Volvo 480 For Sale

|| Volvo 480 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Volvo 480 Manufacturer Volvo Cars Production 1986–1995 Assembly Born, Netherlands (NedCar) Predecessor Volvo P1800 Successor Volvo C30 Class Compact Body style(s) Hatchback Layout FF layout Related Volvo 440 Volvo 460 A 1988 1.7-litre 480ES with headlamps lowered. The Volvo 480 is a car with an unusual 4 seat, 3-door hatchback body, somewhere between liftback and estate in form, though marketed as a coupé. It was the first front-wheel drive car made by Volvo Cars and the only production Volvo to feature pop-up headlamps. [edit] Development Press launch was on October 15, 1985, but the 480 was first put on show at Geneva in 1986, becoming available to the public in 1987. It was produced in Born, Netherlands, at the factory which built DAF cars, including the DAF 66-based Volvo 66 and later Volvo 300 Series. The platform that was also used in the Volvo 440 and 460. It was originally planned for the North American market (as can be evidenced by its US-spec front and rear side markers, not used on European automobiles), but it was ultimately never sold in the U.S due to unfavourable currency exchange rates. The 480 was the first Volvo of its sport back style since the Volvo P1800, and the last until the unveiling of the Volvo C30. All of these models featured a distinctive frameless glass hatchback which has become something of a trademark for such Volvo coupés. The concept was to design a sporty, luxury front-wheel drive car with advanced electronics. Unfortunately, the necessary technology was still in its infancy, and in the early days due to funding, the 480 suffered electrical problems. Revisions in the early-1990s saw improved reliability. Offsetting these problems, the car had excellent handling, due in no small part to its Lotus-designed suspension, and a series of reliable Renault engines, tuned by Porsche. In 1988, a Turbo version was introduced, the Garrett AiResearch turbocharger increasing the power from 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) to 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp). Maximum torque was 175 N·m (129 lb·ft) instead of 140 N·m (103 lb·ft) for the naturally-aspirated 1.7 L engine. In 1993 (UK), due to new legislation which meant that catalytic converters had to be fitted to unleaded petrol engines, power dropped and so the 2.0 L engine was developed; it was rated at 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) and 165 N·m (122 lb·ft). Standard 4 speed automatic transmission was also offered. In 1992 the 480 was given new mirrors, and headrests for the back seats, along with subtle modifications to the trim and body-colour bumpers. The 2.0 naturally-aspirated engine was also introduced in a bid to improve performance. Changes between the CEM (Central Electronic Module) are externally apparent with the introduction of a total closure system whereby the key can be held in the lock position to close the windows and (where fitted) sunroof. Earlier CEM modules feature a 'passing' function for the wipers, whereby fully depressing the accelerator pedal will switch intermittent wipers to full. Rear end of 480, showing its distinctive frameless glass hatchback. Early-1992 saw the release of special editions; 1994 saw the UK release of the 'Celebration' limited edition of 480 specially equipped and numbered cars. In 1994 the 480 was updated further with clear front turn signals. Production ended on 7 September 1995 with about 80,463 units produced. Writing about the demise of the 480 in Car Magazine, journalist Richard Bremner made reference to its decent power and low weight combination. 'This meant there was some danger of a sporty steer — pretty radical from a company that considered having fun at the wheel as acceptable as seducing a nun,' he commented. 