Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Upon further review... - 1996 Volvo 850
  By New Dad - April 4 - 4:20 am

  Originally submitted review of this car after 2 months of ownership. In one year Ive gone thorugh: brakes - 4 rotors, 3 sets of pads and 2 calipers; engine - 2 air mass meters, a set of plugs, wires, rotor, and distributor; gas - approximately the pre-war output of Iraq. When it works, its the greatest car Ive ever owned, but the brakes are a nightmare, and it is just too heavy - killing mileage, brakes, tires, etc.

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  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.

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  Need a Second Job Just to Keep Going - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Joe-Unhappy Owner - January 24 - 2:00 am

  As with others, I have foudn this car a disappointment. It works very well, but I need to work two jobs to keep it in good working order. Also, quality of dealer servicing is variant. I had a dealer mess up a belt replacement, which caused engine failure on highway, destroying original engine. I have spent approx. $13K servicing this car since buying it new. I am looking for a new Japanese compact...

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  good car - 1996 Volvo 850
  By chsmpsn - December 24 - 10:00 am

  good reliable car to own

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  Keep on runnin - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Lifer - December 22 - 5:33 am

  Original owner, car has 160k miles. Solid reliable comfortable car. A/C is somewhat weak, have had some issue with the front end alignment. MPG overall is around 21. Plenty of cargo space, with fold down seats and roof rack, I carry all I need. After 12 years, this car runs like it did when new. Engine performance is sound, and the 168 hp five cylinder engine is very reliable. I hope to keep this car for life.

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  Great year for a great car - 1996 Volvo 850
  By John - December 16 - 9:53 am

  This car was ahead of the curve in safety construction. The turbo really packs a punch compared to the standard GLT. It looks great and broke with the traditional Volvo look despite being rather angular in design. I wish they would come out with a comparable design now.

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  Love This Car - And I am Picky! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Ricardo - July 11 - 10:26 pm

  I love this car. Never thought I would even own a Volvo, let alone say I loved one. Keep them maintained and they will keep on going! Do a few modifications and these will not only get better gas mileage (30+ if you can keep your foot out of the turbo) but also blow the doors off of most cars out there.

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  Excellent Machine - But Rattles - 1996 Volvo 850
  By TJG - July 1 - 10:00 am

  We really like this car. Speed. comfort. Reliability (exepct electrical, and ABS computer @ $850). But the dash has a rattle that absolutely drives you crazy. Two dealers couldnt find it.

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  Volvo didnt stand behind the car - 1996 Volvo 850
  By CraigJ - May 30 - 2:00 am

  AC died while still under warranty, they "fixed" and it died again after two months use. Turned out to be a design flaw due to new refrigerants, evap rotted from inside out. Dealer and Volvo refused to defray any cost whatsoever, cost me $1300. NEVER AGAIN...

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  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.