1996 Volvo 850 Consumer Reviews

Great Car!!

Vehicle

1996 Volvo 850 Platinum Limited Edition Turbo 4dr Sedan

Review

I bought this car about 2 months ago. It had about 144,500 miles on it when I got it. I just hit 150,000 today! I have to say the one downfall of this vehicle is the gas mileage I average 26mpgs. I willl say in the short time that I have owned this car I have been pleased, I commute about 1.5 hours to and from school so its holding up to about 150 miles a day, which is very good for a car of its age. The interior is very comfortable, and very well designed, my driver seat heater quit working, that is the only downfall I have seen on the inside. The car also handles very well in the rain, I hate to say it but I almost enjoy driving in the rain now!! When this one dies I WILL have another one!
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Amazing Friend over the years...

Vehicle

1996 Volvo 850 Turbo 4dr Sedan

Review

I am the original owner of my 1996 850 Turbo Sedan. The odometer stopped about 3 or 4 years ago at 194,000 and we guess it has about 250,000 miles on it. I haven't had to do much to the engine over the years--or anything else for that matter. It does leak oil now, but after so many years I can afford a little oil now and then to keep the girl happy. Would love to buy another one when she finally quits. Not sure when that will be....it will be a sad day for sure!
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the ultimate sleeper

Vehicle

1996 Volvo 850 Turbo 4dr Sedan

Review

I bought mine from a coworker 2 years ago with 137000 miles on it..after tune up, replacing oil trap and new set of tires, now i own extremely reliable and fun car to drive..never gave me any problems, and i run 13 pounds of boost all day long via mbc..very fast..
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a truly great car and hard worker

Vehicle

1996 Volvo 850 GLT 4dr Sedan

Review

i bought my volvo from a friend of mine.. he had neglected to car somewhat,so i had to do a few maintenance things. this car is easy to work on,parts for the most part are inexpensive. although there are a few things i wouldn't fix myself. over cheap to up keep.. fun as hell to drive.,flip it into sport mode and away you..,it's fast,.,responsive,over engineered.the only complaint would be gas mileage in the city.,but still not awful.. just could be better.. i love my volvo.
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What a sleeper

Vehicle

1996 Volvo 850 R Turbo 4dr Wagon

Review

We have a 850R wagon with automatic. When I put my 850 in sport mode, the computer lets the engine rev and the turbo give more boost. I don't want to admit it, but this little red wagon will beat my 2003 Porsche Boxster. The turbo power keeps pushing and the engine is a tiny 2.3l inline 5. I laugh as I pull away from cars - those Mustang GT's don't have great takeoff. The suede/leather seats are very comfortable and the heat is nice. Of course the safety aspect is tops for Volvo. Handling is good. Brakes are solid. Reliability is good for a European car. We've had the odo, radiator, ash tray, mass airflow sensor go out. The rear view mirror shook loose and was put back on.
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Not A Good Idea

Vehicle

1996 Volvo 850 GLT 4dr Wagon

Review

People like to say Ford screwed up Volvo, but the 850 was made long before Ford took over and it's a dog. Constant front alignment problems, tire wear, abs problems, shifter wouldn't move, glove box decided not to open. I got rid of the car when the seat belt wouldn't pull away from the door post- wanted $650 to fix it. Never left me stranded, but the smallest repair job cost a fortune. I thought I'd have it a lot longer than 130k miles.
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Impressively quick

Vehicle

1996 Volvo 850 R Turbo 4dr Wagon

Review

Our Volvo 850R wagon was suppose to be a Home Depot weekend hauler and occasional camping car. Then I discovered the economy/power button! Wow! This car really moves. The economy mode allows the transmission to shift at lower rpms and less boost. The power mode lets this wonderful little engine roar! Turbo boost up, rpms up - right in the power band! If the numbers are correct, this car will beat my Boxster. After feeling the boost, I believe it will walk away from my Boxster up to 80mph. The seats are also very comfortable, the car has nice features and it sure is fun to drive. The suspension is okay at best. Overall a very impressive little box.
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Thank you Volvo

Vehicle

1996 Volvo 850 Turbo 4dr Sedan

Review

Thank you for being the only forced induction that uses reg-87 gas and i still cannot believe it. The car runs and drives great, V-8 power and 4-cyl. gas sipping i cannot lose and do not forget the great volvo safety just incase things get out of hand. buy one now and thank me later
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Solid fun brick, expensive repairs

Vehicle

1996 Volvo 850 Turbo 4dr Wagon

Review

Bought mine used at 170000 miles, now has 230000. Right around 200000, had to replace starter, fuel pump, and the odo. went out. Have not replaced odo. Have computer, overall 30 mpg, probably 26 city, 35+ hwy. I drive it slow, 55 mph on hwy. Just replaced head gasket, $1250 at ind.gar Volvos are super safe (built in roll bar in roof), built to last, superior handling, even for the wagons. I believe that the non-turbo engines are peppier than the turbos (when not in boost range). Parts are very expensive - the starter as a rebuilt was $200, not incl. labor. Found a used one for $30 and did it myself. Could have done the fuel pump myself, and saved $400 on labor (part was $200).
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DER PANZER WAGEN

Vehicle

1996 Volvo 850 GLT 4dr Sedan

Review

With this economy I went from a 05 Jag XJ8L (repoed) to a bicycle to this car. I bought this car 3 months ago. I gotta say, I don't miss the jag that much! This tank could use some more power and my friend says it drives like a golf cart but I dig it. Ran into the heaviest rain I've ever seen in Jacksonville and handled like a dream. Made a couple of 7 hour trips to Charleston from Florida and it was great. City driving is good too, although it is really loud. The odometer is broken ($300 to fix)but the dealership can still get the mileage from the computer. All and all I'm really pleased with this ride and I'm going to be driving it for a long time or at least till the economy comes back!
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