1991 Volvo 940 Turbo from North America - Comments

Other than common wear items (tires, brakes, etc.; the only problems I have experienced are:

Sunroof sagged on its tracks, creating a leak.

The car had some wiring issues with the power drivers seat and the taillight harnesses.

The leather on the front seats has firmed up, and the part of the drivers seat-back that is brushed while sliding in has worn noticeably. (This can, no doubt be blamed on the previous owner not treating the leather properly).

The car takes a bit longer to start in either very hot or very cold weather, or when the engine has been run very recently (i.e. a quick hop into a store for a few minutes). The car always starts, it just takes a bit longer in those situations.

Overall, I am very pleased with the car. Volvos really do have a safe and solid feel about them, this car is fairly heavy despite its mid-size dimensions, which only adds to the feeling of solidity.

The front seats are still firm and supportive, while the back is extremely soft and couch-like; both very comfortable in their own way.

Steering is suprisingly agile on tight corners, response is just about where you want it.

The ABS system is truly excellent- could stop on a dime if need be.

The transmission shifts smoothly and quickly (far more refined than the automatic in my parent's '02 Chrysler).

Despite the rather small engine (2.4 liter four cylinder), acceleration is above adequate for a car in its class, and easily maintains acceleration up steep hills.

After 13 years and 112,000 miles, the engine still tests at the specified 160 horsepower, and doesn't consume a single drop of oil.

The car is safe and dependable, yet quick and agile when needed. The level of comfort and luxury is a far cry from my 71 Beetle.

No question about it, this Volvo is built to last. The B230 engine is practically bullet-proof, and the 700 and 900 series cars have proved virtually immune to rust. The only limitation on how long this car will last is, quite simply, how long I want to keep it.

I have a 1991 940 volvo turbo deffinatly the best car I've had I love it, very peppy when I need it turbo spools up good I have at least 158,230 miles on it needs a few things like bulbs and some very minor bodywork to fix dents and whatnot other than that very decent car.

I have owned my 1991 Volvo 940 Turbo station wagon for five years. Much money has been spent on repairs due to general wear and tear (sunroof motor, paint job, shocks, computer chip, a/c. It has 225,000 miles and still has the original transmission. One bothersome problem that no mechanic could diagnos for years was my car stalling. It turned out that a wire in the fusebox was loose. My car, like other Volvos, suffers from wiring problems. I don't believe that they were built to function in hot climates. My speedometer needle acts up and it would be a major cost to replace. The car is roomy, makes sharp turns easily and is a pleasure to drive on the highway. Older Volvos are not known for fuel efficiency and mine is no exception. One big drawback is that it's expensive to fill the car with premium gas. But despite its age the car is in good shape and I would not want to trade up to a new Volvo.

I have owned my 1991 Volvo 940 Turbo station wagon for five years. Much money has been spent on repairs due to general wear and tear (sunroof motor, paint job, shocks, computer chip, a/c. It has 225,000 miles and still has the original transmission. One bothersome problem that no mechanic could diagnos for years was my car stalling. It turned out that a wire in the fusebox was loose. My car, like other Volvos, suffers from wiring problems. I don't believe that they were built to function in hot climates. My speedometer needle acts up and it would be a major cost to replace. The car is roomy, makes sharp turns easily and is a pleasure to drive on the highway. Older Volvos are not known for fuel efficiency and mine is no exception. One big drawback is that it's expensive to fill the car with premium gas. But despite its age the car is in good shape and I would not want to trade up to a new Volvo.

I have a 93 940 Turbo Wagon. The car is fantastic. If you have one, I highly recommend replacing the shocks and sway bars with the IPD bars and high-end Bilstein shocks. The Cherry Turbo chassis braces make a huge difference as well, as does replacing the front bushings after about 150,000 miles. The car feels and handles better than new. Always let the turbo cool after driving and it'll last. Driven properly, the engine remains smooth, powerful and efficient (26mpg highway, 23 city). The transmission is a jewel for a 4 speed and has shift points at the right times. The car is spacious and the fold-flat seats are great. The seats themselves are very comfortable. I also installed a 400 Watt, 5-channel amp and have component speakers front and rear and a 12" sub box custom made for the trunk floor. It's invisible and it sounds beautiful. Because the car takes after-market head units (not like most new cars) you can get one with GPS, Aux input and phone-in for nothing. In short, I have a great handling, large, efficient and luxurious car with all the amentiites I could ever want in a low-profile, lowlowlow insurance car that I street park in NYC. I dread the thought of replacing this car since there's nothing else like it on the road.

I've had numerous Volvos going back 20 years, and while they're all heavy and solid, this "new" 1991 940 turbo is by far the fastest I've had.

Like someone else noted, make sure you cool the engine down for a bit before shutting down, and it's always a plus to run synthetic oil through the engine. The "red block " engine will last a lifetime if cared for properly. In my opinion, since these RWD's are getting older so an owner really has to be involved with the car. In my opinion, the turbo is not a "plug and play" car. By this I mean that this type of car should be pursued by an enthusiast because it will need attention and care. If you want a Volvo strictly for the safety, take a look at a non-turbo model as they will ultimately be less expensive. Again, stay away from the GLE models as they have an interference engine which will experience catastrophic failure if the timing belt breaks. Turbos naturally consume more oil due to the turbo eating it.

Much of the interior plastic trim can become brittle and break. Go easy with it.

All said, if you are into rear wheel drive cars, and the idea of either spending money or doing maintenance yourself is acceptable, the 940 turbo is an exceptional vehicle.

I just bought my 940 turbo sedan with 223K and it has a good history which is critical, for $1500, and I didn't blink. I plan to put another 100K on it and see where it goes from there.

Hey Guys I have a 91' 940 Turbo as well, The only problems I have with the car are the sunroof and air conditioning, besides the regular wear and tear. Does anyone know the engine specs on the car? Or anywhere I could get them?

The engine is either a B230F, or B230FT depending on if it is a turbo model or not. 2.3 liters. 167 horses on the FT. I just recently got my 91 940, but it is not my first volvo or the first one I have used. I got used to volvos and saabs from my father, so it is familiar territory. Working on them is fun, because it provides a little bit of a challenge. Parts are a bit more than other cars, but if cared for properly it will last infinately longer than other cars. Heated seats completely push the scales though. .

I AGREE.

I am wondering if anybody knows the exact model of turbo put into the 1991 940 Turbo? It is my current car. My first was a 1974 164e. Lasted, but took some money to keep running, then again, I only paid 300$.

So far the 940 turbo is much more fun to drive than my last 3 Subaru Legacies. My last Subaru got an engine block crack at 170,000 miles/8 years... so I went back to Volvo. This car forward, cash on the table, no loans, so I OWN IT. Keep rolling.

My comment goes to the person about the 91 turbo. It will be a b200ft turbo. I have got the same car, I am putting a b230ft turbo from a 23 Volvo on, a lot quicker and better.

My sister gave me a 1991 940 Turbo Volvo Station Wagon. It has 168,000 and is the best car I have ever owned. However, today the rear wiper quit and the fan or AC seems to be a problem. The red light around the AC button went off (I had the AC off) and the light will not come on now. The car seems hot on the inside so I know something is up. I've only had it about 3 months.

Any suggestions that could help would be appreciated.

Hi, I have a 91 940 turbo which I am selling, which is in almost new condition inside and out, just MOTed in September. It's half leather, but when I went to start it the other day, it would not start, but with a tow it did, then the next morning it started, then the next day it wouldn't, then towed again and it started. Has anyone got any ideas? EMAIL ME ON LBVALETING@HOTMAIL.COM THANKS.¦)