'Good grief, a Volvo worth preserving. And there aren't many of them.' [edit] Prototypes for variants The 480 factory also made several prototypes, including a 480 with an electric drivetrain, a supercharged version (G-Lader), a version with a 16-valve engine and a version with a turbocharged 2.0 L engine. However, none of these made it to production. A convertible was announced to the press in summer 1987 but wasn't seen in public until the 1990 Geneva Motor Show. It was planned to be launched at the beginning of 1991, but ultimately did not make production due to a supplier going bankrupt, concerns over roll-over safety protection and a too-long development process. [edit] External links Volvo 480-Register Volvo 480 Club Europe v â€¢ d â€¢ e « previous — Volvo Cars road car timeline, 1960s–present Type 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Small family car 544 66 340/360 C30 Volvo 440/460/480 S40 S40 S40 Compact executive car Amazon / 120 / 130 S60 S60 / V60 140 240 850 S70 Luxury car 740 940 S80 S80 164 760 960 S90 260 Sport P1800 1800S 1800 E 1800 ES 242 GT 240 Turbo 850 R S/V70 R S60/V70 T5 S60/V70 R Coupé 262C 780 C70 C70 Estate car V40 V50 145 240 850 V70 V70 V70 Duett 740 940 V90 Crossover XC60 XC70 XC70 XC70 XC90 || The Volvo Owners Club For All Volvo Enthusiasts FOR ALL MODELS OF VOLVO CAR • FOR ALL AGES OF VOLVO CAR PROFILE ON THE VOLVO 480 JOIN VOC Homepage About Us Car Information Car Insurance Magazine Members Pages Parts and Services Web Site Search OTHER PAGES Volvo MotorSport Caravan and Camping Towing Tips Tow Bar Electrics Club Information Activities Contact Us Merchandise News Rallies Regional Sections Forums Forum Introduction Go To Forum Sales and Wants Gallery High Mileage Club FAQ Official Volvo Register Unofficial Listings History of Volvo Links Directory Miniature Models Safer Driving Tips Technical Technical Newsletter Volvo Press Information Volvo Wallpaper Site Map Profile on the Volvo 480 By Chris Wickers The 480 started life in 1978 as a project by Volvo called the 'E12', and some 7 years later, in October 1985 it appeared to the world as the 480 ES, with the official launch following some 6 months later at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1986. It is quite remarkable that a Company such as Volvo could take so very long to complete the project, particularly when they subsequently promoted it in their literature as being a successor to the 1800, which was discontinued some 12 years earlier in 1973. The 'E12' project was commenced in Gothenburg, and was subsequently transferred to the Netherlands in 1983, where the cars were later manufactured. One major advantage of manufacturing them there was that the vehicles were being built within the European Community. The 400 series, in general, was according to Volvo designed to complement their existing and future range, and with the exception of the 480 (which was loosely marketed as a successor to the 1800) was not meant as a direct replacement for either the 300 or 200 series. Despite this statement, it is hardly surprising that the 300 series disappeared fairly quickly after the arrival of the 440's and 460's. The 480 was a very close competitor to the 360 GLT which probably explains why the 360 was discontinued first. At its launch, the 480 boasted a whole host of electronic gadgets aimed at making life easier for the driver. The car is equipped with an electronic information centre, displaying oil, water, and outside air temperatures, along with average speed, plus instant and average fuel consumption. Its computer also assists with the windscreen wipers, switching the rear wiper on automatically, should reverse gear be selected whilst the front wipers are on. There is also the facility whereby the front wipers increase their speed to maximum when the throttle is fully depressed for harsh acceleration. This was a very innovative feature, but one which was subsequently dropped on later models. Even the lighting has computer assistance, providing the facility of not only a delay on the interior lights, but also the option of having the front driving lights remaining on for some 20 seconds after you have got out of the car! Particularly useful if you have a dark drive! The one drawback to the above benefits of this new and sophisticated technology has been the initial lack of reliability, resulting in problems with the 'computers' and running of the engine. I found it somewhat amusing that on querying the relatively poor idling of mine from cold, the local dealer first checked to see if the large quantity of modifications issued by Volvo had been carried out. To this day the 480 series (1700CC) is not noted for the smoothest of idles! With regard to the information centre, there have been many press reports highlighting its failure, although to date as the 400 register keeper, I am not aware of any failures having been reported by members. It would also appear that the 2000cc engine does not suffer from the same problem of rough idle like the 1700cc. It