1997 Volvo V90 Review
1997 Volvo V90 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 V70 + more expensive than V70 + less powerful than V70 GLT = poor value
What’s new
The 960 wagon is now the V90.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Volvo V90 4dr Wagon 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 Pennsylvania.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Pennsylvania
Not EPA tested for V90 Base
V90 Base
vs
$195/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 V90.
5 star(83%)
4 star(0%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(17%)
1 star(0%)
6 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Love my little wagon!!!
Cheri, 07/14/2016
1997 Volvo V90 4dr Wagon
I love to yard sale and this little wagon holds more than our XC90 (that has 271,000 miles) in the back since it has the square opening. Great on gas, feels like zero turn when parking. Is low to the ground so hugs the road. Volvo is the best car on the road!!!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Feels like driving a Tank
Sukru, 10/09/2003
1997 Volvo V90 4dr Wagon
It is a great car, drives very smooth
and comfortable. Engine is very quite
and smooth with plenty of power. Safest
car in the world, feels like driving a
tank.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great car
macali, 02/09/2003
1997 Volvo V90 4dr Wagon
great comfort on long drives
2.38 out of 5 stars
Comfy, yet bugggy
Zanzi, 10/19/2003
1997 Volvo V90 4dr Wagon
Very problematic car since new. Many,
many problems with brakes, suspension,
interior parts, and air conditioning. I
also had a 97 S90, and it suffered from
all of the same maladies, and the same
problems are well documented across
multiple forums on the net. Repairs are
outrageously expensive, and rarely can a
failing component be replaced, generally
the whole system needs … to be replaced.
Caveat emptor to anyone who cares to try
one of these!
1997 V90 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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