The Volvo 440 was launched in 1988 and was manufactured side by side with the Volvo 340 for a couple of years, after which the 440 and its later sibling the 460 took over the compact car role in the Volvo range.

The Volvo 440 had the same basic technical structure and layout as the 480 sports coupé. This means it shared the sports model's transverse engine and front wheel drive, and of course it reaped the benefits of the 480's excellent handling and road holding.

During its model life, the 440 were available with a number of different engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 litres. All were 4-cylinder units with a single overhead camshaft, and all were developed from the same engine family.

The 440 was a 5-door hatchback with a characteristic spoiler lip on the tailgate - a design element made famous in the 300 Series.

For the 1994 model year, the 440 underwent a major cosmetic redesign to bring it more into line with its larger 850 stablemate.

Technical Specifications

Model: 440
Produced: 1988 - 1996
Volume: 460822
Body: 5-door hatchback
Engine: 4-cylinder in-line OHC 1,596 cc, 1,721 cc with or without turbo, 1,794 cc or 1,998 cc, and 4-cylinder in-line OHC 1,870 cc Turbo Diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic.
Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes front and drums rear or discs all round
Dimensions: Overall length 431 cm, wheelbase 250 cm