would be untrue to describe the 480 as a family car, by virtue of the fact that with four occupants there is minimal room for anything else, particularly if the rear passengers decide to take advantage of the option of the rear seats reclining. (it is, however, far more suited to four people than the 1800 was!) With two people in the car, and the rear seats folded down it offers a considerable amount of room for cases and luggage. Access to the back of the car is made easier by the two large wide opening doors, although experience dictates that extreme care is required to avoid tripping on the front seat belts when getting in and out of the back bucket seats. Not only are the front seats in keeping with the car's sporting image and looks, they are also extremely comfortable with both front seats offering an adjustable lumbar support, and the driver's side offering adjustable height as well. The interior is well laid out with everything easily visible, assisted by the centre console being slightly angled in the direction of the driver. The height adjustment on the steering column also assists to ensure that the best possible driving position can be obtained. The 480 was designed to be a sports car, replacing the 1800, with Volvo themselves actually using the term 'sporty' to describe it. By today's standards the car is not particularly quick, with a top speed of around 110, and the all important 0 - 60 time of approximately 10 seconds. These figures have of course been slightly improved on with the introduction of the turbo charged and 2 litre engines. The engine is surprisingly economical, with an average fuel economy of over 30 m.p.g. which will of course be reduced with harsh town driving, or increased to over 40 m.p.g. with a light right foot on a long run! In comparison to its slightly lack lustre performance in speed and acceleration terms, the roadholding and ride are excellent, being a phenomenal improvement on the 300 series. The vehicle feels as if it has a layer of glue between the road and its wheels, in even the tightest of bends. This description however only applies to good dry conditions, as I am told that in ice and snow the car needs treating with a lot more care and respect! It is an easy car to drive, offering good visibility through its all round tinted glass. It has power steering as standard, which has the useful feature of reducing the amount of assistance according to road speed. Although the styling is radically different to any other Volvo in the range, when it comes to the subject of safety, the car is still a typical Volvo, including a heavy roll bar in the roof, and steel bar protection in the side doors. The braking system consists of disc brakes on all four wheels. Surprisingly, the 480 (and 440/460) have never been available in the USA, Volvo's biggest marketplace. Apparently it was their original intention for the to be available, but due to poor exchange rates against the dollar in the late 80's it was decided that it was not commercially viable. Throughout its short 8 year life the car has not undergone any major facelift (unlike the 700/900 series - even the 440 and 460 have had their exteriors slightly changed) The trim levels have been updated slightly both internally and externally, but that aside the car remains very similar to the original launched in 1987. Regrettably, the 480 is being discontinued with a Special Edition model being the last one produced. I am disappointed that the lilac 480 cabriolet which took centre stage at the Motorshow a few years ago never became an option in the showrooms. I somehow very much doubt if Volvo will ever produce a replacement stand alone sports car again, but will probably concentrate on the 'family' and 'executive' cars with the option of high performance variants. Home | Legal | Contact Us | Members | Join VOC | Search | Site Map Volvo Owners Club Limited® 1962-2010 || Log in | New account Home Ask Honest John Reviews Best Deals Advice Good Garages News Back Room Insurance Shop Car by Car Reviews The HJ Road Test Videos Top 10 Cars Prices and Specs Volvo 480 (1987 - 1995 ) Home » Car by Car » Volvo » 480 1987 Summary What's Good What's Bad Owners'Reviews Good: Owners rate them. Distinctive looks. Later ones are better built and very well equipped. Bad: Cabin looks like it was designed by four people who never met each other. Poor build quality on earlier cars. Next: What's Good » Last updated 1 March 