1996 Volvo 960 Review
1996 Volvo 960 Review
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Used 960 for sale
Appraise This CarVolvo 960 model years
Volvo 960 types
- Sedan
- Wagon
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
This year all Volvo 960s are equipped with front seat side-impact airbags, a multistep power door locking system that increases driver safety when entering the vehicle in parking lots and a life insurance policy that pays $250,000 to the estate of any occupant who loses their life in the 960 as a result of a car accident.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Volvo 960 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$223/mo for 960 Base
960 Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
After receiving considerable attention to detail last year, the 1996 Volvo 960 does not have many changes. This doesn't mean that this year's 960 lacks excitement, merely that the engineers at Volvo decided not to mess with a winner.
And winner it is, look closely and you will see a very appealing vehicle. The styling is attractive, and cuts wind drag at speed. Under the clean lines are a strong chassis and improved suspension, which so successfully transformed the personality of the 960 last year. The 2.9L V6 produces its power and torque peaks at lower rpm's for better drivability.
The business-like interior has generally remained the same, and except for a few oddly placed controls, it is a nice place to spend time. Leather seats are supremely comfortable, and a cornucopia of air-bags protects front seat occupants.
The 960 competes with vehicles much more expensive than it is, and is a great choice for folks looking for something a little different. Fully optioned, a 960 sedan runs around $35,000. That tally includes the leather interior, alloy wheels, CD changer, sunroof, anti-lock brakes, automatic climate control and a multitude of power accouterments. Value? Indeed.
We like the 960. It's big, comfortable, solid and offers decent performance in one luxurious package.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Volvo 960.
5 star(59%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Surprising car
whiterabbit, 02/10/2010
1996 Volvo 960 4dr Sedan
This has been an amazing car for me. I got it with a bit over 100,000 miles on it, and have not had to bring it to the shop for anything besides normal maintenance in the three years and additional 60,000 miles I've put on it, even after sitting twice for periods of four months when I went to school. Seats are very comfortable. Coming to this car from an old very luxurious Cadillac was … an easy transition; the Volvo is about as comfortable but handles like a sports car. Very grippy, poised, and well balanced. 200 hp isn't a ton, but the large amount of torque hits hard at any rev. It has little cool features too like the door handles and a drip edge so so don't get wet when you pay a toll.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Can I make that parking space? Watch me
brobertson, 02/24/2003
1996 Volvo 960 4dr Sedan
Tightest turning radius of any car I
have had 31.8'. You can get hooked on
this real quick. Quick u turn to get
out of a jam? No problem with this 960.
Great ride, high seating position,
great visablity, firm but not harsh
luxury ride with Michelins, great
handling, great dash, quality feel
throughout, huge trunk with pass
through for ski's. Great sound … system.
Perfect conservative auto. Does not
compare with 5 series BMW though - but
it was meant to.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Volvo 960
kmar, 04/26/2004
1996 Volvo 960 4dr Sedan
This car has been great. I am,
however, having to replace a
transmission switch that has gone
bad. This cost about $115, but has
been the only major replacement/repair
needed since I have owned the car. It
had 94K on it when purchased and
currently has 131k and is still
going. The paint and exterior has
held up great. I hit a pole - almost
no damage besides a … paint scratch!
5 out of 5 stars
200K and still going
Steve, 09/21/2009
1996 Volvo 960 4dr Sedan
I purchased this Volvo 9 months ago with 194,000 miles on it, it has been a fun car to drive and haven't had a stitch of problems. The turning radius is awesome and the ride is like a tight sports ride. The body has no rust, which says alot for a Chicago car. I have now turned 204,000 and still going strong. I do like this style better than the newer ones. The only issue is the … front seats won't move forward or back, everything else is great
1996 960 Highlights
Sedan
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $223/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.6 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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