1990-1993 Volvo 240: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1993 Volvo 240 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Ride
Cons
- Acceleration (w/automatic tansmission)
Vehicle Highlights
The entry-level Volvo 240 sedan and station wagon models rode into the '90s with a driver-side airbag and an underdashboard knee bolster. The GL series was dropped for 1990, leaving a new base model and the uplevel DL. All models still came with a 114-horsepower, 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, and either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Antilock brakes weren't added as an option until 1991.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Volvo 240 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 35 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1993 Volvo 240. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1993 Volvo 240.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Volvo 240:
Antilock brakes are a new option as the major change to the 1991 Volvo 240 models.
1992 Volvo 240:
Antilock brakes are now standard on Volvo's lower-price 240 sedan and wagon. Among other changes, Volvo has shifted its model lineup once again. The rear-drive 240 is offered as a 4-door sedan in base form and as a GL model. The 4-door wagon is offered in base trim only.
1993 Volvo 240:
The highline GL sedan is dropped, leaving just a standard-issue 4-door sedan and 4-door wagon. Among the few options is a locking differential that's effective below 25 mph, for extra traction on slippery surfaces.
Our road test for the 1990-1993 Volvo 240 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1993 Volvo 240 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1993 Volvo 240 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
In most categories the 240 performs adequately, with one glaring exception--acceleration. Performance from the 114-horsepower 4-cylinder and automatic transmission is lackluster to say the least--even laconic--and the small 2.3-liter engine is coarse when under a load or in hard acceleration. A heavy throttle foot is required to keep abreast of traffic, and when cruising at highway speeds the engine gets quite noisy. Fuel mileage is above average, however. We averaged 24.3 mpg in a 1990 wagon with 5-speed. Handling is competent, with a ride that is firm and stable. Relatively thin roof pillars ensure good visibility, and interiors afford four adults plenty of room. The wagons can haul an exceptional amount of cargo.
Value for the Money
While the 240 ranks low in both performance and accommodations when compared with others in the competitive and fast-growing near-luxury class, its durability may be a factor if you're considering a used model for roomy, basic transportation.
While the 240 ranks low in both performance and accommodations when compared with others in the competitive and fast-growing near-luxury class, its durability may be a factor if you're considering a used model for roomy, basic transportation.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Volvo 240 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 35 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Volvo 240 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Volvo 240 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Tiny water droplets may spray from the center vents because condensation is not draining properly. An insert installed in the drain hose will cure the problem. (1990-92)
Cold-starting problems:
If the engine is hard to start when cold, a new computer with a revised program is necessary. (1990-93)
Cruise control:
If the noise from the cruise-control vacuum pump is annoying, the bracket can be modified and new rubber insulators installed. (1990-93)
Sunroof/moonroof:
Felt spacers at the corners of the moonroof are acting as wicks. When they get saturated, water runs along the guide rails and into the car. (1990-93)
Suspension noise:
A knocking noise from the front end may be due to a loose sway-bar bushing. (1991-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $540 |
| Alternator | $360 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,300 |
| Brakes | $165 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $595 |
| Exhaust System | $370 |
| Radiator | $390 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,140 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $180 |
| Universal Joints | $145 |
Our price chart for this generation Volvo 240 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1993 | |||
| 240 | $1,900-2,500 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1992 | |||
| 240 | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1991 | |||
| 240 | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| 240 | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Volvo 240 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.3 | 104.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.9 | 190.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.3 | 67.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.3 | 57.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2919 | 3051 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.0 | 76.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.8 | 15.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.9 | 37.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.1 | 40.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.1 | 36.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.4 | 36.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Volvo 240 models still come with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. It provides 114 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 136 pound-feet of torque at 2750 rpm.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.3 / 141 | 114 | 136 | 5-speed manual: 21/28 4-speed automatic: 20/25 |
5-speed manual: 24.3 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Sweden
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Volvo 240 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1992 240 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1993 Volvo 240 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-93 Accessory Child Car Seat:
Predynamic test-buckle release force is lower than required by federal standard and may not retain child in seat in event of a crash.
1990-93:
If car has been subjected to flood conditions, attempting to start the engine could cause airbag deployment; car should be towed to a dealer.
1992 244/245:
A nut that joins the wheel spindle and ball joint in the front suspension was improperly torqued. The ball joint and strut can separate, causing loss of steering control.
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