Volvo 440/460 - Evaluation

Evaluation

Parker's guide, an independent car price guide, said the following about the 440: "Family hatchback with reasonable space inside but plain looks. Drives well enough, though steering is heavy on cars without PAS. Cars from late '93 are safer and better equipped than earlier models, though all are solidly built."

The 460 received the following evaluation: "The 460 substitutes a generous boot for the 440's tailgate but is otherwise identical. Liked by older motorists for perceived Volvo strength and safety, but lacks image and now sells for less than the hatchback. Power steering is a must - parking can be heavy going without it. As with the 440, models from late 1993 are best."

Parker's also takes note of problems commonly reported by owners over many years. It summarises the issues found in relation to the 400 series as follows: "Some early cars suffered from erratic build quality; possible rust in body seams; gear linkage failure; overheating; coolant leaks; smoky engine when cold indicates piston wear; possible electrical problems."

It should be pointed out that the data used to create this list came predominantly from owners of the earlier Mark 1 models of the car, with many of these faults becoming much more rare (or disappearing completely) with the introduction of the Mark 2. An auxiliary water pump was added to all non-turbo models from late '93, along with 'run-on' electric radiator fans, which continued to run after the engine was switched off in an attempt to fix the overheating/coolant problems.

Build quality was much improved on Mark 2 models, as was the rust-proofing the cars received. A browse around for remaining 400 series models reveals that rear wheel arches are the only place now routinely troubled by rust.

Electrical gremlins did unfortunately persist throughout the life of the range, but these usually affected only the non-essential 'accessory' circuits, and were limited in nature. Fuel gauges, dashboard bulbs (but not those on the main instrument panel), interior light bulbs and the driver's heated seat are the most commonly cited weak points.

Ironically, the sheer number of electrically operated items, bulbs and systems in the car may be at least partly to blame for any apparent problem: with an increased amount of bulbs and systems comes an increased requirement to replace those bulbs or systems when they blow. This may lead to the perception that bulbs are blowing more frequently than actually is the case: this effect being easily explained away by statistics.

Some have found that the engine and gearbox set up on all engines, with lots of low-end torque, makes the car accelerate surprisingly quickly from a standing start at traffic lights, tempered by an increased number of gear changes when driving around town. The 'little touches' added to the Mark 2 cars mounted up into a much more pleasant overall experience for owners. Bonnets that automatically locked into the 'open' position (without use of a prop-rod), improved security, better engines, 6-speaker audio system well positioned to make the most of the sound, better soundproofing and more adjustable, comfortable seats are just a few of the changes made.

As the first front-wheel drive family Volvo, the car marked a turning point in the company's history. It is worth noting that almost all completely new Volvo designs launched after the 440 have been front-wheel drive. Its styling with a distinctively long bonnet is unusual, but certainly has 'character'. Later models with the integrated grille were perceived to look classy when compared with their mid-1990s competitors, again benefiting to some degree from the positive connotations created by the 400 series' connection to the 850. Not all trim levels of the 460 benefited from split rear seats, some only got equipped with a ski-hatch through its rear elbow rest, hence its bigger boot compared to the more versatile hatchback and offering similar crash protection.