1996 Volvo 960 Fullsize Car Review & Performance

The 960 wagon retains its sober Scandinavian heritage and still looks a bit boxy

despite the more aerodynamic contours sculpted into the new sheet metal. It's a very

traditional design that's driven by passenger considerations like plentiful headroom.

Added were new front fenders and hood as well as flush headlights and integrated fog

lights.

It's no secret that the traditional station wagon look isn't exactly de rigeur at

the moment, thanks to the boom in minivan and sport-utility sales, but we found the

960's functional, roomy design appealing nonetheless.

Daytime running lights are standard equipment, as are front and rear fog lights

along with a passel of amenities including a washer/wiper for the headlamps, heated

power outside mirrors and a power glass sunroof with a sunshade and tilt/slide

feature. A remote entry system with alarm is standard and new for '96 is a 2-step

power door lock system that opens the driver's door first, followed by the other

doors, the liftgate (or trunk) and the fuel filler door.

The 960 is powered by a 2.9-liter dual overhead camshaft 24-valve inline

6-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, the only powertrain

offered. Last year, the engine was tweaked to produce more of its power lower in the

rpm range, to improve acceleration and passing performance, a preference of American

drivers.

Both the sedan and wagon have an EPA estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg city/25

highway. That's not bad, but we also found that our test car was able to improve a bit

on both numbers.

Although these are big cars within, their exterior dimensions are tidier than a

good many of their large car competitors. The sedan and wagon share the same wheelbase

and overall length, though the wagon is a little taller and weighs about a hundred

pounds more. However, both versions of the 960 are relatively svelte in the weight

department compared to most cars in the luxury class.

Within its tastefully familiar--and nicely finished--exterior, the 960 shelters an

interior that's as warm, gracious and comfortable as an upscale Scandinavian home.

It's truly easy to enter this luxury cabin, where you'd find a squarish dashboard

inlaid with rich walnut panels, a thoughtful control layout and good driver sightlines

all around.

The nicely-contoured seats--always a strong point with Volvos--have tailored leather

surfaces, and the steering wheel is also leather-wrapped. Other standard

comfort/convenience features include automatic climate control, power everything, a

premium AM/FM/CD/cassette sound system, power front seats with 8-way adjustability and

a memory feature, cruise control and--yes!--cupholders.

Safety features? Of course. This is a Volvo. In addition to the front and side

airbags, the 960's seatbelts feature adjustable upper anchors with lockable inertia

reels, an integrated child safety seat--standard on the wagon, optional on the

sedan--and child safety rear door locks.

Although this is a thoroughly equipped vehicle as is, there are five different

option packages available, ranging from $395 to $1485. You can also delete the leather

upholstery and walnut trim if you choose. Our test vehicle had everything you can add

to a 960. We particularly appreciated the $485 Cold Weather Package, which includes

heated front seats and an outside temperature gauge.

We found our 960 wagon to be a refined, well-mannered car with a strong body

structure. (Even though it's a rear-drive layout, it was a real confidence-builder,

dry roads or slick, city or highway, an impression that was enhanced by the standard

limited slip rear differential.) Its antilock brakes worked well, the power rack and

pinion steering system is precise--with good road feel--and the new rear suspension adds

an element of handling precision that verges on sporty.

A favorite of our test drivers was the three driving modes programmed into the

automatic transmission controls, selectable via a console-mounted switch. The Winter

mode locks out first and second gear, to minimize wheelspin on slick stuff. Economy

dictates earlier upshifts, to keep engine rpm down for better fuel economy. And the

Sport model holds upshift points longer, keeping the engine at higher rpm for better

acceleration.

Ride quality is just this side of sumptuous, with the confidence-inspiring feel of

European suspension tuning. Like other European manufacturers, Volvo builds to

wide-open German Autobahn standards, which places the highest possible premium on

responsive handling and superior braking.

Wagon or sedan, the 960 has both. Although we tend to think of Volvos in terms of

their outstanding crashworthiness, they're also thoroughly competent in terms of these

active safety features as well. The 960 may not have the inherent athleticism of, say,

a BMW 5-Series sedan or wagon, but there's agility to go with its comfortable ride

nonetheless.

We were also impressed with how quietly the 960 goes about its business. The

aerodynamic improvements entailed in the '95 redesign have quelled wind noise, and the

smooth inline 6-cylinder engine is a model of civilized deportment. Its power isn't

the kind that will pin you against the seatbacks, but there's enough to feel confident

in all passing situations and it's utterly devoid of vibration.