Car Reviews: 1996 Volvo 960

win. So when Volvo advertised an Accidental Loss of Life insurance policy for all '96

models, you can bet the Scandinavian auto maker had some data to back up the offer.

For example, Volvo will tell you that no driver deaths occurred in single-vehicle

crashes or rollovers of the Volvo 240 during 1990-94. Not one. The insurance policy,

by the way, pays $250,000 to the estate of any occupant of any '96 Volvo who loses his

or her life in an accident, up to a total of $1 million. It remains in effect for 48

months.

It's a unique and phenomenal offer in a climate where safety features receive high

marks with car buyers. And it's clearly geared to drive home Volvo's tradition of

building cars designed to maximize your chances of walking away from an accident.

While Volvos might not be the latest thing in the area of swoopy styling, they're

built by folks who have been perennial pioneers in automotive safety.

But there's more to Volvos than safety. To the people who know them, Volvo's

stable of sedans and wagons also deliver exceptional comfort, quality, durability and

value.

The rear-drive 960 series includes a line of 4-door sedans and wagons built on the

same platform as the now-defunct 760 series. Introduced as '95 models, they were

significantly re-engineered, a makeover that included a new body and suspension.

For '96, the big news--and the only major change--is the addition of side airbags

for the front seats. Known as the Side-Impact Protection System (SIPS) this

award-winning safety innovation was first introduced on 850 Turbo models and is now standard on every Volvo sold in this country.

Although the 960 sedan has a large number of attractive luxury class

competitors--the Saab 9000, Audi A6, Lincoln Continental, Cadillac Seville and Mercedes E-Series, to name just a few--the wagon version stands almost alone in this price category. Which is one of the reasons for its strong sales. To find out more, we took a 960 wagon on a test drive.

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.

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.

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.

wrap you in an advanced security blanket and take you for a thoroughly pleasant ride,

regardless of how many miles that ride may be.

Volvo wagons have long set standards for their maximization of interior room--with

the rear seats folded flat, the 960 can swallow almost as much cargo as some

minivans--and their all-around comfort.

And with every Volvo, you get the latest distillation of the company's ongoing

leadership in the field of automotive safety. To some, that alone is worth the price

of admission.

And the price of admission here is better-than-average news. Despite wild

fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates versus the dollar, Volvo's price

increases for 1996 are modest at 3% across the board.

With an enviable record for quality, durability and safety, a Volvo is always an

excellent automotive investment.

And from the safety point of view, it's so good that the Swedes are doing

something extraordinary. They're betting on it.