Being new to this Volvo thing I have a basic engine question. Which do you feel is a better option? Turbo or non-turbo?

Why?

I suppose what's most important to me is reliability and lower maintenance costs. But sufficient power to run a long trip at freeway speed also matters.

Also, are any particular yearengines'better' for any reason?

 

Go for the turbo...you will not be disappointed.
You will have to run premium gas and use a good oil like Castrol GTX 10w-30 or go fully synthetic.
From a preformance standpoint... I say +90 is the way to go. I forgot which year they started the Piston squirters.
I have a 745 turbo and she has 255,000 miles and I have had barely any problems with her.
There are also better preformance parts available.
Good luck.

 

Based on your post requirements, definitely go for the NON turbo. The turbos get much worse gas mileage, 16 vs 23mpg average,and there are associated problems such as the turbo itself and many more oil leaks due to blowby etc.. Turbos are also higher maintenance oilwise, and I have found the extra power not living up to the hype. The non turbos have plenty of what you need for performance.

 

I agree with tedv not to go turbo. I've had five older Volvos, two of those turbos. I found that the way I drive, I didn't really need the turbo, and the loss of mileage and extra maintenance were not worth it. I've been more satisfied with non-turbo models.

 

NO TURBO! i have my toys which are turboed...one even twin turbo but if your looking for a daily driver good on gas, go for a nice 240 or 760 or 740. although turbo will push a little more power if you have a non turbo tuned up and running well it isnt really needed. on my 87 244 non turbo im getting 37+ MPG, on my 86 244 twin turbo im getting 12 MPG haha. so go for non turbo.