Volvo 440 1.7 automatic

Advantages: Performs well, very reliable, comfortable, practical, roomy
Disadvantages: Not as well built as some Volvos

...Nearly 7 years ago I bought a nice Volvo 440 1.7 automatic from a fireman who was selling it for something bigger to accommodate his ever growing family. I saw the car for sale in the local press and went to have a look at it. I was very pleased with the car, it had a lot of creature comforts you would expect (central locking, electric front windows, electric sunroof, power assisted steering and a height adjustable front seet - which is very important if, like me, you have short legs !). Driving the car was a pleasure - very comfortable, and although the car is quite low to the ground this was not a problem as you could raise the drivers seat. The car handled very well and because these Volvos are quite light, it was very nippy too. I was also pleased with the insurance costs too. I cannot recall the exact figure but I do know...

Buenosdias 20.11.2003 (13.12.2003) · Read review
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Review of Volvo 440

XC90 T6 Exec. MPV = More Please, Volvo!

Advantages: Most stylish 4X4, hugely roomy, very comfortable, good value for money
Disadvantages: Expensive second hand, needs bigger engine, may not fit your garage

...I am very much aware that my wife is by a long way NOT alone in being a fan of this particular car. A good couple of years after its launch Volvo still have a healthy waiting list for them. That means two things; 1) Volvo actually under-priced this car when they launched it and; 2) that of all the 4X4's on the market the XC90 makes by far the most sound financial sense, its' residual (second hand) value is second to none. Volvo were undoubtedly surprised by the runaway success of their very first entry into the proper 4x4, or as the Americans would call it SUV, Sport Utility Vehicle, market. Sure, they had dabbled with four wheel drive versions of the V70 Estate, but this was a totally new departure for this ultra conservative Swedish firm. However with Fords financing and marketing know how, Volvo have powered from strength to...

RICHADA 03.05.2005 · Read review
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Review of Volvo XC90

1992 Volvo 480 Turbo (1721cc)

Advantages: Quick, fun, cheap
Disadvantages: Some niggles, interior quality

...Having owned my Volvo 480 for a little over a year now, i feel its about time to write a proper review for it. Having been a member of the invaluable online owners club and forum (www.volvo-480-europe.org) for some time before buying i felt infromed as to what to look for and had already walked away from a couple of cheaper / worse condition examples. Hard though it may be to do, its the only way you're going to enjoy your 480, read up before you go and let someone else buy the cursed ones! I bought mine for £671 from a forum member through an ebay auction, which i still think was a bargin. There are cheaper 480's out there but to get any car with a full years MOT and some tax for that price has to be excellent value. Especially since there is no depreciation to cripple you, you should be able to sell a 480 on without any loss...

owen080808 27.04.2007 (12.04.2007) · Read review
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Review of Volvo 480

volvo 850

Advantages: Loads of boot space, loads of extras and excellent safety
Disadvantages: Repairs can cost, Relatively low MPG (25mpg)

...Volvo's...square,ugly old peoples cars. Well no. The 850 released in about 1994 was part of the big image change for volvo and was the first step in the V70 evolution. T The basic car an 850SE 20v was better than most of its opponents and was cheap. The 850 is built like a brick but fortunately doesnt look like one as much as the older Volvos. Some may say that it looks like a slab but what do you expect from a big estate car with the legendary huge volvo boot?. The 850 carries Volvo's reputation for being tremendously safe cars, and now with airbags in the front and between the 3inch thick doors and comfy seats, this is no exeption. The base model does about 125mph at a respectable 10.4secs or if you buy the T5 or R version, you will be burning off those sportscars, as they reach 60 in under 7 seconds. The interior is not bad...

LimpBizkitUK 01.07.2001 (04.09.2002) · Read review
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Review of Volvo 850

Volvo 850 T5 CD

Advantages: perfomance, safety, load capacity
Disadvantages: none

...Almost four years ago I bought a Volvo 850 T5 Auto CD Estate. The new V70 had just come out - a rebadging exercise - so I got a secondhand car price for a car with 50 miles on the clock. The car is a dream to drive, it handles like a sports car, is a comfortable as a limo, can carry more than most vans, and is as safe as a Volvo. To date I have 90,000 miles on the clock, and, although not a speed freak, have tested its acceleration and top speed in Europe, and not been dissappointed. It has had to have the aircon topped up, and the electronic key fob has been tempramental about five times(the extra one I bought is different in design and doesn't have the same foibles). The service by Lancaster Volvo was faultless, but the Volvo dealer in Burnley was poor and returned the car without the turbo connected - so much for their road test! all...

powerful 11.12.2000 · Read review
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Review of Volvo 850

