Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Great Value - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Mr Oswald - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent value, bought privately two years ago, holding value very well....some dealers can really hose you, had real RIP-OFF experience with one, absolutely excellent with another. Any problems are well known, easily fixed, and non-recurring, Eg: ABS/TRACs light on is simple $45 electrical ignition switch fix, air pump should be $200 fix IF dealer replaces air check valve. Basic parts are available over internet from ipd and others at 30- 60% off of Volvo Dealer prices. Currently 120K miles, feels strong and smooth.

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  1996 Volvo 850 sw 5 speed manual - 1996 Volvo 850
  By mec12 - August 8 - 6:26 pm

  As of 11/13/2014 car has 213,888 miles. Recently replaced ABS/Traction control module myself. Recently had drivers seat reupholstered. Overall car has been reliable. Since I am 60", the excellent headroom and speed control has made long distance driving a joy. I use semi synthetic 10W-30 motor oil to reduce or minimize oil consumption. No oil leaks. Car has original engine, original transmission. Would not hesitate to recommend this car to anyone. Plan on keeping the car until a minimum of 300,000 miles.

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  Great fun and reliable car to drive! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By loveswedcars25 - July 19 - 12:19 am

  I bought my car a year ago from one of my brothers friends. It had been sitting in his garage barely used and barely ran. When I got it, it had 140,000 miles on it, now the odometer reads 150,800 miles. I havent had any real problem with it. Except for a fuel filter going out, but thats a cheap fix. It has always ran strong and never left me completely stranded on the side of the road. The interior is great, very roomy and comfortable. The engine is like the energizer bunny, it just keeps going and going. And the fact that the car come stock with a underbelly cover makes driving on rocky roads way less worry-some. When this car dies, if it ever does, I will own another Volvo!

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  great car - 1996 Volvo 850
  By brombonz - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I was involved in a serious accident in this car. I attribute survivorship to the excellent safety of the GLT volvo sedan. While other cars involved in the accident (mercedes, infiniti, lexus) were literally demolished, mine performed very well and maintained the safety of the passenger cabin. I have owned about a dozen volvos and will never drive another car. The 850 GLT is my favorite because I think the design is unique and attractive, and the car is a lot of fun to drive.

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  Just barely broken in - 1996 Volvo 850
  By New Dad - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this pre-owned 850 GLT Wagon only 1 month ago, but the quality is already obvious. It had just passed the century mark (100K mi.). The feel is solid. Road / wind / engine noise is nearly non-existent. Every feature still works perfectly except the remote for the remote entry (which may just need programming). Acceleration is subtle and effortless. Shifting in the automatic transmission is smooth but solid. Maneuverability is impressive for a mid- size wagon. Fit and finish are STILL far superior to any other car Ive owned (including a 1979 Volvo 262C Bertone).

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  Got a good one - 1996 Volvo 850
  By T-luv - February 8 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car in 99 with 57k on it. Now has 150k miles. Had all of the normal problems (brakes, cam sensors, squeaks in dash, bulb burnout, etc.) but these have all been relatively minor. I can never understand why folks take their cars to the dealers for service and get ripped off - find someone else! I fix most things myself so costs have been rather low. Its a solid car that we got for my wife to be safe in. Will probably sell it next year but overall it has been a decent car and well miss it. Probably the best student car out there (safe, durable, not too powerful).

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  Ouch! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By mkirkland - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a single mom with a three year old and know nothing about cars but sure am learning with this one! I have spent so much money on repairs I am told are normal. It is nickle and diming me to death. Love it for the safety and all, but come on - $600 here, $800 there. Im going broke. Its cool looking but I think Ill go to something with lower repair costs.

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  DER PANZER WAGEN - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Grimshaw - December 15 - 11:43 am

  With this economy I went from a 05 Jag XJ8L (repoed) to a bicycle to this car. I bought this car 3 months ago. I gotta say, I dont miss the jag that much! This tank could use some more power and my friend says it drives like a golf cart but I dig it. Ran into the heaviest rain Ive ever seen in Jacksonville and handled like a dream. Made a couple of 7 hour trips to Charleston from Florida and it was great. City driving is good too, although it is really loud. The odometer is broken ($300 to fix)but the dealership can still get the mileage from the computer. All and all Im really pleased with this ride and Im going to be driving it for a long time or at least till the economy comes back!

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  Wow!!! Is there anything better? - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Bill Boyd - December 2 - 2:00 am

  OK, First if you are going to drive a car for 100K plus you are going to have to put a couple of bucks in it. As for me I purchaced a unit that was very well cared for and is a dream to drive. When people talk about the way it corners, they should be reminded its a WAGON. For a wagon you will not find a more sound car. Clasic lines and more power than I ever could have dreamed of. Buy one of these gems!!!!!

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  Nice!!! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Laura - November 24 - 10:50 pm

  Love this car, fun to drive, easy handling, great interior space, smooth and good ride!