Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

• 

  Great Car - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Evan - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for only 8 months and have added 20k miles to it!! Over all I haven’t had any major problems, just the typical ones with higher mileage cars. This car is kind of pricey to maintain, but I love it.

• 

  a vintage year - 96 - 1996 Volvo 850
  By soberone - April 6 - 10:00 am

  In general always buy low engine models in any brand: the hype of more hp is a marketing trick. So with volvo stick with the 168 hp engine. Turbos allways are more prone to problems (as in any brand car)...Road handling more important than racing to next stoplight...we bought this 1996 model on dec 27 1996 (showroom model) and -knock wood- have never had any major problems. Very low maintenance costs, thanks to a local swede-car mechanic (would have been much more expensive with dealer service, our advise is to avoid the dealer network, they are ripping you off with unnecessary repairs). Very reliable, spacy and comfortable.

• 

  Tough Expensive Workhorse - 1996 Volvo 850
  By xcvbvbb - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven the 850 60000 miles in 3 years and I find it extremely reliable. There a re a lot of aggressive young drivers in my area and I dont worry if the idiots crash into me - a land rover rearended me and merely bashed up the boot lid. It builds up your driving confidence if youre nervous on the roads. Replacement parts are expensive - ive been quoted 2000 for replacement ABS unit.

• 

  Fun car if youre rich - 1996 Volvo 850
  By zachj - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought 96850R volvo in 99.I was 16 when I got and for the first few months it was great.After that I wished I had bought a bicycle instead,would have saved about 15000.Had to replace both back brake rotors.Battery went dead about twice a week.Alternator broke twice.Tracs and abs light is always on and dealership doesnt know a damn thing about fixing it.A/C is the worst thing ever.Leaks out once a month.

• 

  Our Second Volvo - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Tankjr1996 - December 18 - 8:33 pm

  We also own a 90 240DL (175K mi). I bought this car with 45K mi for $14,900 as a lease return from NC. The ride is tight but not rough. It handles great and feels VERY solid. No problems yet except for a loose radio knob. Even with 80K on it, it still wholesales for $10K. All in all Im glad I bought it.

• 

  non turbo wagon - 1996 Volvo 850
  By off road monster - September 20 - 2:10 pm

  I had it for about two years and so far, i had to replace the header, the catalytic converter twice, O2 sensor, the starter, a CV axle and a head lamp wiper motor. It is a some-what easy car to work on and I would be willing to try my luck with another in the future.

• 

  Solid & Reliable - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Brian - July 30 - 5:03 am

  Solid, reliable car with no perks. Its never quit on me, but that darn check engine light has been on nearly the whole time Ive had the car. Apparently Im not the only one this happens to. Timeless, classic style holds up well, and the 10yr old interior still looks like new. Nice trunk space and good room for 4 Americans(I think you know what I mean). Its not called "The Brick" for nothing.

• 

  My Dream Car - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Ed G.H. - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted a Volvo; finally got one! My 850GLT is the cats meow. Wouldnt mind parts costing less and more repair facilities willing to work on Volvos. My Volvo is mint condition and gives me the luxury ride I like for half the price of most alike competitors. Would gladly buy Volvo again!

• 

  Volvo 850R Wagon - 1996 Volvo 850
  By fezzik - May 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought our R Wagon used with 49K miles. After looking for Volvo turbo and non wagons, the R was a find. I figured if we were going to drive a wagon, it would be a bad ass one. Only complaint are amount of rattles which cannot completely be blamed on wheel and tire package as other Volvos in our family were known to rattle. Its blast to drive around and a great highway cruiser. Passes at the blip of the throttle, brakes are strong and handles like its smaller and lighter than it is.

• 

  Enjoying my 850 Turbo-starting to worry - 1996 Volvo 850
  By TomH - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car 1 year old from the dealer. I had all scheduled maint. done at the dealer. I have been very happy with reliability for the past 5 years. It now has 73K miles and I am having to do some major maint. that is very expensive. New engine mounts (known to go bad), new struts, shocks, brake rotors, radiator, dented rim. Roads are rough around Dallas and I drive it hard, it just seems like a major overhaul. I was going to trade it but decided to do the repairs and hope to keep it for another two years/25K mi.