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 71 through 80 of 111.00-
Safe AND Sorry - 1998 Volvo V70
By dbw - August 30 - 10:00 amWe replaced our first used Volvo, an 850 Wagon, with this newer(and better?) model only to find that it is an over- engineered tempermental computer with 4WD. Its performance is very good. I love being able to accelerate rapidly from 70 mph around a semi with no problem, and wet/snow performance is great. BUT...I am constantly starring at that @#*& check engine light. It can illuminate for anything from not replacing the gas cap securely, to an emission control sensor, wire, computer, to who knows what. Cruise control failed after one year and minimal use, and it took 3 trips to dealer to get it fixed. Once the warranty expires, watch out!
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THis Will Help - 1998 Volvo V70
By Jay W - August 19 - 8:20 amI have 2 Volvos:850 & V70 both with nearly 200K. As you read these reviews, bear in mind there are 2 kinds ov Volvo owners: those who dont do squat themselves & expect 0 maintenance cuz its a Volvo and get disappointed when they get gouged from dealers. (industry wide) And the other group are folks like me who do work selves and run em 4 ever. By huge margin, easiest to work on, extremely durable well-made. Dont be intimidated by the ignorance-based reviews: these cars will run for 300K easy! look online for maintenance helpful volvo sites! the inline 5cyl GM tried to copy: the motor is bulletproof!Local tranny shop almost never sees Volvos! Neg w/Vs=little plastic trim interior stuff.
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Mechanical Cascade Failure - 1998 Volvo V70
By Plantiful - July 27 - 7:30 pmBought this car, used, and it was fine until it was maintenance time. Once you need a clutch and/or timing belt replacement, it is downhill from there: Since April, we have replaced the braking system, a leaking drive boot/seal, heating core and 2 window motors (did myself), a seat belt that would not release, a power steering rack 2 weeks ago, and this week, we are featuring a mysterious motor-oil leak of some significance. Most of the interior plastic is broken, as it is some cheap junk Ford must have introduced, paint has been off of the bumpers for some time. After 120,000 miles, just say "No".
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great car overall - 1998 Volvo V70
By broadbeard - June 24 - 7:07 amPurchased 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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184,000 Miles and still going strong!! - 1998 Volvo V70
By ryan - May 21 - 12:26 amI have owned a lot of Volvos, this is by far the best one yet. My car has 184k miles on it and it still going strong. it has only had a few small problems, (MAF, small oil leak and o2 sensor) other then that the car has been great. I drive all the time and this in car is the most comfortable I have ever had. The AWD is great in the Snowbelt where I live. just make sure you keep ALL 4 TIREs with 2\32 of each other. If you dont you will have to replace the entire AWD system. and when you replace tires you must replace ALL FOUR at once.
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Never buying another Volvo - 1998 Volvo V70
By dotk - December 29 - 5:16 pmI bought this car new thinking I would have it for 200,000 miles. Now that Ive reached 100,000, Im ready to give it up. Ive had the usual complaints that other people mentioned (lights, constantly needing new brakes, Check Engine Light that never goes off). I also spent over $1500 replacing the steering rack at a little over 60,000 miles. I cant tell you how many times the dealer has lied to us about repairs needed (they wanted to replace the A/C coil when it was only a leak). While safe, Im happy to be getting whatever little I will get as a trade-in and move on.
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Great Car! - 1998 Volvo V70
By Jay W - December 1 - 1:10 pmHands down, this is the best car Ive ever owned. Im a college student who does his own Preventative Maintenance & turns his own wrenches: Volvos: easy to work on, rugged, simple. Dont listen to the [non-permissible content removed] get gouged at dealerships. [non-permissible content removed].
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Volvo V70 1998 - 1998 Volvo V70
By Rose McG - November 18 - 10:00 amLove the safety and feeling of driving a tank. Very comfortable to drive long distances. Seat belts have been replaced in two seats! Replacing light/bulbs is a very common thing, very annoying. Driver Power window button had to be replaced, back seat is broken now; too many "little" but important knobs and lights had to be replaced. Other cars Ived owned, had never this experience!
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In the Shop Again!! - 1998 Volvo V70
By JDR - November 4 - 10:00 amThe Volvo XC AWD is a reliability nightmare! Mines in the shop today for the 3rd time in 11 months, and 8,000 miles for check engine light being on. This time, Im 19 days out of warranty and theyre replacing the carbon evaporation canister (the 2nd time in 2 years). The bill is $460.00 and Im hopping mad! Oh, lets not forget the stupid light bulb I need replaced this go-around too. The one bulb I wish would burn out (check engine) hasnt! Im seriously contemplating dumping this junky car and return to driving my old, reliable, 140,000 mile, 88 Honda Accord once again.
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Volvo98V70AWD - 1998 Volvo V70
By DTW - October 12 - 10:00 amThe AWD is wonderful! It will go anywhere in bad weather. Have had to make some major repairs that I did not believe would be needed on a Volvo.