2010 More at the Volvo website   Related News & Road Tests Road Test: Honda Jazz hybrid road test Hybrid version of Jazz offers improved performance and 60mpg economy with no sacrifice in magic seat versatility. Road Test: Peugeot RCZ Road Test Guest Test of the stunning Peugeot RCZ THP 156 and THP 200 by George Fowler, 'Motormouth' of The Daily Star News: Minister Threatens Christmas Purge on Young Drink Drivers Road Safety Minister shows no "season of goodwill" towards young drunk drivers over Christmas. Back Room: Volvo 480 (1987 - 1995) - Pranged it, now undrivable - What do I do next? A week before Christmas I unfortunately pranged my Volvo 480 which I brought a month earlier. To cut a long story short i smacked it against a brick wall,... Free Brochures & Test Drives Cars For Sale New Cars Used Cars 2004 Volkswagen Polo1.2 Se 64 5Dr - Manager's Special £3,994 2003 Vauxhall Zafira1.8I Club 5Dr Auto - Manager's Special £3,499 2003 Ford Fusion1.4 2 5Dr - Manager's Special £3,995 More Used Car Deals » Cars For Sale New Cars Used Cars Volvo C30D3 [150] SE 3dr £17,420 save 17% Volvo C30D3 [150] R DESIGN 3dr £17,819 save 17% Volvo C30D3 [150] SE Lux 3dr £18,386 save 17% Volvo C30D3 [150] SE 3dr Geartronic £18,683 save 17% More New Car Deals » Honest John's Car Buying Advice Get the low-down on how to buy and sell cars the hassle-free way • Terms and Conditions • Advertise on this site • Contact Honest John || Web Images Videos Shopping News Maps More | MSN Hotmail Join Ciao|Login|Help|Mobile Browse by category Appliances Books Cameras Cars Computers Electronics DVDs Music Phones Travel More Ciao - for people with opinions Latest reviews Write a review Best picks Latest videos SHOPPING Product Information Car Reviews Expert Reviews Questions I WANT TO Write a Car review Ask a question More... Please login/register to access a lot more useful features like creating your own product list etc. SHOPPING > Cars > Cars (By Manufacturer) > Volvo > Volvo 480 Volvo > Volvo 480 Volvo 480 · Product Information User car reviews (7) Write your own review Expert Reviews (1) Ask a question Road Handling Looks Fuel consumption WHAT DO YOU THINK? Recommend it (7) Don't recommend it (0) I own it (0) Offers for Volvo 480 Similar offersProduct InformationCar ReviewsExpert Reviews Questions Reviews » 1-7 of 7 Car reviews of Volvo 480 sort by Usefulness | Car rating | Date 1992 Volvo 480 Turbo (1721cc) Advantages: Quick, fun, cheapDisadvantages: Some niggles, interior quality Having owned my Volvo 480 for a little over a year now, i feel its about time to write a proper review for it. Having been a member of the invaluable online owners club and forum (www.volvo-480-europe.org) for some time before buying i felt infromed as to what to look for and had already walked away from a couple of cheaper / worse condition examples. Hard though it may be to do, its the only way you're going to enjoy your 480, read up before you ......if you go to a volvo dealer tho, i use them only as a last resort. They also try to enforce 400 series shame on you when asking for parts, be brave and don't let them scare you off! Overall the volvo has put up (mostly) with my abuse, and hasn't really been a pig to fix when things have gone wrong, as long as you've got a vaguely sensible head on your shoulders and a haynes workshop manual you should be able to have some very cheap, semi-quick, ... owen080808 27.04.2007 (12.04.2007) · Read full review Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpfulReview of Volvo 480 Value for MoneyRoad HandlingFuel consumptionLooks Its been the best car I've ever had:) Advantages: Like any Volvo, Solid, Reliable and good enginesDisadvantages: Can be expensive to run and maintai, rear wheel arches can rust ...seem that large for a Volvo but with the Turbo on top it really does go well, fantastic for long distances on the motorway. Equally the handling was surprising good for a Volvo too, always felt in control. Anything to overtake? No problem for it, turbo kicks in right away and your off. You would have to pay alot more money for the same performance with other makes. The 480 series is packed with extras, mine has, Alloy Wheels, ABS, vented front discs, ......I have recently bought a Volvo 440 with less miles so I am going to store my 480, look after it and I do believe that it will be a future classic. There are not that many about and I'd much prefer to drive a 480 than a boring old Ford