1990 Volvo 740 Turbo from North America - Comments

Wiring problem ($200)

Had to have air mass meter replaced.

First I will let you know, I am Volvo biased and this in my fifth one (3 240's & 2 740's). The car has ample power for useful things like pulling out on ramps and losing granny at the light. It also performs well on the highway although it is a bit loud at cruising speeds. The handling is crisp and sure-footed with good tires.

The interior is very comfortable and I love the wide leather seats. Beware coffee drinkers, there are no cup holders as the stain on my floor (and my favorite shirt) can attest to.

I have many people comment on how nice the car looks who are astonished when I tell them it is 12 years old. I would rather drive this car (purchased for $4500) than the vast majority of newer cars I have had the misfortune of either driving or riding in.

Finding a good Volvo mechanic in your area and avoiding dealerships will save you a lot of money and hassles.

Good review here. I own a 1989 Volvo 740 Turbo wagon and agree with everything you had to say, except for the part about crisp handling. Mine rides very squishy and soft, especially for a European car and it doesn't handle well in emergency situations. I found that out the hard way when coming home from work one evening. I almost lost control when I took a corner too fast on a country road and ended up fishtailing all over the road. A VERY scary experience! But I suppose it handles better than that Taurus wagon I once test drove.

I completely agree. Emergency handling in a Volvo is kind of an oxymoron. One time there were four of us in a '90 GL wagon and we had to swerve to avoid hitting a deer. The first thing the car did was start fishtailing. We were going maybe 45 and the driver didn't swerve too much. The back end is very poorly balanced. Handles NOTHING like the 1990 Subaru Loyale that I drive.

A comment on the fishtailing. Install a sway bar. It costs 100-150 USD, and it solves this problem for the most part.

Absolutely! I have a 1990 740 turbo. It has a sway bar and good tires, and handles extremely well on and off the highway. It would be very difficult to find a car with the same amount of performance and comfort for this kind of prince!

I have never owned a Volvo until the motor on my Daytona gave up, I acquired a 91 Volvo 740 Turbo in good condition for 1000.00, which I've been told has been a great buy and since I've had it like 6 months now, I've taken it on 2 cross state trips however the vehicle sat for approximately 2 years before I aquired it, my antennea, a turn signal housing, and the blower motor for my heat-that recently died). Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can find a manual on repairs for this car and an inexpensive place to purchase parts?

Renee.

Hey Renee,

With regard to finding a manual for you 1991 740 Turbo, try EBAY. I just saw one listed. 10-9-05.

Cecilia.

I had a Subaru Loyale and that was the worst handling piece of garbage I've had. It is horrifically slow too. The 740 is vastly superior in almost every aspect unless one desires 4wd that badly.

Regarding the RWD Volvo fishtailing... I has my very first crash in a 740 turbo. There was a light drizzle, I was 17 and taking a corner a little too fast. The rear of the car started to drift. I panicked and turned the steering whees wildly from lock to lock. The car spin 180 degrees, hit the curb, flipped to the side, plowed through the chain linked fence and finally came back down on all four wheels again. The trunk was completely smashed, a big dent on the driver side A pillar, the entire front section was shift slightly at an angle, both the front and rear windshields were cracked. The car was total, but I was fine. The tough part was telling my mom that I totaled the car. Looking back, had I gradually applied the brake the car will probably still be around.

I remember another instance where I fished tailed the 740 turbo by stomping on the gas on a left turn when the light turned green. Again, that was in light drizzle as well.

The FWD 850s are a lot more stable in the rain and corners a little better... but I really miss the 740 turbo.