1990 Volvo 240 DL review from North America
"Underpowered, but comfortable and utterly reliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
About a year after I bought the car, the engine began to cut out unpredictably, which turned out to be an electrical problem.
Most of the plastic in the car (e.g. dashboard, map holders) has cracked, from being in the sun for fourteen years.
The rear left tail light blows out far too often.
General comments?
As an eighteen year-old, I feel the car is underpowered, with only 120 or so horsepower and 3,000 pounds of steel to haul about.
The handling, however is superb. The weight of the steering is good, and it is direct and communicative. Body roll can be a problem if you desire performance driving (few do from Volvos).
It is utterly reliable, safe, seriously overbuilt, and a joy to drive.
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| 1990 - 240 DL Sedan 2.3L 4 cylinder An unbelievably reliable car |
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| For the money this has been a reliable, stylish, classic car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1990 |
| Year of manufacture | 1990 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2 liter inline 4 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 130000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 146000 miles |
| Previous car | Plymouth Voyager |
| Date of Entry | 21st October, 2004 |