or Vauxhall!!! If you are looking at one and thinking of buying then I strongly recomend that you do. Volvos are an excellent car my family has nothing else!!!! You can find more information about the 480 on the internet ... bowker76 09.04.2006 · Read full review Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpfulReview of Volvo 480 Value for MoneyRoad HandlingFuel consumptionLooks Possibly the boyracers new car Advantages: Unusual styling,fast,sturdy but sporty car.Disadvantages: Parts hard to get hold of. ...yet sporty looks of the volvo 480 turbo. After looking closer the dash was filled with gadjets and dials that any bloke would love to get their hands on. The car is packed with extras inc: heated seats, onboard info centre telling u mpg and average speed etc, heated mirrors, boost gauge elec windows, the list goes on. As standard it pushes 140+ bhp which gives around 9 sec 0-60, if chipped it can push above 170bhp giving around 7.5 secs 0-60. ......40mpg. Being a strong not so sought after car insurance is'nt to bad for the younger driver it could be a prime target for boyracers as you dont normally get this much car insured cheap. So if you want to be a bit different and have a sporty looking car that is fast, reliable,safe and pretty cheap to insure with all the modern gizmo's the this car is for you. ... Boyracer_gt 08.03.2003 · Read full review Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpfulReview of Volvo 480 Value for MoneyRoad HandlingFuel consumptionLooks A great second hand Advantages: Solid, reliable and fun to drive!!Disadvantages: Parts can be expensive, I've had my Volvo 480 Turbo for 3 years since which I've done about 50,000 miles. Most of these have been a shear pleasure. If you want a solid reliable car, with alittle bit of power behind it and also not a car which ever other person seems to have then I think you would be hard pushed to find something better. Mines a 1990 and has done 150,000 miles and still runs strong. I've heard problems about the turbos but mine has been fine. Parts can ......you went to Volvo agent you could probably double that. The boot leaking can also be a problem as can the pop-up head lights. The volvo name means quality, safety and reliability and you certainly get this with a 480. Its a shame that they stopped making them and didn't replace them with anything else. A future classic? ... Chrisbasia 27.02.2004 · Read full review Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpfulReview of Volvo 480 Value for MoneyRoad HandlingFuel consumptionLooks Volvo 480 - Legend and Icon Advantages: Performance and LooksDisadvantages: Electrical faults and blown turbos What a fantastic but underrated car. An icon and almost classic. Handling and performance are superb, with the turbo version really pushing for that extra accelaration. Parts are still readily available from the manafacturor although custom parts can be hard to locate. Most common faults include dash info display malfunctions, pop up headlights seizing and idle control problems. This stunning car is a head turner and becoming far and few between. ......with the glass boot and long rear quater light rear windows. Look out for the celebration models with only 480 produced, or a good turbo for performance. Rare items like rear roller boot cover and venatian blind are worth a small fortune in this decreasing market. New rear lights are also like gold dust as original ones tend to fade under the UV light of the sun. Find a pearler and hold onto it. ... gaz-ck 22.06.2007 · Read full review Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpfulReview of Volvo 480 Value for MoneyRoad HandlingFuel consumptionLooks only 17 and 125MPH Advantages: cheap insuranceDisadvantages: lack of performance parts Picked up a J reg for 425. Alloys, trip computer, gadgets, electric everything. Quick, reliable. economical (average 35MPG). No proplems yet. Just serviced it for £70. Comes with free flow exhaust manifold. 