1995 Volvo 850 Review

Good workhorse, I will miss her!

Written by: oaklandgirl on 09/27/2009

Vehicle

1995 Volvo 850 4 Dr STD Turbo Wagon

Review

We purchased this car new, after our first child was born. I've loved driving this car with many children in the back (including the rear-facing seat), feeling safe and protected. The car always felt heavy, "mushed out" on tight curves, but that's the price I've was willing to pay for safety and comfort. The car has been very expensive to maintain: because we live on a hill, the car (which is heavy) requires new tires every two years, seat belt failures, light bulb failures, heating system failures -- all very expensive! The odometer stopped working a few years ago, and we just "blew" a valve (common for Turbos I'm told). I, unfortunately, will not buy a Volvo again because of this.

Favorite Features

Safety, practicality, cargo room and, yes, looks! It never left me stranded.

Suggested Improvements

The window & side-view mirror controls should be moved from the center console! Electrical system needs an overhaul. The dash should be built in such a way that getting behind it to replace a light bulb shouldn't cost $800 in labor!

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Great car for the money

Written by: David on 07/17/2009

Vehicle

1995 Volvo 850 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

Bought this car as second owner for my mom who was 74. Had two minor little problems but has been a real gem. Just keep ahead of the maintenance.

Favorite Features

Interior trim and design. And also the way the car is put together, makes it easy to work on.

Suggested Improvements

Make it a little heavier.

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safe, reliable, and fun, but pricy

Written by: Andrew on 05/04/2009

Vehicle

1995 Volvo 850 4 Dr STD Turbo Sedan

Review

I bought this car used three years ago and thoroughly love driving it... until I have to pay for the service bill. The car is not too fast off the line and there is noticeable turbo lag on acceleration, but it has serious high-end power. Going 40-90mph...er it is fast. It also handles wonderfully in the snow and rain. I live in Michigan and it cruises right past all of those massive 4wd SUVs in the ditch. Even as aggressively as I drive, highway gas mileage is 30-32. (20-22 in the city). Maintenance is fairly simple, but parts are a little on the pricy side. I've had to do only standard stuff (brakes, shocks, wipers, etc.) and it costs 10% more than the same work on a more common car.

Favorite Features

I love that it has 180,000+ miles and it can still roll. Rock-solid construction shows no rust and feels safe.

Suggested Improvements

Parts are pricier than a ford/gm/toyota. Ride is stiff - more sporty than luxury. Lastly, it sits quite low to the ground- my father has trouble getting in/out after a hip surgery. as others have said, cupholder sizes and placements are poor.

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Pretty Good Car

Written by: Delton Adams Jr. on 04/26/2009

Vehicle

1995 Volvo 850 4 Dr STD Turbo Sedan

Review

This car is pretty decent. It is incredibly fun to drive on the highway because of the turbo engine. It has an enormous trunk which is a bonus. However, when i purchased it in November of 2008, I had to replace the odometer, engine mount, battery, front sway bar link arms, and strut mounts. Overall this is a good (not great) car for someone who would like to drive a pretty reliable carfor under $4,000.00

Favorite Features

Moonroof, Turbo engine, Leather seats, Power everything, Great trunk space, Boxed design

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel economy (19-21mpg), Cup holders, Stereo system, Odometer,Dashboard quality, Does not handle quick bursts without shifting slightly

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Best car i have ever owned

Written by: Volvo420 on 04/02/2009

Vehicle

1995 Volvo 850 4 Dr STD Turbo Sedan

Review

This is the best car I have ever owned it handles great the turbo leaves everyone on freeway not a good dragster tho. Very expensive to repair. 1100$ to rebuild turbo but soooo worth it, no Honda or Mitsubishi or most BMWs can catch me on the highway but

Favorite Features

TURBO and ummmm the TURBO safety features are good too ..

Suggested Improvements

Cup holder stinks better placement of window and mirror controls, under cup holder = sticky short out

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