1996 Volvo 850 Reviews from North America

Washer pump motor was not working.

Driver and rear passenger door locks broke.

Interior trim slowly warping.

ABS module needed replaced.

Exterior trim faded.

Trunk struts failed.

Cup holders are horrible.

I purchased this car as a beater for daily driving to work. For 1700 bucks I got a straight and narrow, solid running vehicle with decent gas mileage. The ride is comfortable and it handles quite well. All the issues (minus the ABS) are quick, easy, and inexpensive fixes.

I replaced the spark plugs, oil & filter, and the fuel filter as a start. A tranny filter and fluid change are on the horizon.

I'm looking forward to doubling the miles on this car.

Timing belt - Replaced for 2nd time at 160,000 miles (1st owner replaced at 77,000).

Tires every year - Blew about 4 tires in the first 3 years owned.

Brakes every year - have never replaced the rotors.

Heater blower had to be replaced at about 140,000 miles.

Sway bar (right side) just replaced at 190,000 miles.

Overall, an extremely reliable car... has never left me stranded.

Some parts are a little pricey for repair, but labor is usually what is expensive, because not many places really work on foreign cars in my area.

Engine still fires right up, and still runs fairly smooth - is starting to eat oil, which can be expected of an older car.

Car has taken a beating over the 7 years I have owned it, but it's still truckin'... would recommend to anyone.

Bought the car well used and with questionable maintenance.

Upon purchase I had to:

- Replace the park brake cables and shoes.

- Repair rust (fenders, front doors and liftgate).

- Replace window switch.

- Four new summer tires.

- Replace timing belt.

This is my second Volvo (I previously drove an '86 740 GLE, auto, non-turbo) and in both cases find the acceleration is better than the HP and torque numbers would have you believe.

The handling is great, and the ride is comfortable. Amazing how much of my family's things will fit into it.

Wish Volvo never stopped building the "box" styling, however these are great cars and I will keep driving them.

I've had to get the oxygen sensor changed twice (first time mechanic installed a faulty sensor).

Brakes need to be replaced more often than other cars, probably since it is a little heavier.

Fuel pump needed a replacement, along with fuel filter, at 170k.

Handbrake cable needs a tightening every 30k or so.

My Volvo has an Eibach suspension upgrade, which lowered the front by 1.3 inches and the rear 1.1; it handles better than my old BMW 328i.

Great throttle and brake response, with plenty of room to gently accelerate/brake in the pedals.

Sound system is great.

Great for long highway rides, not the quietest, but will get you to your destination in a smooth ride.

The different driving modes (winter/economy/sport) certainly make the car respond to the driving conditions.

Fantastic winter car. The heavy build along with great handling certainly gets you through those heavy Canadian snow storms.

Not much. Only little things. Wiper arm needed to be replaced and upper engine mount. Very DIY stuff.

Let's get one thing out of the way. This is a 15 year old car now. Do not buy this car if you have no idea how to work on a car. You will pay the price at the dealer. Not sure why? Parts are cheap and are very easy to work on.

Much better then any Japanese car I've had in the past. Don't be fooled by what people say. This is a very well made car. On par with BMW and Benz of the same year.

The car is fun to drive if you want to be under cover. No one will look at you. The cops don't see you. Or the chicks. LOL. What you get is a sleeper from the pits of hell! With less than a 1000 bucks, it can run with any sports car made. No lie. The 850 is great for road trips with some of the best seats ever put in a car. Can pack almost anything you want in the back, and the car never feels over worked.