1990 Volvo 740 review from North America
"Fantastic choice if you do your own work, or can afford dealer repairs!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Luckily, most of the problem areas have been replaced prior to my getting the car. Ridiculous that a car should have to be towed into the dealer with 20,000 miles!!! It was towed in on two occasions between 20,000 and 25,000 miles. The first time the problem was with the nagging Volvo problem of the fuel pump relay.
The second time that it was in the shop they replaced most of the sensors that are on the engine. Crank position sensor and several others.
At 60,000 miles, the engine wiring harness was replaced. This is also an expected repair on the "earlier" Volvos.
Since we have had her, there have been very few problems. I credit this to the fact that I am an enthusiast, and I am always doing preventative work to keep her out of the shop. I would hate to be someone who just drove my car, and then had to be at the mercy of the dealer when something went out...
Interior trim on Volvo's is ridiculous as well! This car was $27,000 in 1990, and has plastic trim that reminds me of my Ford Fiesta. I realize that this car is 12 years old, but broken trim pieces were a problem on this car from the day they were produced.
I have just replaced the rear pinion seal. (140,000 miles)
Crappy Volvo radiator was replaced with a genuine METAL radiator. Well worth the minimal investment. Again, plastic is a bad choice...
General comments?
As much ragging as I have done on this car in the last section, we simply LOVE it!!
Performance of the Turbo is fantastic! We have towed cars to the east coast twice now (3,600 miles round-trip), with nary a hiccup. Even with a loaded 16 foot tandem car trailer, this car will scoot!!
Seats are the greatest! Extreme comfort (MUCH better that the Civic's!!), and the heated option is the best!
Sunroof is used year-round! Primarily due to the fantastic Volvo heater.
Space in this car cannot be beat! When we camp, if the weather is bad, we move the gear to the tent, and camp in the car!
Rear kicks out easily in wet or icy pavement, but remains predictable. First couple times that it happens, though-it can be a surprise!
Touring TA Radials are pricey, and wear quickly (30,000 miles) but cannot be beat for the performance on this car.
Recommended reviews
  | An excellent driving, long-lived car that is easy to work on, but needs a real mechanic on occasion |
| 1990 - 740 Turbo 2.3 Liter Inline 4 Cyliner, Turbocharged 8v Worth a look for integrity and dependability |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 110438 miles |
| Most recent distance | 140612 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 28th October, 2002 |