1997 Volvo 850 Base from North America - Comments

Recall was issued on the heated seats. Had the recall done, and now the heated seats don't work. That's not progress...

Had a bit of a starting problem once, but the dealer fixed it up.

Struts are starting to squeak and the tires I have fitted (205/55/ZR16) rub on occasion.

Otherwise, it's unbelievably reliable!

I've heard from other 850 owners (with higher-end cars equipped with the sexy alloy wheels) that the rims are prone to bending.

I'm darned lucky to have done so well for my first vehicle. I bought this car in 1999 and it was two years old. I don't put a whole lot of miles on it, but when I do I enjoy it.

The engine is not powerful. If you want power, go for either the T5 model or the low pressure turbo 2.4 model 850's. 168 horsepower isn't all that much in a weighty tank such as this. However, it never feels "underpowered" and there are no problems merging. It holds speed on the highway well, and it's not too loud.

It's incredibly comfortable to drive. I'm 6'2" tall, and I fit quite well. My 850 is a base model, fitted with the winter package (heated seats, headlight washer jets, and a "winter mode" for the transmission which starts it in 3rd to reduce wheelspin). I have cloth seats, and they suit me just fine. The stereo isn't great, but it's got decent sound.

One of my favorite aspects is how strange the car is to drive. Because it's a five-cylinder, it has a unique "thrum" to it much like older Audi models.

I fitted the car with three-season performance tires, Bridgestone Potenza RE730 sized 205/55/ZR16 (the stock tires are 195/65/15) They have a lot of grip to them, but they degrade the ride quite a bit. Not that I care!

I think I'll be keeping my Volvo for a long time, unless I come across a good deal on a Mini Cooper- I'd really like one of those.

850= HIGHLY recommended model.

What’s the deal with the heated seats? I just had the recall done on mine and they don’t get near as warm! I am going to call the dealer on this…

I also run the 205/55/16 tires, they rub at full lock to the left, oh well…

My car has 140,000 miles on it (bought it with 40,000). I have replaced the usual Volvo items; A/C Compressor, ABS Control Module (rebuilt by Vic Rocha), fixed the floor defrost damper switch, put in a new antenna mast and replaced the alternator. Other than one dash light and an overhead counsel switch (both of which I will shortly be replace) the car is up to factory specs.

I love the car and would recommend it to anyone, repairs are high, but I’m lucky enough to work on it myself 75% of the time. The drive and comfort are worth it.

I am considering buying a 1996 Volvo 850 sedan. The only problem we have come across is that it needs a new tire and a new battery. The battery is the actual battery it started with it has Volvo written on it.

I am very excited to own this car. It has the sport button which actually works. It is also the 5-cylinder model. I would not be afraid to drive this car to Florida and back considering it takes about 22 hours to get there.

I stay in south africa and purchaced a Volvo 850 about two years ago and it had about 35000km on the clock and have never stood on the side of the road with it. Today it has 155000km on and still runs like it is new. a general problem with our agents are they are so out priced with service and parts that it forces one to purchase pirate ones if you can find them. my previos car was a german car "325i" and does not come close to the reliablity and comfort of a volvo.

I have a '97 850 I bought new for my wife. She loves it. It is the most comfortable car we have ever owned. It is an automatic with the winter package. My wife refuses to part with the heated leather seats.

At 103,000 miles the problems we have experienced until now have been the anti-lock brake ECU has gone out, brake squeal traced to an improper brake job the one time I let someone else work on it besides myself, the left rear radio speaker quit and the fuel door lock hung up intermittently.

Within the last week it has developed a serious sluggishness as if its dragging its feet, akin to pulling a trailer. It starts and runs fine. It doesn't seem to be an engine problem. I have checked and tested everything I can think of. I am now suspecting a dragging brake or a transmission problem. (Please. don't let it be tran$miles$$ion problem$!)

Anyone have any suggestions?

In reference to the sluggish acceleration: turbo difficulties or maybe ECU concerns?