Volvo 360

...is a review of 360 Volvo but in particular the 360 GLT. In the late '80s and early '90s GLT was described by Autocar as "a punchy hot hatch" (!!). We had three of the 360 models one being a face lifted model and the other two the later 2nd facelift models. To be honest, the changes were just superficial to the bumpers (a bit smoother), grille and the rear lights.

During the early 1990s our family moved out to the hills of ...
...tin. The fleet included 1985 Volvo 360 GL (later to be replaced by 360 GLT) and 1989 360 GL (mothers car which she hated and I will explain). Clearly we had too many crap - or not so crap - old cars depending on your viewpoint!

Onwards with the Volvos
The GLT has a Bosch fuel injected engine as opposed to a carburetor for the GL models. This is much preferable to the carb' as long term it is more reliable and no less economical. ... more

This is a review of 360 Volvo but in particular the 360 GLT. In the late '80s and early '90s GLT was described by Autocar as "a punchy hot hatch" (!!). We had three of the 360 models one being a face lifted model and the other two the later 2nd facelift models. To be honest, the changes were just superficial to the bumpers (a bit smoother), grille and the rear lights.

During the early 1990s our family moved out to the hills of North Yorkshire and in an effort to "blend in" the rich newcomers invested in a fleet of old tin. The fleet included 1985 Volvo 360 GL (later to be replaced by 360 GLT) and 1989 360 GL (mothers car which she hated and I will explain). Clearly we had too many crap - or not so crap - old cars depending on your viewpoint!

Onwards with the Volvos
The GLT has a Bosch fuel injected engine as opposed to a carburetor for the GL models. This is much preferable to the carb' as long term it is more reliable and no less economical. Alloy wheels are standard along with revised damper rates and darker plastics in the interior. Ride and handling is a good compromise over the GL.

These cars heralded from the era when if you wanted safety you bought a Volvo or a SAAB and nothing else. They are very solidly engineered and are strong. At some point I saw one on the cover of a caravanning mag' as "tow car of the year". The 2 liter engines have plenty of torque but aren't revs engines. The gearbox is at the rear as well - weird DAF design! But gives handling balance. They have also loads of active safety kit like door bars and crumple zones not found on many cars until much later.

Initially I didn't like these cars because they felt a little numb to drive when compared with my 205 or Escort and although they look similar to the Escort they appear a little ungainly, perhaps dumpy.

Once in the very comfortable driving seat (by modern standards as well) the driving environment is pretty good and the bonnet seems to go on forever. The doors shut with a satisfying clunk which is reassuring. You will find the switch gear on the dash feels and looks cheap but work reliably. The heat from the heater is unbearable set on full and ducts under the rear seats keep your rear-seat passengers feet toasty too - a nice touch. Our car had optional rubber mats which are not really mats but sculptured trays for the foot wells - a very robust way of saving horse manure!

Starting the car is likened to that of a refined lorry! Give the throttle a blip and it sounds powerful! On the Road the steering feels heavy if not power assisted at low speed and over light at higher speed. The clutch is also a little heavy but positive and gear change is also only fairly positive. Brakes are excellent a strong point, but if the car is pushed the solid front discs on such a heavy car can tend to suffer from fade - but this is only when really driven hard which some drivers may do... Suspension is a bag of bones to be honest and is very archaic with leaf springs on the back and the probable cause of the duff steering feel.

These are not the type of car to give to your female spouse as they are often heavy for women - although I used to see loads of women driving them strangely!

Performance is strong and if you want to belt along, so long as you keep your foot to the floor and keep your up changes regular it will move quickly - or at least in isolation that's what it feels like. Handling is Volvo neutral and very, very surefooted in the wet. Because it is comfortable and surefooted you do get the feeling of being indestructible and end up driving like Toad from Wind in the Willows shouting "get out of my way" all the time at other drivers! I was once driven at high speed by a taxi driver from Leeds late one night in a Volvo 240 who scared me silly and until I drove one I didn't know why he drove like that! Comparing the GLT to the 205 GTI I drove at the time is like chalk and cheese. Show the two a dry road and the 205 will run rings round the Volvo - no surprises then - but show them both a wet road when it's chucking it down and you may not be on the road for long in the 205! The 360 is a very safe handling car and also works very well in the snow because of its rear placed gearbox and good weight balance.

What to look for
These cars are generally solid mechanically. One of ours did 175,000 miles - I have seen loads about with double that on the clock. All of the cars here were over the 100,000 mile mark with no fundamental issues.

Coolant systems can be a weak point. I noticed the servo began to go on one of the GLs at only 120K (!)

They often rust particularly in the tailgate area, A-pillar and on the door tops. 5 Door cars are worst for corrosion on the door tops for some reason. Doors also drop on their hinges. None of the cars needed welding underneath.

Trim falls off everywhere - door cards, switchgear, plastic bezels, gear knob, seat adjustment knobs, bumper trim, and Pretty crap.

If it's got a tow bar which some will have, ask what it has been towing as anything heavy and the suspension will have had a harder life.

Overall
A really good solid car and possibly better than the 440 range that replaced it in terms of durability - just have a look at the "High Milers Club" in the Volvo magazine! 

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