1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Full Review

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Volvo 940/960/S90/V90. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Volvo 940/960/S90/V90.

1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Review

The 940 Series rode on the same rear-drive chassis as the discontinued 760 and came in three trim levels: base GLE, Turbo, and SE--available in both wagon and sedan body styles. GLE models came with a 153-horsepower, dual-cam 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. Turbos and SE versions provided a 162-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter with a single-overhead camshaft. A 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission was standard on all models. Also standard were antilock brakes, a driver's airbag, and Volvo's new automatic-locking differential.

Year to Year Changes

1992 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90: A new 960 model joins the 940 to make a full complement of 900-series premium sedans and wagons for Volvo. The updated 900 line now includes the 940 GL, 940 Turbo, plus the new 960, which replaces the former 940 SE flagship model. Also discontinued is the 940 GLE, along with its twin-cam 153-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder. The new 960 sedans and wagons provide a new 2.9-liter twin-cam inline-6, rated at 201 horsepower. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission provided.

1993 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90: Highlights include a new passenger-side airbag for the 960 models, a new antitheft stereo, and a built-in child safety seat for the station wagons. Wagons get larger gas tanks that provide an extra 4 gallons (up to 19.8 gallons) of fuel. Among 940s, the previous GL-tagged sedans and wagons give way to a new base model equipped with the same 2.3-liter 114-horsepower engine.

1994 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90: For '94, the 940 and 960 come as either a Level I or Level II model. The 940 I equipped with Volvo's 114-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. Level II models come with a 162-horsepower turbocharged version of the same engine, along with a longer list of standard amenities.

1995 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90: Retuning of the 960's 2.9-liter inline-6 designed to reduce emissions results in a change in output. It now provides 181 horsepower (down from 201) and 199 pound-feet of torque (2 more than before). Volvo also scraps last year's confusing Level I and Level II model configurations and quietly returns to the former 940, 940 Turbo, and 960 nomenclature. Inside is a more contoured instrument panel--complete with new wood accents and cupholders--plus new door panels. Exterior styling changes include a slimmer grille and headlamps mounted in a more rounded front end. The front suspension has been modified to reduce body lean, while the two separate coils used in the rear suspension are replaced with a new transverse leaf spring.

1996 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90: Both the naturally aspirated and turbocharged 4-cylinder 940 models have been eliminated, leaving just the 6-cylinder 960 sedan and wagon. Both now come with the new side airbags, introduced in '95 on the entry-level 850 models. Also, the seatbelts have a new automatic-locking-retractor feature that eliminates the need for locking clips for the child safety seats.

1997 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90: Volvo's rear-drive 960 returns for 1997 virtually unchanged.

1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90: For their last year, sedans are now called S90 and wagons are called V90. Both use the 181-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine and come with revised center consoles and a softer suspension.

1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (except base 940)	Acceleration (base 940)

Antilock brakes	Road noise

Ride/handling	Wind noise

Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

These premium Volvo sedans provide very good passenger and cargo room, decent ride comfort, braking, and workmanship. But dropping the dual-overhead-cam engine from the powertrain lineup in '92 for the underpowered 114-horsepower engine used by the entry-level 240 dooms the base 940 to lackluster performance. Selecting the 940 Turbo is one alternative, but then you suffer with "turbo lag" waiting for the power to arrive. We prefer the smoother 6-cylinder. It gives the 960 brisk takeoffs and ensures spirited passing ability. The 6-cylinder produces sporty, aggressive tone in hard acceleration and cruises comfortably. We timed a 1995 sedan at a brisk 8.7 seconds, despite a reduction of 20 horsepower that year. Fuel economy is about average. We recorded 17.8 mpg with a 960 in mostly city and suburban commuting. On all cars, there is an excessive amount of wind noise at speed, and stiffer tires added in '95 produce additional unwanted noise and vibration over rough pavement. Suspension changes improve cornering for this large, boxy sedan, but the harsher ride makes the wagons more preferable.

Value for the Money
Base models are decent values, but both the 940 and the 960 have trouble competing now against such refined benchmarks as the front-wheel-drive Lexus ES 300 and Acura Legend. We've rated the 960 highly in most areas, helped by Volvo's reputation for safety and durability, but rivals in its price class have similar features.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Volvo 960 4-door	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	4

Total:	51

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.

