1998 Volvo V90 Review
1998 Volvo V90 Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Uniquely styled sheetmetal. Full load of luxury goodies.
Cons
- Aging design.
What’s new
Nothing changes on the V90.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 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 $3.42 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$223/mo
V90 Base
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The Volvo S90, the luxury car formerly known as 960, is nearing the end of its life span. Volvo is concentrating on the popular 70-series models (C, S, and V) until more new product reaches the U.S. Certainly a replacement is imminent for the rapidly aging 90-series models.
S90/V90 styling is attractive, and cuts wind drag at speed. Under the clean lines are a strong chassis and competent suspension. The 2.9-liter 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, antilock 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 conservative 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 1998 Volvo V90.
5 star(69%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(0%)
16 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
love this car
wsand,12/08/2009
1998 Volvo V90 4dr Wagon
I have been driving my 1998 V90 for 9 years and I still love it like the first day I bought it. Super comfortable front seats, rear seats fold down for mega yard sale purchases (got an entire patio set in there) or all seats up (w/3rd row) and you can seat 7! Stay on top of maintenance - tranny flush, timing belt, etc. and she just keeps going and going.
3.13 out of 5 stars
AC service every year
Tess,08/25/2009
1998 Volvo V90 4dr Wagon
I would not consider buying another Volvo because I have had issues with AC system since I purchased it in 2005. It is not acceptable to have to put our car for AC maintenance in a Volvo dealer every year because AC cooling or any other issues. I am also not pleased that the price for the maintenance goes up about 15% every year. Furthermore, all the cool features and the smoothly … drive does not encourage me to buy another Volvo. PS: It seems to me that Volvo should have recalled the V90 model, V90 for the AC problem.
4.38 out of 5 stars
long-term experience
Matt Mavrolas,02/23/2006
1998 Volvo V90 4dr Wagon
These newer Volvos are very expensive to repair, and maintain. Common problems: cracked headlight covers, front brakes wear out quickly, timing belt needs replaced every 60,000 miles, front suspension parts wear out and have replaced the same suspension parts more than once. Biggest problem: transmission failure. Also hesitation problems from a standing start. And I babied this car!
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!!!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Volvo V90, so we've included reviews for other years of the V90 since its last redesign.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- N/A
- MPG & Fuel
- 16 City / 23 Hwy / 18 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 20.3 gal. capacity
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 181 hp @ 5,200 rpm
- Torque: 199 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
- Dimensions
- Length: 191.4 in. / Height: 57.6 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 68.9 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,611 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 39.3 cu.ft.
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test0
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More about the 1998 Volvo V90
Used 1998 Volvo V90 Overview
The Used 1998 Volvo V90 is offered in the following submodels: V90 Wagon. Available styles include 4dr Wagon. The Used 1998 Volvo V90 comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 1998 Volvo V90?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 1998 Volvo V90S are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1998 Volvo V90 for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1998 Volvo V90.
Can't find a used 1998 Volvo V90s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 1998 Volvo V90?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Volvo lease specials
Check out Volvo V90 lease specials
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