Volvo S90 (900)

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 1992 model year, with the 960 sedan and wagon taking the place of the outgoing 760. 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.

Like the range-topping 760 before it, the 960 had a four-link independent rear suspension, for improved handling and ride quality. Unlike the 940 and its carryover "red block" four cylinders from the 740, the 960 was the launch platform for Volvo's new "white block" family of all-aluminum, DOHC inline five and six engines, which would stay in production for 25 years. 

In the 960 in the USA, power exclusively came from three liter, six cylinder whiteblock B6304FS engines mated to 4-speed Aisin-Warner AW30-43 automatics. A "mk2" update to the 960 in 1995 brought the minor revision B6304FS2, plus updated exterior styling and a revised rear suspension. Befitting its position as the flagship of Volvo's lineup, the 960 came with luxury features like leather seats and a moonroof.

The 960 (itself a 760 facelift) received its own facelift in 1997, becoming the S90 for its final two years of production. It was finally replaced by a clean-sheet design, the S80, in 1999.

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