1.7i, 110BHP roughly. Cheap to insure. tends to leave 1.3 SRI and GTE novas and corsas. Pop up headlights tend top be lazy, but a good strip down and oil helps them. if the electrics do die its gonna cost you £££. Comfortable seat, height adjustable ......fades, especially on black and red models, hard to restore colour. If left unattended for a long time the brake dusk eats into the wheel paintwork. For the price you can't get ripped off. If you get one with steel worm (Rust) it may be hard to get body panels except from volvo). Rare cars to find and not many in slavage yards. if you look around repairables can be found for £100. Good examples can be got for 500ish ... DJORDISON 29.05.2003 · Read full review Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpfulReview of Volvo 480 Value for MoneyRoad HandlingFuel consumptionLooks poor mans ferrari Advantages: everything,a drivers carDisadvantages: wet boot i got my first 480 at the beginning of the year,allways had mg's and efi's before that. since getting the car,which i fell in love with at first sight,i have found that they are prone to electrical probs and leaking boots.Luckily mine has been reguraly serviced from new and most electical probs were sorted long ago.A little bathroom silicone sorted the leak in the boot.There are a few owners clubs on the net where advice on anything to do with the ......to drive,no backaches after 150 miles,fast,comfortable and loads of gadgets.i have read some about the insurance issue,but after looking round the web and getting £800+ quotes all over i was surprised to get a quote of £400 from more than,so if you look there are cheapp quotes for you somewhere.the car itself is easy to pick up rather cheap because of there reputation of electrics and wet boot,my advice to anyone,if offered one at the right price,go ... jncg 17.05.2003 · Read full review Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpfulReview of Volvo 480 Value for MoneyRoad HandlingFuel consumptionLooks 1-7 of 7 car reviews Sponsored Sites - Cars Similar offers for Volvo 480 » 1 to 3 out of 8 similar offers for Volvo 480 Show all similar offers Brodit ProClip Volvo 480 ES 86-90 Brodit ProClip for the Volvo 480 ES 86-90 The ProClip is a mounting bracket for the ... more vehicle´s dashboard. Onto the ProClip you caninstall e.g. a holder for your mobile phone or PDAor a handsfree set etc. Safe and convenient-always within easy reach. The ProClip is carspecific and easy to install. The installation isquick, no special tools or dismantle of thedashboard is required and it will not damage theinterior of the vehicle. Made in black ABSplastic. Comes with detailed instructions. Postage & Packaging: £4.30 Availability: On stock £ 20.80 Visit Shop > Mytrendyphone.co.uk AIV AR-ADAPTER VOLVO 440/460/480/74 These adapters enable you to integrate a car radio with ISO-connection in the vehicle with ... more OEM- factory cabling. Postage & Packaging: £4.95 Availability: refer to website £ 21.15 Visit Shop > conrad.com Dashmount Volvo 480 Dashmount Volvo 480 Postage & Packaging: £4.48 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days... £ 8.79 Visit Shop > amazon marketplace electronics Show all 8 similar offers Products you might be interested in » Volvo V50 2.0 D SE Sportswagon Estate - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed Manual Gearbox, 6 Speed - Manual 6 Speed Powershift - Automatic - 1997 cc - Max Speed: 130, 127 mph - 136 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: Sportswagon, Sport, SE Sport, SE Lux, SE, S, R-DESIGN Sport, R-DESIGN SE Sport User car reviews (7) Buy now for only £ 5,000.00 Volvo S40 1.6 Saloon - Front (FWD) - 5 Speed Manual Gearbox - 1596 cc - Max Speed: 115 mph - 100 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: SE, R-DESIGN Sport, S User car reviews (7) Buy now for only £ 6,288.00 Volvo V70 D5 (+) Build quality, safety features, Comfort, Spacious, Rapid fold-down seats, luxury at good price(-) Manourverability, large turning circle User car reviews (5) Buy now for only £ 7,000.00 Volvo XC90 D5 Geartronic 4 X 4 - Four Wheel Drive (4x4) - 6 Speed Geartronic Automatic Gearbox - 2401 cc - 185 bhp - Diesel Rate it now Buy now for only £ 8,500.00 Volvo XC70 D5 AWD Rate it now Buy now for only £ 10,000.00 Volvo S40 2.0D Saloon - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed Manual Gearbox - 1997 cc - Max Speed: 130 mph - 136 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: Sport, SE Sport, SE, S Rate it now Buy now for only £ 5,995.00 Are you the manufacturer / provider of Volvo 480? Click here '); move_sticky_fullsize(); //]]> About Us - Jobs - Advertise with Us - Press - Become a Partner - Our Shopping Partners - Ciao Quality Seal Ciao Deutschland - Ciao France - Ciao Italia - Ciao España - Ciao Nederland - Ciao Sverige - Bing Shopping Site Index - Product Index - Ciao Charts - Most searched products © 2010 Ciao GmbH