with this review ONLY in the performance of the VOLVO wagon in the snow. I LOVE my Volvo in the snow!! With chains I can literally and quite easily go any where a 4x4 truck or SUV can go. Put her in low and go!! I run 195's which are one size up from factory issue. It is a light truck tire. It gives me more clearance and I can also get beefier snow tires for getting home to my mountain top cabin. I LOVE IT!! I have had several aged, but sturdy wagons over the course of 20+ years. We just purchased a 91 for $2,400 and it rocks!! MUCH more comfortable and dependable than the rinky-dink new, and newer used vehicles out there... THE ONLY con 4 me has been driving the bumpy back roads and using her like a ranch truck tends to wear everything out except the engine, running gear and transmission..ie: doors (broken or difficult opening typical), power window issues, seat belts barely or poorly functioning.. plus LOTS of squeaks and rattles... all typical volvo problems.