Used 1997 Volvo 850 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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.
Great Car!
abbyc85, 10/25/2004
1997 Volvo 850 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My family has had this car for 7 years now and it has had barely any problems! It has been so incredibly reliable. Even though volvos are more expensive to fix, this one I found had less problems to fix. The biggest problem we experienced was the bushings had be replaced, but that's what you get when you're a crazy teenage driver! I ran into so many freaking things and it is still as sturdy as a rock!
1997 Volvo 850 for sale near you
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- Base SedanMSRP: $8,9952,373 mi away
Superb ride, but watch out for repair$$
brickmeister, 12/03/2005
1997 Volvo 850 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
Will probably never be repeated
Old school Volvos, 05/08/2002
1997 Volvo 850 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Have had the BASE model 850 for 5 years and never had a problem other than Volvo's really bad batteries and the fact that I abuse the brakes cause they are so excellent. I take it in for brake pads more than I'd like but wow what a value this car turned out to be. Also one of the heated seats is broken but I don't really care (May fix later) The thing is that it'll never be repeated as after 1997 Volvo went Japanese. All of the old school Volvo stuff got replaced and the cars have lost all the Euro touches that are so great about it. I am sure the new Volvos are still good, but I certainly don't like them.
Never Again
Stopbeforeyoubuy, 06/29/2002
1997 Volvo 850 T5 Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought the 850-T5 with 42,000 mi, it now has 72,000. This car has been nothing but a problem since we bought it. Problems include: electrical system, A/C went out, broken seal for the headlight washers and engine replaced. Fortunately, we did purchase an extended warranty but we're suing the Warranty company for failure to settle the claim. I will never buy another one, I've also owned 2 BMW's (currently a '97 740I) and these have always been reliable. Note that I have maintained an impeccable service schedule. As a result there's no excuse for this car's lack of quaility and reliability. Volvo buyers should BEWARE.