Overview & Reviews

Volvo's 850 wagon gets a new name, new nose, body-color trim, stronger side-impact protection, more powerful turbo engines, redesigned interior and revised suspension. All-wheel-drive versions arrive to battle luxury SUVs.

• Front and side airbags. Excellent side-impact protection. Superb seats. Solid construction. More cargo volume than many sport-utilities. Available all-wheel drive.

• Oddly placed controls. No all-speed traction control system available.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 111.00

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  Very Good Til the Expensive End - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Sandy - October 31 - 5:30 am

  My beloved 98 Volvo V70 XC AWD , purchased at 170K miles, made it to 230K without ever breaking down and stranding me. It always started. The ride? Silky smooth. Visibility? Great. Room? Plenty for passengers and 2 big dogs. Safety? Top rated. The heated seats? Ahh! The maintenance was average cost at Mavis, very expensive at the dealer, though. If you can put in your own light bulbs, youre fine. However, the fuel pump died and they want $1,900 to $1,300 to fix it. I now realize that this car, new or used, is better purchased by wealthier individuals. If I could buy new, I would certainly do so.

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  Overall happy - 1998 Volvo V70
  By les - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought with 55K miles. 2nd Volvo, replacing a 240 wagon. Much improved over 240, but like the 240, suffers from little things breaking.... rear windshield washer motor, electric driver door lock doesnt work from remote. Also, compared to 240 and all our other cars, its a very difficult car for a do it yourselfer to work on due to special tools that are required.

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  Great car if you have some mechanical aptitude - 1998 Volvo V70
  By johnhondrogen - September 16 - 8:55 pm

  I own 2 Volvo XCs. Both with 165,000 mi. Ive owned them for 6 years and I think they are one of the best cars Volvo built, aside from the 240 series. A lot of people dont like them because they are expensive to keep and I agree with this if you have someone else do the work. I do most of the work on my cars; Im not a mechanic but the internet can tell you how to do anything. Ill tackle anything as long as I have the time (even a head rebuild on one of them) If youre looking for a maintenance free car, this isnt it. If youre a shad tree mechanic this is a great car.

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  great car overall - 1998 Volvo V70
  By broadbeard - June 24 - 7:07 am

  Purchased in 2004 with 64,000 miles for my wife, she didnt like the 95 850 turbo wagon because it had too much power. The light pressure turbo and AWD is much better for her. I use high quality parts and do not have tire, brake, or other components wearing out prematurely. Currently have Michelin Harmony and ceramic brakes, best ride of any car Ive owned and the AWD makes the snow disappear. Has not left us stranded in 10 years. Not transmission problems, averages 22 MPG, can get 28 MPG on interstate. High quality and good design. As others posted, it is expensive to maintain at dealer. I do most of the work, however, I do have a friend that helps me with more difficult repairs.

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  An all around excellent car! - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Jay Jackson - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Have had a 97 volvo wagon and put on 245,000kms in 4 years and the car never had a problem. Speaks for itself why i chose the a 1998 volvo XC cross country with only 50,00kms on it. I love it!

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  Great wagon - 1998 Volvo V70
  By mrpyromaniac - May 31 - 3:30 am

  Just bought this baby with 150k on her, and she runs GREAT!! I checked everything out, suspension, timing belt, etc. Nothing wrong at all. And this wagon is fun to drive!! I would recommend these vehicles to anyone.

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  nice - 1998 Volvo V70
  By tom4342 - January 20 - 3:37 am

  i bought used,145k miles has been great so far,check engine light was on,hooked up scanner said misfire on number 3 and 5,wasnt or running reg gas maybe.I think people to over react when a light comes on,yes they are incorrect sometimes,i drove a 94 f-150 for 8 years with the check engine light on and it never failed.Regular maintenance is easy,loads of pickup and great gas mileage,operating or repair costs not an issue for me because i do it myself.

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  Highway Star - 1998 Volvo V70
  By Keith - October 17 - 1:53 am

  I purchased the car from the original, private buyer at 70K; it now has 140K. It still burns no oil. Its been great. Replaced the silly rear hatch panel fastening system cheaply when it failed. (inexpensive kit.) One front wheel bearing whined until it was fixed for a couple of hundred bucks. Really, the perfect car if you like to haul stuff, and feel safe, comfortable and secure. Find a trusted mechanic to keep an eye on things (same for any car) and youll grow very attached. The engine is excellent and sturdy. Quality, comfort and fun and you can fit your stuff in it.

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  Volvo = Bliss - 1998 Volvo V70
  By C&J4Volvo - May 5 - 6:53 pm

  In November of 2001 I sold my SUV and took the keys to my very first Volvo. My partner and I purchased a 1998 T5 wagon - we love it! The seats are amazing the sound system rocks, and the fuel economy is way better than the SUV. Like many other people weve had the ABS Control Module and Speed Senors replaced, however both were covered under our extended warranty.

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  Everything we hoped for - 1998 Volvo V70
  By scott - August 29 - 12:53 am

  We never thought we would shell out $35,000 for a Volvo AWD. But having owned the car now for 7 years, I can honestly say it is the best car we have ever had. It has a feel of extreme quality and runs "like new" to this day. Yes, repairs can be pricy on a $35k car - do people expect differently? The turbo provides plenty of pep, the leather seats are to die for, mileage is fine (19-24). We have had next to zero "fit and finish" problems, unlike our other vehicles which have come and gone. No major accidents, but you know with Volvo you are as safe as you are going to get. If and when this car finally dies (and with only 98000 miles it has a long way to go) I will surely buy another!