1993 Volvo 850 GLE review from Australia and New Zealand
"A good car, nice to drive, but a clearly not as "Volvo" as earlier Volvos"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
A/C evaporator went just after purchase. - $AU1700 repair.
Front suspension brushes - cheap repair, but lasted about 10,000km before making knocking sound again.
Front wheel bearings - making loud humming noise at speed.
Belt tensioner - engine making squealing noises before this was replaced.
Otherwise just routine maintenance.
General comments?
This car is an insult to all the principles and and benefits established by earlier Volvos - 240s, 740s etc.
The 850 has more problems, does not feel as durable and is not as good quality.
It is a real shame that Volvo abandoned what it did best (quality, reliability, durability) to chase the "trendy" market.
This is my thrid Volvo, but I'd have serious reservations as to buying another post-850 Volvo unless I see concrete evidence that the quality has improved to at least pre-850 standards.
Recommended reviews
| A car that is unfortunately not worth its maintenance costs |
|
| A disappointing letdown not worthy of Volvo |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1993 |
| Year of manufacture | 1993 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 10 Valve Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 170000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 202000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volvo 240 |
| Date of Entry | 3rd April, 2006 |