1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 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: If the idle speed drops when the A/C engages, a capacitor kit may be installed in the circuit for the fuel-injection control module. (1992-94)

Audio system: Whining from the radio may be caused by a bolt on the side of the equalizer touching the cigar-lighter socket. (1991) Whine while playing a tape is caused by interference from the cable harness under the dash. (1991-94)

Automatic transmission: If the transmission is sometimes difficult to shift out of park, it is due to improper contact of the lockout microswitch. (1994-96)

Brake noise: Noisy, squealing brakes can be quieted by installing antinoise shims between the brake pads and calipers. (1991-96)

Steering noise: A springing sound from the steering wheel may be due to the retaining springs for the airbag. (1992-94)

Turn signal: Turn signals on sedan operate intermittently because the two positive contacts on front bulbs melt together. (1991-99)

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	$535

Alternator	$410

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,370

Brakes	$150

Constant Velocity Joints	$165

Exhaust System	$340

Radiator	$380

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,075

Timing Chain or Belt	$145

NHTSA Recall History

1991 944/945: Chafed cable to seat heater, power seat, or seatbelt warning can develop low-resistance short circuit that could result in fire.

1991: On cars with 80-liter fuel tank, seepage could occur from top of tank.

1991-93: If car has been subjected to flood conditions, attempting to start the engine could cause airbag deployment.

1991-98 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.

1992-93: Seatbelt-webbing guide can break under heavy loads.

1993 944/945 Turbo: Plastic hood insulation clip(s) on some cars could interfere with throttle operation.

1995: Driver-side airbag may not deploy properly in a collision.

1996-97: Screws that attach throttle plate to the throttle shaft can loosen, possibly preventing throttle from returning to idle position.

1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1991
940	$1,300-2,000	$800-1,300	$200

1992
940	$1,500-2,300	$1,000-1,500	$200-300
960	$1,600-2,200	$1,100-1,500	$200-300

1993
940	$1,800-2,700	$1,200-1,800	$300-400
960	$1,900-2,500	$1,300-1,700	$300-400

1994
940	$2,200-3,000	$1,600-2,100	$400-600
960	$2,400-3,000	$1,700-2,200	$500-600

1995
940	$2,700-3,700	$2,000-2,800	$600-800
960	$3,000-3,700	$2,300-2,800	$700-900

1996
960	$3,600-4,500	$2,900-3,600	$1,000-1,300

1997
960	$4,200-5,000	$3,400-4,100	$1,400-1,700

1998
S90, V90	$5,000-5,800	$4,300-4,900	$2,000-2,300

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.

1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	109.1	109.1

Overall Length, in.	191.7	189.3

Overall Width, in.	69.3	69.3

Overall Height, in.	55.5	56.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	3205	3280

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	16.8	74.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	19.8	19.8

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.6	38.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.0	41.0

Rear Head Room, in.	37.1	37.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.7	34.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Upon introduction in 1991, the 940 GLE model comes with a dual-cam 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. It provides 153 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 150 pound-feet of torque at 4450 rpm. Turbos and SE versions provide a turbocharged 2.3-liter with a single-overhead camshaft. It delivers 162 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque at 3450 rpm. A 4-speed overdrive automatic is standard on all models. For '92, Volvo deletes the 153-horsepower 4-cylinder and begins installing the 240 model's 2.3-liter engine in the 940 GL. It offers only 114 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 136 pound-feet of torque at 2150 rpm. The same year, 960 sedans and wagons provided a new 2.9-liter twin-cam inline-6, rated at 201 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 197 pound-feet of torque at 4300 rpm. Emissions tuning in '95 resulted in revised numbers of 181 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 199 pound-feet of torque at 4100 rpm. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission provided by Volvo. Finally, for '96 the naturally aspirated and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines are dropped with the elimination of the 940 models.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I4	2.3 / 141	114	136	4-speed automatic: 20/28	4-speed automatic: --

dohc I4	2.3 / 141	153	150	4-speed automatic: 18/23	4-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged ohc I4	2.3 / 141	162	195	4-speed automatic: 19/22	4-speed automatic: 17.6

dohc I6	2.9 / 178	181-201	199-197	4-speed automatic: 17/26	4-speed automatic: 17.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1997 940/960	1997 940/960

Front Impact, Driver	4	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4	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: Canada, Sweden, Belgium

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

< 1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Photos

1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Local Listings >

Also in the 1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Review:

Volvo 940/960/S90/V90

Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Road Test

Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Reliability

Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Prices

Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Specs & Safety

Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Photos

Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 Full Review