Faults:

The engine occasionally stalls when cold. This is frequently associated with missing or maladjusted adjustment screws and a dirty or faulty idle control valve.

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor: Faults in this sensor cause jerking or even prevent the engine from starting.

The clutch system may slip when power is demanded. Additionally, the pedal becomes heavy or produces scraping noises if the cable or internal components are worn.

Dried-out hoses, a clogged radiator, or a worn water pump cause temperature spikes.

General Comments:

Robustness and safety are hallmarks of the brand. It offers solid safety and obvious ruggedness; while its styling was up-to-date, the design of certain mechanical components betrayed its age—even back in the mid-90s when I bought it.

While the Volvo handles admirably on well-paved roads, its stability suffers when the road surface deteriorates or when driving on typical mountain roads, preventing us from fully exploiting the potential of its outstanding engine.

In tight corners, a noticeable loss of traction makes it impossible to accelerate until the car is completely straight and has settled back to a neutral position following significant body roll. On downhill sections entered under braking—where accelerating mid-corner isn't required—the rear end tends to swing toward the outside of the curve, forcing us to make steering corrections.

The gearbox also strikes me as excellent, both in terms of operation and gear ratios. The only downside is the position of the lever—perhaps a bit too far back for Swedish physiques—but its precision is well above average.

This vehicle is not ideally suited for sporty driving—despite what its appearance might subtly suggest—nor for mountain roads. It is heavy to maneuver, though this wouldn't be a drawback were it not for its sluggishness; the steering requires more than four turns from lock to lock.

As for comfort, the suspension is good, but the climate control is lacking. The heating works well; the specific car I’m reviewing had air conditioning, though it was an optional extra on this model. Priority was clearly given to heating—this is a car built for Sweden and Northern Europe.

The car is very good and reliable; it’s not the worst, but neither is it the best or the best-looking Volvo. However, I have to say that I liked it and it served me well.

Faults:

Nothing yet, but I'm thinking of replacing/cleaning the original air filter with a k&n.

General Comments:

What can I say? It's a great little car, goes like a rocket if you let it. Not much available power after 110km/h though, starts to shake, which is funny unless there's a Skyline sitting to your left waiting to be dragged.

Power steering, power windows, heated seats, radio, rear wheel drive, etc. It's also got the softest suspension you could imagine, leaning 30 degrees round corners.

Comfortable and fun to drive, pulls confident 'squealies' round corners if pushed in 2nd...

My first car, I inherited it from my grandparents, and I'm quickly learning that it's not a cheap car to run.

Has an 'image problem', meaning hopefully it won't get nicked, however I think it's the hottest car around. Just don't tell my mates...

There seems to be some sort of cult following, I wonder why? Could it have something to do with the superior style? The grunty-sounding engine which goes insane at 4000 revs? Or the way it leans outward round corners, making you feel like you're traveling at light speed instead of 50km/h? You decide.