1988 Volvo 740 GLE review from North America

The A/C hadn't properly worked since I had the car and I figured it would need serious maintenance; however, I had it charged this week and now it works PERFECTLY fine.

Sunroof will not close properly.

Cracked Dashboard.

The car has had some minor exhaust problems. Replaced muffler at about 135000 miles. The 740 will probably require additional exhaust maintenance.

Driver's leather seat badly worn.

I had the roof lining re-upholstered at about 130000 miles because the factory lining was not very durable and was sagging so badly that it was blocking the view out of the rear window.

Minor leaks in the trunk.

Several minor problems with steering (car pulls to the left or right sometimes even though that problem had been fixed, the car tends to understeer [front end loses traction], and the steering wheel often "shimmies").

This car is one of the most dependable and durable automobiles I have ever driven, let alone ridden in. It requires less service than most cars I have had experience.

This car has so much character and it makes me so happy that I will probably drive it until the engine drops out of it. (After that I'll probably get a new engine for it and drive it for another 300,000 miles!)

It is in no way a fast car or a flashy car, but it gets you where you want to go with no complaints.

I have taken my 740 on 300+mile drives in all kinds of weather and it has not let me down yet.

It is an extremely safe car due to it's excellent construction.

It generally gives a very pleasent, worry-free ride.

Other than basic maintenance, the 740 will give you very few, if any, problems throughout its lifetime.