Used 1997 Volvo 850 GLT Turbo 4dr Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Great drive; nightmare A/C
Cat, 10/02/2010
Volvo 850 GLT Turbo 4dr Wagon
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Got a great deal on this used car -- below Blue Book -- and it has definitely been worth the money. Has always driven great for me; very comfortable (long as you're sitting in the front seat); great power. But I have spent far too much in recent years on what apparently is an unfixable freon leak; a black car w/o AC is unendurable in Florida summers, & the problem is getting worse. Other problems piling up now: elusive, stubborn oil leak has also cost money for several years, hinge on front passenger door broke; cupholder broke, sunroof broke; outside trim coming off; electrical short stops dash lights/turning signal from working. Odometer broke last year at 123K; time to trade this one in.
Most unreliable car we have owned
cvstan, 08/03/2002
Volvo 850 GLT Turbo 4dr Wagon
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
This car is a big disappointment. Dealer had good reputation and all signs pointed to a good ownership experience. Wrong! Stuck on the side of the raod twice. Alternator failed. Transmission computer failed. Air pump failed. Brakes squeal!!! Battery failed without warning. AC failed at least twice. Somehow refrigerant got out of the AC system without there being a leak. Right. Dealer service is expensive etc. etc. BMWs have been much more reliable. Old Volvos deserve their good reputation; this one does not.
Lots of trouble
Walrus, 10/11/2002
Volvo 850 GLT Turbo 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The quality of this vehicle has been extraordinarly low. Lightbulbs go out constantly. The headlight switch went at 18,000 miles. The exterior side trim on both sides has become loose and munched by door opening three times now. The tensioner on the main engine belt has been a major problem - during wet weather, the alternator spins down and we lose power steering! We bought this car for it's reputation of being safe and reliable - it has been a nightmare. We'll never buy another volvo.
Problems big & small
Iyengar Yogi, 03/27/2002
Volvo 850 GLT Turbo 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is overall a great car in that it has lots of room. It is quite comfortable & the heating & AC work quickly & very well. I have had several small problems such as the heated seat & rear washer motor. But I took it in for an oil leak & it turned out to be a rear main seal. That was disappionting enough, but it turns out the differential part of the auto trans is failing & it now needs major transmission work. The car has only 64,000 miles on it so I am wondering if I have a lemon. I would expect any car but in particular a Volvo that is supposed to be reliable not to have this kind of issues with this many miles.