1994 Volvo 850 review from North America

The sedan seems to be worn much more. The leather seats are dried out and cracked (even after multiple coats of saddle soap), the engine is temperamental, and it seems to have been neglected in its early years (it was owned by an absent-minded doctor).

The sedan was purchased for $5000. Thus far, we have put about $2500 in repairs on it (new fuel pumps, fuel pump relay, PCV work, and in the shop right now for something engine related)...some 850 owners call this period "the terrible 120's", where several things will breakdown between 100-120k miles.

The wagon seems to be a very good vehicle. No problems at all since I got it... almost like my 940! Just drop in oil and go!

I own two 1994 850's.

#1 is a sedan purchased with 104,000 miles on it in Feb. 2006. It currently has 117,500 miles on it.

#2 is a wagon purchased with 105,000 miles on it in Mar 2007. It currently has 108,000 miles.

Even though these vehicles are the same year, same powertrain (non-turbo automatic), the cars seem to have two totally different personalities.

The 850's are made for traveling. They get good gas mileage (around 30 mpg highway), the seats are very comfortable, and while some detest the flat interior, I find it to be very attractive on the car. AC works very well, heat works TOO well for the south, and all electronics work fine.

I buy Volvos, however, for safety. I owned a 940 (because it was a good price) and it indeed saved my life. A tractor-trailer smacked into me and I hit an embankment going 70 mph. I came out with coffee on my khakis and nothing else. While they may be troublesome (esp. the 5 cylinder white block engines) Volvos are very nice, very attractive, and very safe cars.