Looking Back at 30 Years Since the Volvo 700-Series

Volvo is looking back on 30 years since the introduction of the 700-series of cars. The Volvo 760 was released in 1982 and the even more successful 740 came out in 1984. All told Volvo sold over 1.2 million 700-series cars. It was replaced by the similar looking 900-series in 1990, but the two models were made simultaneously in some markets until 1992 when the 700-series was retired. 

The first plans for the Volvo 700 were started in 1975. It was designed as an evolution of the 200-series with better emissions, a lighter body and better fuel efficiency. This plan did not exactly work, as the 200-series was made until 1993 in Europe and the US and until 1996 in Malaysia, which means the 200 outlived the car that was meant to replace it. 

In a move that many car owners wish manufacturers today considered, Volvo wanted the "reliability, fuel efficiency, longevity, serviceability, low noise levels, design and performance in that order" should guide the development of the 700. The wheelbase was 10cm (4in) longer than the 240, but the 700 was 100kg lighter. The transmission, suspension and many other components were actually carried over from the 240 to keep costs low. To further reduce costs, the finance department stipulated the car must have many flat surfaces to make the body panels cheaper to produce. 

The first 700-series came with a turbocharged engine that Volvo tweaked more power out of over its life, a 2.8l V6 or a Volkswagen-sourced inline-six diesel. The most powerful turbocharged versions eventually made 168hp. 

The 200 and 700 Volvos sustained the company from the late 70s to the 90s, and in some enthusiasts minds are among the best Volvos ever made. The cars were extremely reliable and easy to drive but easily accessible to common buyers.