Faults:

Clearcoat has disintegrated in spots, namely on top edge of rear fenders and trunk-lid. The red finish is otherwise impeccable.

Somehow, the previous owner managed to break the console arm rest and, mirrors in sun visors. Salvage yard replacements work fine.

Bumper rub strips have gone gray with age, yet cleaning agents have restored them to original black.

General Comments:

Interior is well packaged and beautifully trimmed. Leather is soft and of high quality, while plastic switches, and the like, feel and function like a million bucks.

Tight suspension allows for fantastic handling for a sedan, yet produces a rough ride over all, but the most perfect surfaces.

All options work, including original sunroof and trunk mounted CD changer.

Winter traction is better than in any car I can remember.

The car is quick, and the transmission is the best automatic I have ever encountered in a Volvo.

Faults:

There was a slight knocking noise from the front suspension that turned out to be the front anti roll bar bushes. Did not affect the handling, but just an annoying rattling noise. Dead easy to replace on the driveway though talking a couple of hours.

Also the Battery failed during the cold weather, but can't really blame Volvo for that as it was a non genuine item.

General Comments:

I think it's a nice looking car, even if some people think it's a bit square and boxy.

Getting used to it now and love it.Quick, smooth and comfortable great to drive and feels really solid. If the worst did happen I would be glad I was inside the 850,it feels really safe. DIY maintenance seems OK so far and the manuals provided with the car are well detailed.

Faults:

Battery problems, though the fault was with a cheap Kwik-Fit battery; in other words I don't really blame the car.

One of the rear brakes jammed requiring a new caliper. Volvo agreed to pay half the cost.

The gas struts on the boot lid failed.

Other than that there was just routine stuff, so the car was pretty reliable.

General Comments:

This was, and is, my first Volvo. Before I test drove one I didn't think much of them, but compared to the BMW I had previously the 850 was very nice and very comfortable indeed. When I first got the car it was aged three with average mileage and it felt just like new. Today it is slightly over 10 and it still doesn't really feel or look much different. The leather seats are great, specially with children, and the built-in booster seat has been in daily use for all that time. The odd thing about this car was that ergonomically it felt right from the word go. Everything is where you expect it to be, and for the most part it just continues to work. Dealer service costs are high, but I get peace of mind. It is incredibly relaxing to drive on long journeys, and the amount of space helps to keep the family happy.

The engine can be a bit rough when pushed hard, but in general the 2.5 20v gives the car a reasonable turn of speed.

Faults:

I bought my 1993 Volvo 850 in 1995 with 30K miles on it. It now has 165K miles on it.

At around 80K the transmission was leaking fluid somehow. The Volvo dealer determined that the transmission housing casting was porous and the fluid was just bleeding through the walls. They got a new one, installed it, and it leaked during the test drive. The third one has been fine.

The rear main seal started leaking at 130K and $1K later it is repaired.

This car was my primary commuting vehicle with no passengers. The driver seat wore completely through at the bolsters. The rarely sat upon passenger seats ripped at the seams. I got some nice seats out of a 1995 850 and installed them four months ago.

The radiator cracked last year and had to be replaced.

The lights in the rocker switches on the dash went out. For 1993 and 1994 those little bulbs were soldered into the switches, so you need to buy new switches- $30-$60 each.

General Comments:

Contrast this to my 1992 740 wagon with 265k miles with one valve job and no other work other than regular maintenance. Everything is far better in the 92 than in the 93.

This car has the same style drive train as the new XC-90. I won't be buying one of those.

I would not recommend any 850 or any of the newer (cheaper manufactured) Volvos.

I traded in my restored 1969 2002 BMW as down payment for this 850. The 2002 was a better car.