1997 Volvo 850 Consumer Reviews

Fun wagon.

Written by: Nick on 05/02/2007

Vehicle

1997 Volvo 850 4 Dr T-5 Turbo Wagon

Review

I purchased the 1997 Volvo 850 T5 for a winter car and daily driver. It has done a great job for both. Very peppy and it hasn't asked for much back. Problems that I have had. 1. required a new pcv system ~ $200 2. rear hatch inner panel sags, even after new clips and repair kit ~$30. 3. left front wheel bearing went out ~$100. 4. rear license plate bracket ~$20. Otherwise this is a great car and has not given me any troubles.

Favorite Features

Very quick, comfortable, versatile, safe, and great in all conditions.

Suggested Improvements

The car likes to squeak and rattle over the horrible roads in Michigan. On decent roads it rides perfect for a ten year old car with 150,000 miles.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Nice family car

Written by: Crossbol on 04/02/2007

Vehicle

1997 Volvo 850 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

This was my mother-in-law's car before she decided to give it to us as our wedding present. I spent some time fixing it and doing maintenance on it before we got it (she never did much to it, just drive it). After we got it, not many things went bad. Just regular things like CV boots ($55 for the entire axle), lower ball joint boots (still did not replace them), ABS module ($100 to rebuild it), alternator ($90 or so), odometer ($8 for the gear). I know that the evaporator core for A/C will go bad at some point, it is really common. The main thing is that I feel really good about my wife driving it with the kids, I know they are safe in it. Make it cheap, find parts online, you will save money.

Favorite Features

Safety, good looking exterior, comfortable inside, fun to drive. Because of being an older model, It is possible to find cheaper parts for it, rebuild the old parts, etc.

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage, design of their parts (like the ABS, evaporator core, etc).

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Good older used car

Written by: Doug on 02/09/2007

Vehicle

1997 Volvo 850 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

Bought used with 100,000 miles. Things to watch for that we learned; The battery had been replaced because the car had been sitting for 6 months. This cleared the OBD-II. Have the seller get the emissions!!! You have to go through a crazy "drive cycle" to get the OBD out of a "Not Ready" with emissions folks. Beware of rear transfer seal going out around 100,000 as well. Evident by oil drips or oil on bottom back of engine. $800 repair!!! Great driving car though. Bought for safety features.

Favorite Features

Safety features. Drives great.

Suggested Improvements

Just be aware of disconnecting battery and subsequent problems with that. Door hinge mounts break loose (noted by a loud popping noise) and is a very expensive repair.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Will always own a VOLVO!

Written by: jyoung on 06/20/2006

Vehicle

1997 Volvo 850 4 Dr T-5 Turbo Sedan

Review

I love this car, Volvo 850 turbo! I am in the process of replacing it with a newer volvo S80. However, I wish the new ones had the old shape. I like seeing a vehicle and knowing instantly what it is. They all look alike now, it is ashame. Back to why I love volvo cars, I feel so safe in this car. It is a heavy car, never hydroplaned in this car, which means a ton to me. The air conditioning is wonderful. My car is cold, on even the hottest days, very quickly. It has great pick up, too.

Favorite Features

air conditioning outer appearance

Suggested Improvements

Love the old shape vs. the newer shape All cars look alike now!

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Fast Car

Written by: Peter on 03/12/2006

Vehicle

1997 Volvo 850 4 Dr R Turbo Sedan

Review

This car is just a rreal pleasure to drive, I will keep this for a long time. Comfort, speed and reliable, My wife just loves leaving people behind off the red light. go figure.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Happiness is volvo

Written by: SIRO on 01/27/2006

Vehicle

1997 Volvo 850 4 Dr R Turbo Wagon

Review

Ive owned 2 850 sedans and this is my first turbo wagon. It's been nothing but fun to drive.

Favorite Features

Heated seats and power from a stop

Suggested Improvements

Turbo inlet has some seepage but is easy to reseal.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Superb ride, but watch out for repair$$

Written by: brickmeister on 12/02/2005

Vehicle

1997 Volvo 850 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

Recently wrecked it with 121k. Survived without a scratch, airbags never deployed. Safety is #1; integrated roll bar, side impact air bags. Performance wise, 5 cylinder can smoke any non-Volvo 6 cyl. turbo. Hard to believe they make this with a turbo. It has a supple ride, even on bad roads.I once took it thru an S curve at 50 mph, and just noticed a barely perceptible body lean. Yokahama tires are recommended! great in snow. Now the problems I had:AC evaporator went out around 100k,rear main seal leaked at 105k, Antilock breaks and traction control went out around 80k (still brakes like a car without ABS). Repairs are expensive, but the eng. and trans. flawless. I will buy another!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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my 850r racer

Written by: erk1983 on 11/21/2005

Vehicle

1997 Volvo 850 4 Dr R Turbo Sedan

Review

i bought this car after a long line of subaru sport sedans and was really not sure what to expect.. well i was blown away at the power and the handling... this car's performance is an unparalleled experience.. great drive

Favorite Features

gotta love that turbo.. the wheels are a great look for this turbo brick!!!!

Suggested Improvements

definately needs a 5 or 6 speed!! sucks down the fuel like a v8...other than that nothing to complain about....

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love the car, wish it was more reliable

Written by: roxydog on 04/15/2005

Vehicle

1997 Volvo 850 4 Dr GLT Turbo Sedan

Review

Bought with 60K miles almost 3 years ago as a replacement for another 850 totaled in a very bad, single car accident (flipped after hitting a tree) where I walked away without even a bruise (no one else in the car with me). Now just over 172K. Average 25-28 mpg in mixed driving (75% hwy).I would absolutely buy another Volvo but for the maintenance. I have not had some of the most common problems (rear main seal oil leak, AC cond, ABS/TRACS unit), I have had plenty of problems that cost too much: rotors, O2 sensors, tie rods, ball joints, air pump...will probably replace w/ Accord, even though the Volvo is just a lot of fun (when its working). see brickboard.com for common problems/solutions.

Favorite Features

SAFETY, fuel economy, possibly the most comfortable seats found in an auto, just enough oomph to be fun

Suggested Improvements

Overall RELIABILITY - too late as 1997 was last model year and the S70 (which was just an updated 850) was replaced by S60 (totally new car).

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Little Things that Kill?

Written by: Brian on 04/06/2005

Vehicle

1997 Volvo 850 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

2 years ago this July, I traded this car, a '97 850 with 82K, for a no hassle '98 F150, as we added another child to the nest. I have to say, overall, I love the car. I wish it had a sunroof and the sporty rims, that's it. I love the base acceleration and sport mode, and the handling. What I don't like is the little things that have now added up to almost $3K, 2 yrs later with 104K. Yes, this car was exposed to salt air for 2 years, we towed a small 15ft boat under 2K pounds, and yes we commute to and drive in Philadelphia. I now have a sluggish trans, torque mount, struts and strut bushing probs, possibly shocks, had brake problems, re- occuring belt problems, axle boots$, and electrical.

Favorite Features

I love the car, styling, heat and heated seats, performance, trans, handling, and the great sound system.

Suggested Improvements

More reliable, like the old volvos of before(240,740, etc), new cupholders, new cruise control-controls, HD electrical system and thicker brake pads. Can Anyone shed light on me for this review? My alternative is a used Toyota Avalon, but I'd truly like to keep this car. ??

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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