28th Jan 2026, 13:26
I agree that the traditional RWD Volvos were better built, but at the same time it's a bit of an unfair comparison. You should rather compare it with a Ford or a VW, that's where the competition were. The 460 had almost the same interior space as the 240, were almost 30% cheaper, fuel consumption was much lower and the 460 actually drove better being a newer and more modern construction. By the 90ies the 240 and 740, and even 940 were showing their age, even if build quality was excellent.
10th Nov 2012, 12:27
I've got to agree and disagree. These 400's are not quite as solid as 'proper' full size Volvo's, but are usually better than their competition.
I own a few modern Volvo's, and have driven/owned many of the older ones too. However, there are very good 400's out there. My 1992 GLT is one of them, with great black metallic paintwork and very little rust, as well as 169,000 miles on the clock. I have owned it since 110,000 miles, and it hasn't missed a beat.
Get this - last month I took the car out of retirement (it's been parked at the back of my Dads barn for 6 (YES, SIX) years covered in dust with 3 flat tyres, etc). I put a new battery on it, pumped up the tyres and it started first time! Excellent car. Even better - I jumped in it and drove it to the MOT station where it just needed a puncture repairing and a bulb to pass!!! You just can't get better than that! So, basically, not all 400's are bad, some are excellent!