1990 Volvo 760 GLE review from North America
"This vehicle represents Volvo's finest achievement in its name"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I purchased this 760 GLE work of engineering excellence right during the time in its life when it needed someone caring like me the most.
The power antenna and stereo cassette had died.
The small console lights were just about all burned out.
The front seat heaters didn't heat and both front seat recliner cables had failed.
The only interior wear was in the front seats though, and the body didn't show a speck of rust throughout.
The paint on the hood and roof had oxidized, but was fine everywhere else.
After conducting a standard tune-up on the engine it ran far beyond my expectations in quality performance, and the transmission was strong. The engine didn't leak any oil and the transmission only a residue's worth.
The only annoying thing I experienced from the engine was the tapping of valves when I would first start it up in the morning.
Gas mileage suffers heavily averaging between 15-18mpg.
General comments?
The car performed surprisingly well for its size and weight.
When used for passing, the engine would down-shift and jump into the 5,000 rpm range without hesitation, hold for a few seconds while a high pitched whistling sound occurred (maybe from the electric blower singing under the air intake box), then slingshot you ahead with enough force to bark the rear tires and snap your head back and suck your whole body into the left side of your seat.
Top speed far exceeds 120mph. For example, it didn't shift into overdrive until the speedometer reached between 110-115 mph. When it shifted the rpm's were around 4,800. I didn't want to break the needle after it jumped to 120mph so I backed off, but you can figure (with the rpm's to spare) it could probably do around 30 mph more.
With the new overhaul in progress, this car should easily last another 10 years before retiring in my car museum.
Recommended reviews
| A superior product that represents automotive engineering at its best |
|
| Awesome |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1990 |
| Year of manufacture | 1990 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 141000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 159000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 28th November, 2005 |