Volvo 940

By the 1990s Volvo felt the styling of the 700-series sedan and station wagon needed an update, but that the fundamental engineering underneath was still sound. As with the preceeding 200-series being a derivative of the 140-series, Volvo embarked on an extensive redesign program of the 740 and 760.

The result of this re-engineering effort debuted in time for the 1991 model year, with the 940 sedan and wagon taking the place of the outgoing 740. There were minor tweaks to the sheetmetal, but the most significant chages were at the front and rear ends, with a more aerodynamic grille and headlights, different taillaights, and (on sedans) a steeper-raked rear windscreen and revised trunk.

As the entry-level 900 series, the 940 had a live rear axle, compared to the sophisticated and expensive multi-link independent rear suspension found in the 960. Also like with the 740 before it, it used evolutions of the "red block" B230, either as the naturally aspirated 8-valve B230, the DOHC 16-valve B234F, or the turbocharged B230FT, depending on year.

Like with other naturally aspirated B230/B234 engines of the period, some of these cars came with either Bosch LH Jetronic or Bendix Regina/Rex engine management. We have a guide to help you spot the difference between them, which you can use when ordering ignition or fuel injection components.

A limited run 940, the 940 SE, was available in 1991 and 1992. This was really a 960 Turbo with a B230FT, but with the 960 debuting the 6-cylinder version of the new "white block" engine, Volvo wanted to keep the "four-cylinder 940" association and badged it as a 940. Like other 960s, this car had somewhat different styling, better standard and optional equipment than the 940s (like leather seats and a moonroof), and an independent rear suspension.

With the launch of the new 850, Volvo felt it didn't need two entry level models, and the 940 was thus destined to have a shorter life than the 960: its final year in the US was 1995, while the 960 (and its later facelift versions, the S90 and V90) continuing until 1998.

• Sold in the USA from 1991 through 1995 model year
• USA models were equipped with 4 cylinder gasoline engines
• Four door sedan and Five door station wagon
• Next evolution of the 740 series

USA Engine packages:

• B230F
  • Available from 1991 through 1995 model year
  • 2.3L gasoline normally aspirated 8V SOHC 4 cylinder
  • Available with automatic or manual transmission
  • Most were equipped with Bosch LH 2.4 electronic fuel injection but there were some 1992 through 1994 models equipped with Bendix/Regina electronic fuel injection 
• B230FT
  • Available from 1991 through 1995 model year
  • 2.3L gasoline turbocharged 8V SOHC 4 cylinder
  • Available with automatic or manual transmission
  • Bosch LH 2.4 electronic fuel injection
• B234F
  • Available from 1991 through 1992 model year
  • 2.3L gasoline normally aspirated 16V DOHC 4 cylinder
  • Available with automatic or manual transmission
  • Bosch LH 2.4 electronic fuel injection

Model information is based on the USA vehicle market. Other model variations may exist outside the USA.