1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90
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1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90
- Price Range: $700 - $4,100
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Acceleration (except base 940)
- Antilock brakes
- Ride/handling
Cons
- Acceleration (base 940)
- Road noise
- Wind noise
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 51 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90.
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.
Our road test for the 1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 .
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 |
Our price chart for this generation Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 1998 | |||
| S90, V90 | $4,200-5,000 | $3,400-4,100 | $1,400-1,700 |
| 1997 | |||
| 960 | $3,600-4,500 | $2,900-3,600 | $1,000-1,300 |
| 1996 | |||
| 960 | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
| 1995 | |||
| 940 | $2,400-3,200 | $1,700-2,300 | $500-600 |
| 960 | $2,600-3,100 | $1,900-2,300 | $500-700 |
| 1994 | |||
| 940 | $2,000-2,700 | $1,400-1,900 | $300-500 |
| 960 | $2,200-2,700 | $1,600-1,900 | $400-500 |
| 1993 | |||
| 940 | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 960 | $1,800-2,200 | $1,200-1,500 | $300 |
| 1992 | |||
| 940 | $1,400-2,000 | $900-1,300 | $200 |
| 960 | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| 940 | $1,200-1,800 | $700-1,100 | $100-200 |
|
|
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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 940/960/S90/V90 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
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Built In: Canada, Sweden, Belgium
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 940/960 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| 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 1991-1998 Volvo 940/960/S90/V90 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
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.
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