Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Unhappy in NJ - December 30 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car originally because of its safety and reliability ratings. I still feel safe in it, but its been one headache after another: little things at first, but then a $1,400 A/C repair at 45,000 miles, numerous electrical system issues, and today, at 91,000 miles, Im told a rod in the engine has been thrown. Unreal...this in a car that was meticulously maintained. Id never by another Volvo.

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  Volvos Are Lemons - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Mireya - February 21 - 10:00 am

  When I first bought a Volvo I thought I was buying quality. Little did I know that I was going to be taking my car into the shop every 6 months for major repairs. Problems have been crank shaft main seal (2), AC (4), stereo, front bearings, exterior weather trim and these repairs dont include the regular maintance like brakes and strunts. Ive had Japanese cars that were much older and drove them to the ground. After this experience I will diffinitely go back to Japanese cars. I bought my Volvo at 40,000 miles which is considered new to Volvo but the problems are one after an other.

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  Solid but quirky - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Jerry - November 5 - 6:33 am

  I bought this car used in 2004 and still own it today. It still avgs about 20-22 mpg combined, and drives nicely. The car is as solid as a tank, but it has some of the quirkiest problems. The "idiot" lights for abs, traction control, SRS and check engine cycle on and off randomly, and theres nothing wrong with any of these items. The drivers door makes a banging sound when I open it, and currently my horn is stuck and "blowing", so I had to physically disconnect it until I can have it repaired. Enjoy the ride, if you can live with the quirks.

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  Love hate relationship - 1996 Volvo 850
  By dglassm - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car when its not in the the repair shop. Fortunately, I have found a tire shop to do my repairs. The volvo dealer repair shops are a major league ripoff. Shim kit 10 dollars online , dealership 120.00 . Rear pads and rotors 600.00 (tire shop 280)The brakes have been my major problem. Somthing is always wrong. When the check engine light comes on be sure to check the master hose , a leak here will create erroneous data on the 02 sensor. I have become used to all the sqeaks , creaks and rattles. Next time I will buy toyota/lexus or honda/acura.

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  Expensive to Own, Expensive to Repair - 1996 Volvo 850
  By brokebyvolvo - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Has only 62000 miles, but AC cost $2200 to fix, including $1500 to replace an evaporator buried in the dashboard,& the ENTIRE dash must be removed to get to this part. Plus ABS sensor $600; new rotors, $1000; starter relay $200 motor mounts $350; rear stabilizer bar $500; power antenna $450. Add in $750 every 10,000 miles for required maintenance, & your insurance plus car payments are zilch compared to the special payments you have to make to a bank account dedicated solely to the 1996 Volvo 850 Repair Fund.

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  Tough times in the last 2 yrs - 1996 Volvo 850
  By turbodude99 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive, but expensive to keep on the road. It has high mileage, but Volvos are expected to be solid. Replacements over the last couple of years - ABS unit, turbo (expected at 150K), AC compressor, both O2 sensors, shocks and complete brakes (rears twice) water pump, fuel pump,2 ABS sensors, + minor items. It currently is burning / losing oil. Source not found yet. I did a lot of research on this vehicle prior to buying it and unfortunately, was very disapointed in the reliability.

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  volvo - 1996 Volvo 850
  By robarakira - May 4 - 10:00 am

  way better quality than american equivalents - also for resale

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  1996 Volvo 850 - 1996 Volvo 850
  By volvoforyou - March 13 - 4:20 am

  Have a 1996 850 which I bought used with 56000 miles in 2003. Since that time I have replaced shock towers, both front axles, both 02 sensors (twice!) numerous light bulbs, check engine light cycles on and off at will. A/C cuts in and out. Now the radiator just went! I do like this classic car and have read many good reviews on this site; however I guess i got a bad one. I also had a 1998 S70 which I didnt have much luck with either. Sorry Volvo I have had enough.