Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Volvo Victim - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Mike - December 8 - 11:20 pm

  Like the safety, reliability and flexibility of the wagon. Have had no problems with the engine. Within the past year have had to replace oxygen sensor, ABS module, PCV valve, radiator, etc. Maintained normal maintenance schedule throughout ownership. Has 134,000 miles, but parts and service are very expensive to maintain the vehicle. Am in the process of selling due to that fact.

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  Volvo 850 Turbo Wagon Platinum Ed - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Pat Downey - October 30 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our 850 Wagon off a three year lease. It currently has 80K. The car performs well, gets good gas mileage is very comfortable, and has been fairly reliable. Repairs include rear main seal and ABS control at 50K. Radio at 70K. Otherwise maintenance has been routine. Has had pinging noise which was explained as a relief valve on turbo since purchased. Interior plastic seems a bit cheap. Has squeaks and rattles.

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  Great car but expensive repairs - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Geoff83 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Volvo in 1997 with 20,000 miles, now its 2004 with 145,000 miles. In that time there have been no major problems. There have been some minor things that have had to be replaced, i.e. cup holders, lamps, reverse lights, sensors. But for a car with this many miles the problems arent that bad, in fact almost all occurred with less than 50,000 miles and havnt had to be fixed again. My one big problem with the car is the price of repairs. Parts are expensive and the Volvo dealer prices are extremely high. Got in an accident and they appraised for $600 but instead went to local mechanic and payed $50 for a new grill and that was it. But safety

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  Happy Driver - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Happy Driver - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been an incredible car to drive. Fun, fast and great handling...who would of thought that Volvo could produce a "sporty" car. Two thumbs up for this car, i got an awesome deal...only cost me 8,000. I had someone offer me 12,000 the day after i bought it. Great ride, love it!!!

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  Fantastic car - 1996 Volvo 850
  By I love my Volvo - June 27 - 5:50 am

  We bought our 96 Volvo Wagon in 1998 with 30,000 miles on it. We love this car. It now has 106,000 miles on it and is still running like the day we bought it. It is very comfortable, has decent pickup and handles very well. The ride is nice and controlled. Only weak spots are the brakes tend to warp to easy (you just need to upgrade to a higher quality rotor) and the factory A/C unit will only last a few years before you have to spend $1000 to replace it. The A/C in general is not great, but I have never been in a European car with great A/C.

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  Safe, Reliable Car - 1996 Volvo 850
  By fusnyphi - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 1996 and maintained regularly through the dealership until the warranty expired. Now serviced by a more trustworthy independent import repair shop. Save by buying parts online. A strong, solid, dependable car (150k miles). Excellent brakes, but rotors are not durable. No significant mechanical problems.

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  starting to wonder - 1996 Volvo 850
  By A.J. - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this volvo with 100,000 miles on it. I did all my homework before I bought this car and I did a lot of questioning on wether or not this was going to be a good car for the mileage and all but every review was ranting and raving on how the 1996 850 was bullet proof and all the bugs were worked out. It is a great car but it is expensive to repair . All of the things that I have had repaired on it were wear and tear. Or were they? It needed brakes with one new caliper $720, O2 sensor $350, tracs light came on $500, check engine light $700, I now have 154,000 miles on the car.

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  At 140 mph . . . - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Bogus Skier - September 10 - 10:00 am

  The Turbo can achieve that speed but it sounds and feels like its in a hurricane. Bought new. Few problems: 2 batteries, some nuisance rattles. Smokes up mountain roads. New higher profile tires: handling and ride improved. Wt. distribution compromises handling. Steering heavy - requires firm, deliberate input; precise road sense in return but over- steer prone. Seating comfort is remarkable. Repair/routine maintenance myself so expenses minimal. Replacing pads at 45K without the need for rotors. Unused extended warty. Leather durable and wearing exceptionally well. Unless it begins to fall apart, will keep it around for another 5 to 8 yrs.

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  First Car, But not the last Volvo! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By swedish_love - June 13 - 6:14 pm

  I purchased my 96 850 in 2009, as my first car, with 112k miles on it. Other than a few select electrical & accessory issues (radio, sunroof, bulbs), and irksome mechanical issues (ac compressor failure) this car has been a complete joy to own. Without a doubt the most comfortable car Ive had the pleasure of driving. Smooth, quiet and the exhaust note is quite soothing. Engine reliability has been flawless. I cant say enough great things about this car, just make sure to keep a few extra bucks socked away for maintenance.

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  Not a Toyota...but - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Patrickjd9 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Definitely less reliable that previous Toyotas, but certainly not bad. Main problems have been replacing all brakes and rotors plus expensive tires every 35K or so. Ignition switch, oxygen sensor, and door stop replaced (tore out weld), A/C recharged once. Some dash rattles started before 60K miles. Power is adequate without turbo. No transmission problems yet (106K).