1990-1993 Volvo 240 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Volvo 240. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Volvo 240.

1990-1993 Volvo 240 Review

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.

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.

1990-1993 Volvo 240 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Acceleration (w/automatic tansmission)

Antilock brakes (optional)

Passenger and cargo room

Ride

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 course 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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	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.

1990-1993 Volvo 240 Reliability

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

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.

1990-1993 Volvo 240 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
240	$1,200-1,700	$700-1,000	$100-200

1991
240	$1,400-2,000	$900-1,300	$200

1992
240	$1,700-2,300	$1,100-1,500	$300

1993
240	$2,000-2,600	$1,400-1,800	$300-400

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.

1990-1993 Volvo 240 Specs & Safety

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	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	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.

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: Sweden

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1993 Volvo 240 Review:

Volvo 240

Volvo 240 Road Test

Volvo 240 Reliability

Volvo 240 Prices

Volvo 240 Specs & Safety

Volvo 240 Photos

Volvo 240 Full Review