Volvo 440

Volvo 440/460
Pre-facelift Volvo 440
Overview
Manufacturer	Volvo
Production	1987–1997
Assembly	Born, Netherlands (NedCar)
Body and chassis
Class	Small family car (C)
Body style	5-door hatchback (440) 4-door saloon (460)
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Related	Volvo 480
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L I4 (petrol) 1.7 L I4 (petrol) 1.7 L I4 turbo I4 (petrol) 1.8 L I4 (petrol) 2.0 L I4(petrol) 1.9 L I4 (diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic CVT automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,503 mm (98.5 in)
Length	4,312 mm (169.8 in) (440, 1987–94) 4,405 mm (173.4 in) (460, 1987–94) 4,345 mm (171.1 in) (440, 1994–97) 4,435 mm (174.6 in) (460, 1994–97)
Width	1,686 mm (66.4 in)
Height	1,390 mm (54.7 in)
Curb weight	993–1,069 kg (2,189–2,357 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Volvo 300 Series
Successor	Volvo S40/V40

The Volvo 440 and 460 are versions of a small family car produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo between 1987 and 1997. The 440 was introduced in 1987, whilst the 460 followed in 1989. They were built at the NedCar factory in Born, The Netherlands.

The 440 was a 5-door front wheel drive hatchback and the 460 a saloon. They shared many components with the already-successful Volvo 480, including floorpan, front and rear suspension, engines, transmission and braking systems.

The Volvo 440/460 Series models were designed to fit in below Volvo's bigger saloon and estate cars as a replacement to the 340/360 Series, to compete with the likes of the Ford Sierra.

Using the basis of design first seen on Volvo's prototype "G1" and later renamed "G12" prototype, the 5 door family car was originally designed as a 5 door version only before a sedan/saloon version was designed in Sweden. First generation 400 series cars resemble the bigger 940, whilst the facelifted example bore a resemblance to the Volvo 850 to increase sales. The interiors of the 400 series variants were designed by famed Volvo designer Peter Horbury.

Safety has always been an issue of primary importance to Volvo, who have developed many features since adopted widely throughout the car industry. Crumple zones were carried on from the previous 300 series into the design of 400 series cars, aided by additional airbags both for passenger and front driver. Other safety items included a high-level brake-light; a 'bulb blown' warning system; 'door open' warning light; adjustable seat belts with pretensioners and a seatbelt reminder/warning light: all of which all came as standard on all models throughout the range.