Skip to main content

Used 1997 Volvo 850 Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
74 reviews
5...

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
3.38 out of 5 stars

transmission problems

dpmgb66, 11/11/2003
1997 Volvo 850 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I've owned two 240's since 1984. Bought this car Feb. 02 with 97,000 miles. I've put 3000 miles on it. Been in the shop twice already. First, the engine check light went on. Emmission control sensor neede replacing. Now, flashing orange arrow & engine check light on. Back to the shop. Mechanic tells me I need a new transmission at a cost of 3,200. I put over 225,000 mi. on my 240's with no problems. This 850 is the worst. I'll NEVER buy a Volvo again. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before I'm back in the shop again!

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

thank you ipd::::::GO DUCKS::::::

GTB, 08/21/2002
1997 Volvo 850 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

So far I've had to replace only the alternator (knock wood). Yes, they are expensive to repair. Several other mods have been made by choice. Sport Springs and 17' low profile tires have transformed this wgn into a sportscar in the twisties, I can only dream of the performance post upgraded anti-sway bars. K&N filter made moderate difference @ high rpm.

Report Abuse
3.5 out of 5 stars

Nearly 12 yrs old, and still pretty nice

Matt, 08/30/2008
1997 Volvo 850 GLT Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Nice car for casual driving. Turbo gives some oomph, but responds better to steady application of throttle than stomping on pedal. Decent torque at low RPM makes it adept at city driving - even in hills. Nice leather interior, except for odd control layout. Has held up well, over time. No major problems with rattles, except sometimes from sunroof. Handling is not great. In spite of repair shop insisting suspension components were in good shape, I found cornering far worse than newer, sporty European sedans (including newer Volvos). Interestingly, car isn't as heavy as you'd think. Bought in 2000 w/ 50k miles. Now, at 185k, still surprisingly nice. But then I stayed up-to-date on service!

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

My benchmark for future cars

Super-happy V-owner, 06/03/2002
1997 Volvo 850 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought a certified pre-owned with 35k miles on it. I have put absolutely $0 in this with the exception of the oil changes and schedlued services. In general, I think this is the best car for the money - blends performance, comfort, safety, and performance together into one sporty chassis. Even with the base 160 hp engine, the car moves pretty well. My kids love the ride, as do I!

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

bpower

bpower, 08/24/2002
1997 Volvo 850 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the 850 has been a reliable vehicle. The short steering radius has been a dependable feature. The vehicle is enjoyable to drive.

Report Abuse
5...
Items per page:
5