Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

• 

  What a sleeper - 1996 Volvo 850
  By DIC_CAMARILLO - April 22 - 2:50 pm

  We have a 850R wagon with automatic. When I put my 850 in sport mode, the computer lets the engine rev and the turbo give more boost. I dont want to admit it, but this little red wagon will beat my 2003 Porsche Boxster. The turbo power keeps pushing and the engine is a tiny 2.3l inline 5. I laugh as I pull away from cars - those Mustang GTs dont have great takeoff. The suede/leather seats are very comfortable and the heat is nice. Of course the safety aspect is tops for Volvo. Handling is good. Brakes are solid. Reliability is good for a European car. Weve had the odo, radiator, ash tray, mass airflow sensor go out. The rear view mirror shook loose and was put back on.

• 

  expensive but nice - 1996 Volvo 850
  By sarahbaker - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for a little over 8 years now. It is an awesome car - great interior, solid exterior, fun to drive. My biggest complain has simply been with the cost of repairs. In the past year and a half I have put well over $2000 into the car. With the car not even being worth much more than that, it is time to say goodbye. I would recommend this car highly, but only if you have the funds to maintain it. It requires more money than I can put into it, but I truly do hate to see it go.

• 

  Money Pit - 1996 Volvo 850
  By KBarry - April 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is an utter joy to drive and one of the most comfortable cars when it is not in the repair shop. This year alone Ive had the rear main seal, ABS controle module and radiator fan go. Very common problems on these cars and Volvo does not stand behind them, especially the brake problems. They claim they have no knowledge of these problems. I have filed a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Association for the brake problems. Repairs are astronomical and relaibility is subpar for a luxury vehicle.

• 

  Great Car! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Bassman06 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  When I bought this car, I had intented to buy a Ford Explorer or Jeep Gr. Cherokee. I drove this car just out of curiosity...I had no intentions of owning a Volvo. Before I got it off of the lot, I knew that I had to have this car. It has high milage, but it runs like new, looks like new, and drives like new. I would recommend it to ANYONE thats thinking of buying an SUV.

• 

  A Lemon - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Pinny - January 30 - 4:03 am

  The 850 GLT is a money pit. When it works the car is fast and stable. It handles great and looks sleek, but I have had to sink 2500 dollars into the car just to keep it on the road. Each time I do it is reliable for about 3 weeks before something else happens. So far, I have had trouble with the fuel evap, both strut mounts (the 96s are famous for this), brushings, brakes, radiator, thermostat, entire front axle and tires. Broken but not repaired are the odo, antenna motor, failing dash lights. The leather seats all cracked. Aside from safety, there is no reason to get such a money pit.

• 

  I love it - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Newif - October 13 - 2:00 am

  The best car that iwe ever driven. lots of power. Great performance, great handeling. Go for an 850 R.

• 

  a truly great car and hard worker - 1996 Volvo 850
  By krizy1 - September 18 - 6:53 am

  i bought my volvo from a friend of mine.. he had neglected to car somewhat,so i had to do a few maintenance things. this car is easy to work on,parts for the most part are inexpensive. although there are a few things i wouldnt fix myself. over cheap to up keep.. fun as hell to drive.,flip it into sport mode and away you..,its fast,.,responsive,over engineered.the only complaint would be gas mileage in the city.,but still not awful.. just could be better.. i love my volvo.

• 

  850 Wagon - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Believer - August 6 - 4:23 pm

  Bought for my 17 yr old son after research on safety in an accident. NO REGRETS.My 17 yr old fell asleep mid day on cruise control at 65mph and had a head on collision into corner of a trailer parked in the brkdown lane. Car totalled, but a miracle he walked out without a scratch. Only bruises from seat belt. If he wasnt in a Volvo, he would not have been here for this Christmas.Praise the Lord for providing the Volvo.Just bought another for my son.

• 

  Built like a tank! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Alex M - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I would recommend this car to everybody. It is very comfortable and has enough passing power to embarass quite a number of cars. I love the seats, the layout and the features.

• 

  the right blend - 1996 Volvo 850
  By eddyp - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought 6/2002 from 2nd owners and have been very pleased in the past year and a half. Power is great for highway passing, gas mileage good - typically 26-30 mpg, reliability good - just scheduled maint. (outside of a replaced battery) despite being just over 100K now. Highly recommended.