1997 Volvo S90 Review
1997 Volvo S90 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Solid construction, side-impact airbags, rear-wheel drive
Cons
- Smaller inside than S70 + more expensive than S70 + less powerful than S70 GLT = poor value
What’s new
The 960 sedan is now known as S90.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Volvo S90 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Arkansas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Arkansas
Not EPA tested for S90 Base
S90 Base
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Don't expect the 960 to hang around forever. (Ha...how prophetic. New names arrived midyear, so the sedan is now the S90 and the wagon is now the V90.) Next year, Volvo's product line expands with the addition of the sporty C70 Coupe, the new S70 sedan and V70 wagon, and an Outback-like V70 T-5 Wagon sporting all-wheel drive. When these new image models arrive, the 960 will become even more redundant than it already is.
S90/V90 styling is attractive, and cuts wind drag at speed. Under the clean lines are a strong chassis and competent suspension. The 2.9L inline six produces its power and torque peaks at low rpm for better driveability. The business-like interior contains a few oddly placed controls, but is a nice place to spend time. Seats are supremely comfortable front and rear. Still, the fact remains that this car is smaller inside, heavier, and more expensive than the S70/V70. Worse, it's less powerful than all but the base S70/V70, and gets worse gas mileage.
What's the S90/V90 got going for it? A full load of standard equipment, for starters. Leather interior, alloy wheels, power sunroof, anti-lock brakes, automatic climate control, premium sound system, heated exterior mirrors, dual power seats, and a multitude of power accouterments are all included in the base price. Rear-wheel drive for better balance and dry-weather handling is a plus. Wagons add an integrated child safety seat. Standard side-impact airbags are nice, and the creased sheetmetal stands out in a class of look-alike blob-mobiles.
The S90/V90 competes in the overcrowded near-luxury segment, and is a good choice for folks looking for something a little different. Fully optioned, an S90 runs about $36,000. But does it offer value? We don't think so, particularly with the larger, more powerful S70 GLT sitting next to it in the showroom.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Volvo S90.
5 star(58%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(5%)
19 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Favorite Car Ever!
amygin23, 05/23/2009
1997 Volvo S90 4dr Sedan
I love this car. We had an accident recently and unfortunately my great car was totaled. We were rear-ended with my 9 year old in the backseat and while the other car looked bashed in, our car held up extremely well and no one was hurt. Very safe and fun car to own. I wanted to make it to 200,000 miles. Very disappointed that I never had the opportunity...
4.5 out of 5 stars
Excellent Buy
kc, 01/06/2009
1997 Volvo S90 4dr Sedan
I bought this '97 Volvo S90 with 115K miles on it (now over 153K). I have driven for 19 months now, and it has proven to be a wonderfully reliable and comfortable car to drive. I drive approximately 100 miles a day to and from work and I have spent less than $1,000 in repairs and maintenance. This car averages about 24 mi/gal (highway). I only really drive it on the highway so I do … not know the city gas mileage. I test drove a brand new Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla the other day (I was considering a vehicle with even better gas mileage), but they could not compare to the luxury, safety, and comfort of this ride. I will drive this vehicle as long as I can.
4 out of 5 stars
Best Car Ever (for Me)
Karl Zohler USN Ret., 07/07/2017
1997 Volvo S90 4dr Sedan
I purchased my S90 Volvo off the showroom floor on July 2, 1996. I have driven it almost every day since for 20 years. In that time, I have replaced the Radiator, the drivers front seat and repaired both the A/C and the Drivers side window mechanism. The car has 232,000 on it ( 50/50 city highway ). Never has it failed me yet. It is even still using the factory installed Bosch Platinum … spark plugs. However, the car EATS batteries. 24 months!! Period!! Any kind, any use, 24 months almost to the day and the battery is fried. Also, it rides a bit like a truck. On the highway, it's a cloud and the faster you go, the better the gas mileage and ride, but in the city you feel every crack in the road (albeit gently). This sounds terrible, but the car starts first time, every time, from 45 below to 123 in the Desert, accelerates well and has a Ludicrous Top Speed for a luxury car (158 mph). Snow, Ice, Rain and it's relentless. Even on Ice it holds it's own well. I LOVE this car. Another down side is parts (struts and spares are becoming impossible to get). Nevertheless, It's been solid, durable, and dependable beyond my wildest expectations. If they made this same model today, I would buy 2 more, hang the price.
Update: I gave the car to my nephew as he needed reliable transportation. As of July 1, 2020 it is still running strong, but needed a transmission overhaul at 270,000 miles. Still, it starts on the first crank every time (still needs a new battery every 24 months, natch) and looks good for being driven almost every every day for 23 years. The KEY to Volvos is Regular Maintenance and they seem to run FOREVER!!
4.5 out of 5 stars
My "Old Faithful" S90
VolvoMan89, 01/24/2008
1997 Volvo S90 4dr Sedan
My S90 has been wonderful since the day I got it. A lot of people complain about the little things like sunroof or power window issues, which can often be fixed at home, but they are missing the point. The point of this car is to get you from "A" to "B" in style, comfort and safety. I have only had regular maintenance performed on the car and it runs like a champ every day. I love the … smooth power of the I-6 engine. Comfort is amazing even with my 2+ hours of daily driving I have no back pain when I get out of the car. The stock speakers are mind blowing. The drive train is rock solid. It's now at 165,000 and I expect it to double that. This is my 3rd car and I plan to keep it forever!
1997 S90 Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 39.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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