1997 Volvo 960 Reviews

Valve job performed at 150K miles

Various electrical switches fail.

Sunroof leaks during rain.

In addition to its well-deserved reputation for safety, the 960 is very comfortable over long distances; my wife has a lower-back fusion, and she swears the seats are the best.

The car's maintenance must be looked after properly if you want it to keep performing at factory level. The cost is appreciably less than a Mercedes or BMW, but more than a Honda, and there are parts available and specialist shops to help you.

If you do the above, there's no reason the 960 (and the S90/V90 of 1998, the same car and the last year for a rear-wheel drive Volvo) won't last 200K + miles. I have a friend whose identical car just turned 304,000 miles.

The straight 6-cylinder engine and auto transmission in the 960 are simple, robust and fairly bulletproof if you watch your fluids. I get 19/20 MPG in town, 26 highway, using 89 octane.

Radiator use to leak, so I got a new one shipped from Braydon Motors UK; cost about 114 pounds + DHL charges.

Apart from that, the car is like new; it feels better than my 2007 model Elantra.

I always wanted something could give me the big, bulky American beauty feel, along with reliability and peace of mind, and this car does it all...

This is a sedan that you can't push around corners, but it's a car that's supposed to be driven with a lot of respect. It has the power when you need it, and I simply am in love with it, as India usually has the Japanese cars, so this is one attention seeker on the roads.. I feel good about this.

Heater coil had to be replaced.

A/C will not work under acceleration due to vacuum constraints.

Never open the sunroof.

Love this car on long trips. Seats are very comfortable.

There appears to be no drain plug on the differential. If so, how do you change the fluid?

Radiator top connector cracked... A common fault I have found out!

Aircon is variable, certainly under acceleration, another common problem.

The bumpers are scuffed!

Plastic trim cracks...

This is the top end of the Volvo Marque, a 3 litre engine that just DRINKS petrol :-(

But I love it so much... I look at it longingly thinking what a lovely car that cost me £570 on EBay, and it cost someone £27000 brand new!!!

Leather seats like a favourite armchair, cruise control that just eats up the miles, a great turning circle and a great feeling of safety and security...

I loved my 850 with 225,000 miles, and I shall keep this one as long as it keeps going.

The radiator went on a short journey, so that was lucky, and then I found another water hose just about to go under the car near the oil filter, which I spotted when doing an oil change.

QUICK TIP! Change your oil every 3000 miles at high mileage.

Air Conditioner (under warranty)

Transmission (under warranty)

Sun Visor

Sun Roof

Leather on doors bunching under weather strip

Oil Leaks a constant problem

Center cup holder terrible.

We bought the car new when my wife was pregnant with our second child. He is now 10 years old and going into 4th grade. The car has over 190000 miles and still going strong. This has been an outstanding family wagon. Well appointed, comfortable, excellent handling and acceleration. We have had an excellent private mechanic who keeps it going. Our Volvo dealer was terrible.

Radiator (my fault)

Steering rack just recently.

Heated seats and a/c were both busted when we bought it used.

That's it!!

This car is beautiful. Drives and handles easily in the city, and like butter on the highway - long or short distance. I drive all day for work in this car and hot or cold, it hugs the road, corners well, and actually accelerates uphill. Tonnes of space for so much stuff. I have even hauled full sized couches in the back with room to spare. Might not bother to make the expensive steering rack repair, but would buy another one if I can find one... even a 10 year old model!