The name Volvo traditionally conjures up plenty of favorable images, but fun isn’t one of them. This condition wasn’t helped much by the official line from headquarters, which insisted that Volvos were responsible cars of high quality. It’s like sensible shoes; they may make your feet comfortable, but they don’t make them glad.
With its marketing strategy hammering away monotonously at safety and reliability, Volvo contrived to become the automotive equivalent of toothpaste, or plain yogurt. Good for you but not much fun.
All of which made the Volvo GLT Turbo an especially pleasureful experience in the art of the ambush. Startled sports-car drivers gape as you whoosh away from the light, then, jaws clenched, find the next green. Guys in 528s can’t believe what they’re seeing, you can tell by watching them in your mirrors and even Saab Turbo pilots were mildly astonished. A quick Volvo? Not possible!
Not only was it possible, but it happened, thanks to the efforts of a small band of enthusiast dissidents within the Volvo corporate structure who were dedicated to dusting the cobwebs off Volvo’s stodgy image.
What Junkies are Saying