Used 1997 Volvo 850 Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used 850 for sale
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.
The Green Hornet
medorin , 03/10/2003
1997 Volvo 850 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was surprised by its performance when I first drove it. Very responsive in traffic, quick and easy to maneuver. I like the turning radius. It has a somewhat odd layout on the dash but I quickly got used to it. Traveled through the California desert and into the Sierras with the outside temp of about 100F, five people in the car and no problem. Never slowed down when climbing.
Solid
Delreybird, 03/14/2002
1997 Volvo 850 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've put more than 62,000 miles on this car since buying it slightly used (with about 12,500 miles on it)in 1998. It's been very reliable, requiring no major repairs so far. It runs smoothly and gets good mileage on long road trips with cruise control activated. No turbo, so acceleration is leisurely, unless you remember to put the auto transmission into "sport" mode.
1997 Volvo 850 for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- Base SedanMSRP: $8,9952,430 mi away
Fantastic Car
ralphie, 04/17/2003
1997 Volvo 850 GLT Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the finest automobile I have ever owned, I have had Cadillac's, Lexus's, Mercedes Benz's, other Volvo's, but I have never had any to equal this one. The only thing that was any problem was that I had to check the book to see what some of the dashboard controls were.
This one's a keeper
socaldriver, 04/21/2002
1997 Volvo 850 GLT Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '97 850GLT sedan new, and have put on 98,000 miles in 5 yrs. The worst problems so far have been related to the on board computer. You need a Volvo dealer to diagnose any problems when the "check engine" lamp goes on because most local mechanics won't spend the money on the diagnostic equipment needed. Idiot lights aside, I have seen way fewer problems with this car than some other more expensive sedans out there. Plus I've seen a lots of real old Volvos still on the road. There is a entire subculture involved in restoring and modifying Volvo's...and they start with cars that have 100K + miles because it's such a solid car to begin with.
The Honeymoon is Over
Mike M., 09/11/2002
1997 Volvo 850 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Performance is good. Problems: You need the AC most of the year. The trunk is too small, poor interior storage, lane changes are very hazardous (HUGE 'B'pillar). Biggest problem -- repairs. You need an extended warranty. Already had about thirty repairs. Many trouble areas -- toy-like plastic parts, air conditioning , exterior trim, ABS, brake rotors, tappets, spark plug wires short-out after mild water spray under the hood, rear gas shocks, engine mounts, and others. Good early reliability, but this car is aging very rapidly.