1997 Volvo 850 review from North America

Electronic Control Module ($600)

Brakes ($300)

Air Conditioning ($200)

Seat Heater recall (free, but doesn't work as well, not as much heat and and lower temps only)

Also: Lots of other major/routine work (over $4,000 worth in last 6 months of ownership.

I can go on forever. Volvo's traditional standard of durability is being tarnished although with a slight increase in creature comforts from the old Swedish tractors. If the 97 and 96's are the best recent models built, I would hate to see what all the others are like. Dealers seem to be enjoying enormous success however, and I suspect it due to the high quanity of increased maintenance business which is also a rediculously high cost product.

I think Volvo's are A real lemons now, or at least mine is, and I don't here positive things from others too. These I think will go the way of Saab in depreciation once the maintenace is better known by the public. I regret not buying a low end Mercedes-Benz or good American car. This car is way too expensive to maintain and way too harsh a ride for a luxury car. The engine also sounds like a sewing machine. It annoyingly switches gears so often the transmission oil burns very quickly requiring frequent changes. It dental sterile quiet except for the numerous buzzes and rattles over the slightest road irregularity which is always.

I believe it is wise to Stay away from Volvo like the plague, it's junk. I'd recommend buying an American car for American roads. It's different so it may be enjoyed as a cult car, if you don't take the downsides of practicalness bother you.