1995 Volvo 850 Turbo review from North America

I had to replace the ignition switch when it started shorting out the lights right after I bought it. Simple, inexpensive fix.

I get the "Check Engine" light when the weather is warm; probably a sensor.

I love this car. It's got performance, refinement, and safety all in one package.

You really can't beat Volvos for safety... this thing is a tank. It was one of the first cars to have side airbags, and the frame makes it practically unstoppable. Cars don't get much more solid than this.

It's surprisingly nimble and handles very well for a car as heavy as it is, and the turbocharged engine puts out good power, which has surprised a few Civic drivers who thought they'd try to beat my "brick" off the line. It gets decent mileage, to boot.

The 850 looks pretty nice... not stunning, but far from unattractive. The styling is conservative, but I wouldn't quite call it boring. It does hide the car's performance, though, as mentioned above. I've gotten a few impressed stares and "nice car" comments. The interior is roomy, comfortable, and well-designed, though it might take a few days to get used to the position of some of the controls after transitioning from a domestic car.

In a nutshell, this is a great car. I think the only real downside is that parts can be expensive because it's an import, but if you know where to look, you can get them for less than a dealer will charge. That said, this car is practical and fun to drive, and has some nice creature comforts you might expect to pay a lot more for. It's got power on tap when you want it, and even manages to turn a head or two. Not bad for a "brick."