The Volvo 960 business-class car was first introduced to the public in the fall of 1990. This premium model replaced the already outdated Volvo 760 at that time. The presentable novelty quickly attracted attention. Many loved her, and there were many reasons for this.
Briefly about the model
Volvo 960 is a truly unique car. At least because this car was produced not only as a sedan, but also as a station wagon. The latter, at the request of the buyer, was equipped with two additional seats located in the trunk.
A feature of this model was a body galvanized on both sides, for which manufacturers gave a guarantee of 8 years. And cars were covered with environmentally friendly paint. In those days, it was prestigious, but time has shown that such a coating exfoliates from metal.
It is also worth noting that the presentable Volvo 960 was also positioned as a practical car. Even the trunk of a sedan could accommodate 471 liters of cargo. At the station wagon, this figure was twice as much. And due to the folding back row, the trunk even increased to 2,125 liters, which made it possible to transport bulky or long loads. Of course, a business class car was rarely used for this, but the very availability of such an opportunity could not but rejoice.
Equipment
Even the basic equipment “Volvo 960” pleased with the presence of a wide range of equipment. The car was equipped with 3-point inertial seat belts, airbags for the driver and passenger, adjustable head restraints, metal safety bars in the doors. And the front seats were equipped with a heating function.
After the modernization carried out in the mid-90s, the airbags for rear passengers began to be included in the package too. And the models in standard equipment received a leather interior and powerful air conditioning.
The most expensive equipment was known as Royal 4. In this modification, the car had two separate rear-seat seats, additional air conditioning and a remote control function for the audio system for passengers, as well as a refrigerator. There were also electric tables pushed from the backs of the front seats.
Characteristics
Volvo 960, the photo of which is provided above, was offered with two engines.
The 2.4-liter 170-horsepower unit could work in tandem with both a 5-speed “mechanics” and a 4-band “automatic”. Thanks to this engine, the car accelerated to “hundreds” in just 9.7 seconds. And its speed limit was limited to 210 km / h. It is worth noting that this motor had a moderate appetite. For 100 “urban” kilometers, 10-11 liters of fuel took off (depending on the type of gearbox).
The second engine produced 204 hp. at 3 liter volume. This unit was offered exclusively paired with a 4-speed automatic. Versions with this motor were more dynamic, they accelerated to “hundreds” in 9.1 s. But their speed limit was the same. And the fuel took about 1-1.5 liters more.
Technical features
At Volvo 960, the specifications were impressive. But not only the engines that were installed under the hood of these cars are worthy of attention.
Interestingly, before the restyling of 1994, the Multilink 1 suspension was used. It was a multi-link design that ensured perfect behavior of the car on the road. But her service was too expensive. Therefore, after 1994, cars began to be equipped with the independent design of Multilink 2. It retained its character and functions, but its maintenance was cheaper. We can say that the developers managed to create an improved version of the suspension.
About the advantages and benefits
Reliable, powerful, dynamic - this is how you can briefly characterize the Volvo 960. Car specifications are good, and it's hard to deny. However, people who own this presentable car do not dispute this fact. On the contrary, confirm it with their reviews.
People pay special attention to the chassis of this car. The car demonstrates perfect road behavior. Even when the speedometer needle exceeds the mark of 130-150 km / h, it seems that the car is traveling at a moderate speed. In the cabin, it is quiet, even the rustling of the wheels is not audible. And everyone inside, especially on the back sofa, can fall asleep - it’s so comfortable in Volvo.
Despite its size, Volvo is a very maneuverable car. Parking, running ahead, overtaking and other elements are just a pleasure.
In winter, the engine starts without problems, even in the most severe frosts. Climate control adequately holds the installation. In summer, the cabin quickly cools down, and in winter it instantly warms up.
But the seats deserve special attention. They are comfortable and ergonomic, even after several hours of continuous driving, fatigue does not occur.
disadvantages
Even a car like the Volvo 960 has cons. The reviews are mostly positive, but many owners also do not forget to mention the shortcomings.
This car has very weak wiring, which eventually “dubs”, as motorists put it, and crumbles. I have to change. Still weak steering rack and power steering pumps. And some owners have questions about the fuel supply system. Everything is simple and affordable, however, to replace the gas pump, you need to remove the entire tank through which the cardan passes. And this causes certain inconvenience.
However, the Volvo 960 does not have many shortcomings. In any case, there are clearly more advantages, which could be verified on the basis of everything previously listed.