Used 1997 Volvo 850 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Avoid the Volvo 850!
jukymidy, 06/17/2002
1997 Volvo 850 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a family vehicle, upgrading from my Honda sports car. It has barely met expectation. While it consistently rates well on crash tests, every little thing breaks on this car and I BABY this vehicle. It has low mileage and I service it every 5K miles. In 4.5 years, virtually every part has failed and Volvo charges upwards of $1500 for every repair. That includes replacing the lightbulb that lights the dashboard (failed in first 6 months of ownership) and the wipers on the headlights (failed during first 3 years of ownership).
Best Value
george, 08/02/2010
1997 Volvo 850 T5 Turbo 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought it last year (second owner), and couldn't be happier. Very solid, powerful, reliable, and smooth. Very fun to drive. I feel very safe in it, and therefore feel comfortable with my kids driving it. I've had to replace the alternator, that's all, but I have 175,000 miles on it, so what do you expect? Despite the mileage, it still runs very smooth, I imagine as smooth as when it was new. I love driving this car! I would definitely consider another Volvo on my next purchase. The only other fix was the gas cap cover, it no longer locks, but it's very minor and have yet to fix it.
1997 Volvo 850 for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- Base SedanMSRP: $8,9951,381 mi away
Happy with the 850
Happy Owner, 02/17/2005
1997 Volvo 850 T5 Turbo 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 850 T5 has been great for five years now. MPG on the highway remains constant at about 30, (70 to 70 mph). Repairs to date: fuel pump at 175,000; timing belt tensioner at 221,000. Oil leaks are beginning to appear and the ABS waring light is starting to come on from time to time. I probably won't have these problems fixed....at 222,000 miles I can't justify spending more $$ on the car. (And yes, Volvo owners, I too have bought dozens of light bulbs for this Volvo over the years.) This was my third Volvo and I'm looking for my fourth one now. A great car oveall.
Love It but Hate Repair Costs
raleighvolvo, 07/11/2007
1997 Volvo 850 GLT Turbo 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new. This is the car of choice to drive for all members of my family. It is great on long trips and carries a ton of luggage. Good fuel economy. Comfortable and safe. I would love another just like it but with fewer expensive repair bills. The standard bill is around $700 and have had a couple of $1200 ones. The A/C bit me for $1200. Struts are a weakpoint in this car. Cooling system was a source of a lot of repairs. Still, even with 153k+ miles on it, I hate to give it up. Have to pick it up at repair shop with $1200 of brakes, struts, timing belt, etc, for this year's (I hope) maint.
Little Things that Kill?
Brian, 04/06/2005
1997 Volvo 850 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.