1993 Volvo 850 GLT review from North America

- Plastic radiator cracked right after buying the car.

- Alternator went out.

- Coolant overflow tank cracked and rotted from age.

- Needed two new rear calipers after they seized up.

- Seat back cable was built too short, so now the back part of the seat will only go back and not back up.

- Front rotors wore thin and needed to be replaced.

- Battery exploded while attempting to start on a hot day.

- Trunk supports had to be replaced.

This car is my first car. It gave me all the above problems. Even though it looks like a lot, and I may have forgot some things.

This car is very well made, and it's worth fixing to keep it going. It's such an amazingly well built car. I remember saying when I got it "those swedes didn't overlook any detail".

The ride is nice, it can out handle most of my friends cars through turns, and it's pretty quick. Shifting from 2nd gear to third it gets sluggish, but overall I am happy with this car, even at 200,000 miles. I'm even consider buying the more powerful 850 R series Volvo.

Parts are not ungodly high, but higher than American or import cars example: Radiator was $175.

The inside is comfortable even on long trips. The seats hold you in turns, and the leather is strong and wear is present, but isn't deteriorating quickly.

This car has powerful brakes. It actually has the shortest stopping distance out of all Volvo's produced in 1993. If you are interested in after market parts, they can be found, but buying a turbo has many more options.