1997 Volvo S90 Consumer Reviews

I have owned Volvos since the 60s. This one is the best, with the exception of the 160 back in the 80s. Built like a tank, with total comfort and driving ease. In line 6 with plenty of power. Wifes car is a V70, nice but doesnt compare. Reliability is dependent on proper care. I have had Volvos that exceded 300000 miles and I expect this one to do the same.

The S90 is the last remaining iconic rear wheel drive Volvos produced and the 1998 model year was its swan song. This model not only competes very well with its European cousins such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi and the like but excels in overall fit, finish, performance and reliabilty. The S90 has such understated elegance, that belies its true heritage. Make no mistake it is a true Volvo with saftey a paramount issue and was the first to employ side air bags in this model year. Although some 17 years now into service, not many are available in the pre owned market. But by chance you find a well cared for S90, I recommend you buy it fast. There are no dissappointments with this vehicle and has all the creature comforts of anything offered today. I have had many Volvo's over the years and the S90 is a prime example of Volvo's time honored tradition of safety first. Cabin comfort is far and away in the tradition of fine craftsmanship. The fit and finish of the leather has to be seen to fully appreciate. And with the side air bag in the seat bolster, along with the SIPS system ensures driver and passenger safety. All seats have springs for added comfort with lumbar support. Same holds true of the rear seating. All who have rode in the back seat have given positive praise to the comfort and the rear reading lights add that additonal touch of class. Finely appointed wood trim and rear console that has two compartments. Eight speaker entertainment center with both CD and Cassette playback as well as AM/FM Radio. A very quiet and user friendly cabin. The S90 has more than withstood the test of time and continues to deliver the promise of what Swedish Luxury stands for. I have mine, now is the time for you to acquire, before they are gone forever. Not many S90 were made.

This is my second big Volvo. My first was a 1988 760 GLE which I sold when it had 288,000 miles on it. It was pretty reliable but you have to follow the recommended maintenance to a "T". The one thing people need to understand is that this car is designed to be driven long and hard. The engine was designed by Porsche, a company who does not build "errand runabout" cars. I've also owned a Porsche and it reacted the same way - the more highway it saw, the better reliability I got. Engine revs at 2,500 rpm at 70 MPH which should tell you that this is not a low rpm vehicle. If you live in a city where you will constantly be in stop and go traffic or use cheap gas then get something else because this car will eventually start complaining (poor gas mileage, runs rough, HVAC does not like low rpm, things will wear quicker). If you require long communtes or do frequent highway driving then this car is perfect for you. The ride if firm but smooth. Seats are very comfortable. I know people complain about the fuel mileage but I suspect they do a lot of stop and go driving. I am almost door to door country roads/highway (very few stop signs or traffic lights) and I can say that the fuel mileage for the car is very good. Compared to current vehicle designs, this car looks extremely dated, particularly the greenhouse and my kids laugh at it. Today (2014), you can get a damage free, well cared for S90 for 3K and while you may pay 1K a year in maintenance, that's a far cry from paying 60K for something which will give you the same quality, safety, ride and level of comfort. I might just buy a clean one out there and put it away until this one dies.

I own this car. I have 277k miles and there is not a single tick in this car. The drivers seat is a little worn on one lumbar position but that is it. I love the "old time" Volvo square styling and the almost 300k miles. it is about to become my son's first car. it was made before he was born.

My dad bought this brand new in '97. Its been driven around New Hampshire its whole life. We did keep it in a garage whenever it was home. Oil w/ filter was changed every 5,000 miles with mobil 1 synthetic oil. 223,000 miles later its still in great shape. The head gasket has a very very very small leak along with the rear main seal. But other than that its still in great condition. I inherited it from my dad and i expect it to last until 300k rolls around!

NO RUST, Garage kept, no accidents, 2 owners, highway miles. Rear spoiler, leather

A very solid auto and probably the safest on the road today for a sedan. Drives very well, very small turning radius, brakes well, comfortagle...even on long drives. Excellent AM/FM/CD/tape radio. Good heater, AC not the best. Quality car for just about everything. Needs snow tires for winter, but can use 15" tires (with 15" rims) which are cheaper than 16" tires.

Great car but would not recommend if not car savvy as it does have small issues and if taken to dealer or shop for repair you will loss allot of cash! Ex: need to change spark plugs? "do it your self for $25." Shop ($400.00).. Get the point??