1987 Volvo 740 GLE review from North America

1987 Volvo GLE Sedan (146,500 miles)

In terms of mileage, my 740 is an infant, its age is ire regardless.

The Volvo 740 series is hands down one of the greatest automobiles of all time. It’s understandable that Volvo had to stop making the 740. They practically last forever and for those of us that appreciate this amazing car; there is no need to go and buy a new Volvo. The one I have is just fine - thank you very much! The 740 (normally aspirated) is a simple, robust and easily maintained vehicle. You can’t say that of the current generation of Volvos nor for a lot of other cars - both of modern and past times.

It’s always fun to have new passengers in my 740. They are thrown off by the driver/passenger seatbelts that spool from the bottom and not the door pillar and of course the completely logical (but bizarre to the uninitiated) interior door handles. Heated seats in an ancient (by modern standards) vehicle also make for a good conversation. And let’s not forget the leather upholstery that you can practically butt a cigarette out on without leaving a single mark.

People are almost always shocked when I tell them its 20 years old. Call me biased, but the 740 still looks “modern” even by today’s standards. You really just have to just laugh when you pass a car not even half its age and its blowing smoke out of the tailpipe and the body panels are rusting out.

I can’t really say I have had any complaints with my 1987 740 GLE sedan. The only recent trauma was having the A/C compressor lock up (not fun when its 92 degrees outside and you smell the burning drive belt). I had it replaced - the A/C system converted to R134a and all is fine now. A/C is a luxury in a car of this age and in no way detracts from the reliability of the mechanical perfection of the B230F engine assembly. I had to have the overdrive solenoid replaced too, but it was relatively inexpensive.

If Volvo decided to introduce this same exact model today, I would be the first in line to buy one. Not because my 740 isn’t great, but because it would have that “new car smell” again 

Modern economics have dictated that our vehicular transportation be “disposable” and only meant to last for so long. The Volvo 740 completely defies this logic and alas we are doomed to either buy new cars or continue to keep our Swedish Bricks on the road. I for one choose the latter option!