Good - but not the best Volvo S60

Advantages: Style, performance, comfort, good economy for performance, well built
Disadvantages: Not S60 prime model

...Right up front I am going to confess that I am writing this as a slightly frustrated non-Volvo S60 driver. Strange statement that don't you think but there we are out here in the big bad world we do not always get what we want??. ??.and we (Mrs Richada and I) really wanted a Volvo S60, but not as it happens, this the most powerful 220bhp 2.4 litre T5 Sport version. 15 years ago I would have not looked at a Volvo fullstop. However if the S60 had then been on the market, this the fastest one would have been my natural choice. Maturity and certain financial commitments now mean that I am inclined to make far more rational choices when it comes to choosing a car, no matter if I pay for it, or is currently the case I have a free choice of company car up to a given budget. Part of my maturity also gives me pangs of conscience...

RICHADA 14.05.2005 · Read review
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Review of Volvo S60 T5

VOLVO 850 T5R

Advantages: Just read and you will find out!
Disadvantages: Servicing should be completed regularly and some problems can persist in some vehicles.

...So, everybody likes the Volvo 850 range. But which is the best, which is the ultimate, which is the fastest, the sportiest, the most quality of all 850 models? Well, it has to be the T5R We have had our T5R for a couple of years, and we paid around 16K for it. It was second-hand but with very low mileage, excellant condition and in the Primula yellow we wanted. As it stands with its 17 inch alloys and extra low profile tyres, the semi-tinted glass against the yellow paintwork... ...it looks very smart. Get in, and the leather seats are very comfortable. The driving position is excellant with full seat movement at a touch of a button. Then the engine starts... It is quiet, very quiet and the usual Volvo whirr can be heard. So, its a volvo with alloys. Not quite... Infact it is also very fast. It can beat a Porsche 911, and the car...

andy500 14.06.2001 (15.07.2001) · Read review
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Review of Volvo 850

My 1994 Volvo 2.0 20v GLT 7 Seater estate.

Advantages: Loads of space, comfortable ultra-safe.
Disadvantages: Thirsty if you are heavy footed. Parts can be expensive.

...(double width). Finding a double din cd player is going to cost me about £100. The heated seats do not work, but I haven't checked the fuse yet. The rear door panel rattles and is loose, a common fault due to age I believe, although there is a repair kit on a well known auction site for approxiamately £10 so it isn't going to break the bank. This car will comfortably seat 4 adults, 2 smaller children and a toddler on the arm rest booster seat. The only concern I had was a rear end crash with the kids in the boot, I assume that Volvo wouldn't have allowed the seats to be there without stringent testing first. THE COSTS OF OWNERSHIP As I said I have recently had some work done to it, which may seem expensive but in my mind isn't bad and I'll explain why. Two front tyres were low, new ones fitted balanced. £70 the pair...

safariman72 14.01.2007 · Read review
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Review of Volvo 850

Volvo 850 2.0 10v

Advantages: Got the power, big, safe
Disadvantages: drinks fuel, lack of power in low rev range

...A large volvo 850 saloon, 2 litre engine, used my traffic and undercover police, I picked up the keys, stepped inside, the first thing you notice is how comfortable it is, with lots of room inside, loads of legroom, headroom, I put the key in and turn it, you hear a loud roar from the engine, and think this could be fun, pulling away I became disappointed, I have seen rolling road graphs and know the high power is in the higher revs but the volvo 850 I found hugely disappointing. Comfortable, true luxory and you know your going to be safe but I couldn't help but be disappointed, but there was no raw power there I know this may sound stupid because yes it can wheel spin at 70mph and give bmw's and porsches a run for their money. Fuel economny is as most cars, parts can get expensive, but I think it's all worth it knowing your kids...

aj3001 11.01.2006 · Read review
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Review of Volvo 850

Volvo C30

Advantages: Sporty, smart. Smooth drive
Disadvantages: Boot size

...I am now a proud owner of the new Volvo C30. I used to own the S40 but the kids got older and 90% if the time it was only me in the car. The S40 was a very reliable car and when I wanted to downsize I wanted the same quality build with thoughtful extras. The C30 is perfect. The only downside is the boot size after having the S40 to compare with. However my weekly shoping fits okay and I have the option of folding down the back seats for extra room. I am so far loving the MP3 port, the extra storage spaces in the car and the sporty drive. Its too early to mention is realibility but so far its excellent. I went for the passion red C30 SE 3 door. Its very compact and easy to drive with its leather seats and sat nav option. The central console is very impressive. Just check it out with your local dealer ....

1960lefty 24.06.2008 · Read review
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Review of Volvo C30