Jump to content

Volvo S90 test drive


brucelinc

Recommended Posts

I recently received an offer of a $75 Visa gift card if I would test drive a Volvo S90 so I took advantage of it.

 

Exterior styling is open to individual preference and I have never based a car purchase on that but I will say that the S90 is the best looking Volvo ever built. I wouldn't call it breathtakingly beautiful at all but it does present well. It really borrows no styling cues from any other make and all body gaps are nice and tight. The interior is beautiful in my opinion and the quality seems first rate. Seats are quite comfortable.

 

The car rides a little firmer than I expected and the road and engine noise is not as well controlled as I would expect in this type of car. I had a salesman with me on the drive so I couldn't push the car very hard but it did seem to handle well and steer with precision. The 4 cylinder with turbo and supercharger is the biggest drawback to me. The power is adequate - probably about like the 2.7 Continental - so I suspect most buyers will find it to be just fine. The drawback is a gritty (almost buzzy) sound and a less than stellar idle quality. There is no mistaking this for anything but a 4 cylinder engine in spite of the good power it makes.

 

It is logical that I compare the S90 to my Continental. The interior looks, quality and comfort is certainly on par with the Conti although the rear seat is not nearly as roomy. The ride quality is similar - maybe a bit firmer - and other than the engine noise it is probably similar in terms of quietness. Regarding how it steers and drives, I felt right at home in it - quite similar to my Conti. The primary difference - and it is significant - is the performance and refinement of the engine. The Conti is far better in that regard. To be fair, my 3.0 Conti had a higher sticker price than the Volvo by around $7000.

 

Overall, I would compare the S90 more to the MKZ than the Conti. In that comparison, the Volvo would be pretty compelling. For a buyer who just likes the looks, quality and comfort of the Volvo and isn't particularly sensitive to the mechanical side of things, it is a very nice package and the pricing is competitive.

Edited by brucelinc
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a close friend who just bought a XC90 and I would say the assessment on noise is about the same. Honestly, I didn't see the vehicle being any quieter than my '06 LS. I think if the windows were a tad thicker it would help. But traditionally Volvo's were never quiet cars overall, I see them as the "Mazda" (in NVH) of the Euro brands

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a close friend who just bought a XC90 and I would say the assessment on noise is about the same. Honestly, I didn't see the vehicle being any quieter than my '06 LS. I think if the windows were a tad thicker it would help. But traditionally Volvo's were never quiet cars overall, I see them as the "Mazda" (in NVH) of the Euro brands

I would agree with that. I had a 07 C70 that was the hardtop convertible. It was partially a Frankenstein car since pinnafinara design and build off a c30. However, wasnt particularly quiet or fast. But felt solid and heavy. That car could have used another 50hp and selectable suspension. It was a cool car with nice seats and a kicking audio system. Plus the transformer top always impressed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...