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Volvo 240 (1983 - 1993)

SWEDE WITH EVERYTHING? (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY JONATHAN CROUCH

Introductionword count: 146

This is the car the motoring journalists loved to hate, but the truth is these are safe, solid and long-lasting machines. Volvo would be the first to admit that the old 240 was never designed for driving enthusiasts. Rather, it is a thoroughly sensible car for people whose priorities are crash-worthiness, towing-ability and roominess. Handling, fuel economy and performance are down the list somewhat, so for its buyers, the 240 was just the ticket. This series of cars was in production for a very long time and there was no direct replacement. The 760 GLE was supposed to succeed it in 1982 but the old car kept on selling. It was still available when the 850 arrived in 1992 but finally disappeared a year later. Traditional Volvo buyers still seek out the 240 as the cars seem to have been built to last just about forever.

Modelsword count: 12

Models Covered: Saloon, Estate, 2.0, 2.2, 2.3 [DL, GL, SE, GLT, GLE]

Historyword count: 183

The 240 has its origins in the much older 140 and 160-series cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The shape was freshened somewhat in late 1983 and renamed 240 (earlier models had names like 244, 245, 264 and 265). The first of these 240s were called DL, GL, GLT and GLE - model names that stayed with the 240 for the rest of its life, though an SE was added later. These were all four-cylinder cars and the base engine was a 2.0-litre. There was also a 2.2 available in DL and GL spec and the sportier 2.3-litre GLT. Changes were very minor until September 1986 when the DL models received the 2.3-litre engine. The GLT saloon and estate were reintroduced in January 1987, having been dropped between 1985 and 1986. September 1989 saw self-levelling rear suspension introduced on the GL and GLT estates, along with a restyle for the tailgate which included flush glass. The high-spec SE was introduced as a replacement for the GL estate in October 1991. The entire range finally went out of production in September 1993.

What You Getword count: 55

A big and strong car that serves as a reliable carry-all, whether that be people or goods. No 240 is especially sporty, though the 2.3-litre GLT at least manages to look the part, with its alloy wheels and discreet badging. You don't get exceptional fuel economy though, as the 240 is fairly un-aerodynamic and heavy.

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Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Spacious Family Cars

Performance
20%
Handling
20%
Comfort
40%
Space
70%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

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