Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Lovely Car, Top Secret Repair Info - 1996 Volvo 850
  By janow - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I got this car for $6500 in January 2003 with 88K miles. Its lovely car and so far has needed only $500 for new brakes (local mechanic). But the seat belt needs to be replaced for about $185, and I worry about repair. Ive always bought real shop manuals for cars I own to spot BS and help me fix simple things without going to dealers who make a big deal out of everything. Volvo does everything possible to frustrate this: the real shop manuals are a set costing about $1000 rather than the usual $50 - $100.

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  Comfort, style and SAFE - 1996 Volvo 850
  By pnad - September 9 - 10:00 am

  At 118000 miles, this car is in better condition than my 60k mile Ponitac GTP. Very comfortable to drive. Quiet and rattle free. Interior materials seem to be if good quality. This platinum edition car is LOADED. Heated leather seats are very nice on cold morning commutes. Not the fastest car on the road, but she is no slouch. The 220hp turbo 5cyl keeps you in the above average range. I love the styling of this car and it actually gets a bit of attention from other drivers. I like the peace of mind knowing I am driving what has to be the safest car on the road.

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  96 Base Wagon - Great automobile - 1996 Volvo 850
  By DFH - July 29 - 10:00 am

  We bought our wagon after it came off a three year lease. I insisted on a wagon over a sedan because I wanted the utility aspect of owning a wagon. We looked at SUVs and sedans but we prefered the ride and stability that the 850 wagon provided. This car has been very pleasant to own and drive. We have done nothing more than gas n drive this car between normal oil changes and regular sheduled maintenance.

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  Disappointed - 1996 Volvo 850
  By PGHowner - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with intentions of being able to pass on to my child a safe/reliable used vehicle that would last several years. I have had various problems with it since purchasing it - having brakes repaired most often (1-2 times a year). I will never buy a Volvo again - my next car will be a Nissan, Toyota or Volkwagen.

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  My 850 - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Bosco - January 19 - 10:00 am

  The car has been very dependable. The steering has excellent feel, but the handling in corners could be better. The interior space is excellent and the flexibilty offered by having the seat backs fold down is a major plus. In its price class, I think it was an excellent choice.

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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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  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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  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!