Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  New Blue Volvo - 1996 Volvo 850
  By P Cars - November 4 - 5:56 am

  I work at a Volvo dealership and found these cars to have the best quality for purchase price ratio of any Volvo. I found this one through a private party and loved it the minute I saw it. It had numerous problems at first. ABS control unit, spring seats, torque mount, fluid conditions and leaks. After repairing these for cheap and flushing every possible fluid this car runs great and drives wonderfully. I find I just feel good driving in it. I never mind giving people rides or going on errands just to have the chance to drive it. The paint isnt the best but I still love the color. Unfortunately, the best mpg Ive seen is 22. The interior is laid out well and its easy to access all buttons.

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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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  Cant beat Volvo longevity - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Multi Volvo Owner - March 21 - 4:03 am

  Ive had my 850 GLT for almost 9 years. Its been a solid performer. Just do the scheduled maintenance and enjoy driving it. Reliable, solid, and dependable.

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  VOLVO - 1996 Volvo 850
  By flody - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had a love hate relationship with this vehicle. I love flooring it and wasteing other cars but I hate the constant brake/electrical problems.

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  Served us well and then some - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Chrissie - February 6 - 2:56 am

  When we bought our Volvo it was older, but with low mileage. The car has been very good to us. Weve done a few minor repairs ourselves, thanks in part to the great Volvo message boards. Weve had no major repairs which is saying something for a car that is now 12 years old. I feel safe and comfortable in my car. Fuel mileage is pretty good considering the size of the car.

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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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  Solid fun brick, expensive repairs - 1996 Volvo 850
  By ADub - January 14 - 3:10 pm

  Bought mine used at 170000 miles, now has 230000. Right around 200000, had to replace starter, fuel pump, and the odo. went out. Have not replaced odo. Have computer, overall 30 mpg, probably 26 city, 35+ hwy. I drive it slow, 55 mph on hwy. Just replaced head gasket, $1250 at ind.gar Volvos are super safe (built in roll bar in roof), built to last, superior handling, even for the wagons. I believe that the non-turbo engines are peppier than the turbos (when not in boost range). Parts are very expensive - the starter as a rebuilt was $200, not incl. labor. Found a used one for $30 and did it myself. Could have done the fuel pump myself, and saved $400 on labor (part was $200).