1995 Volvo 850 Turbo review from North America
"A family sedan delivering sporty performance and handling that's expensive to fix"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Air conditioning repaired at 77,000 Kilometers (under warranty)
Transmission replaced at 95,000 Kilometers.
Replaced front rotors and calipers at 140,000 kilometers. Breaks went quickly with little warning.
Replaced oygen sensors twice and may need to do it again and engine sensor light stays on.
Ignition key unit broke at 160,000 kilometers and I must keep the key in the ignition at all times as it is too costly to repair.
Air conditioning failed at 165,000 kilometers.
Coolant leak under overflow tank which is annoying and no one seems to be able to fix.
General comments?
I've had a love/hate relationship with this car. Loved it when I bought it, but grew to hate the costs of repair when car went out of warranty.
Very expensive to repair.
The seats are outstanding and car is very comfortable and faily quiet to drive. It has a very solid feel to it.
Handling is very good (especially with good performance tires).
The engine is outstanding delivering good performance and reasonably good gas mileage considering the size and weight of the car.
Very quick although there is more of a noticeable turbo lag as the car gets older. This may be corrected if I replace the oxygen sensors which I can't afford to do right now.
The switches which control the windows and mirrors are located under the cup holders and will work intermittently when liquid is spilled on them. Once they dry out everything seems to work normally.
All the back seats can be folded down which allow long items to be stored in the trunk. This has been very useful on a number of occasions.
Replacement of all light bulbs is very easy.
Overall, even give the problems I've had this car is provides an enjoyable driving experience knowing the performance and handling is there if you need it.
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| It would be hard to not see this car as one of the best overall |
| 1995 - 850 Turbo 2.2L turbo inline 5 cylinder One of the best cars ever made |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 32000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 175000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chrysler Voyager |
| Date of Entry | 3rd July, 2004 |