1994 Volvo 850 Turbo 2.3

Summary:

Drives well but extremely expensive

Faults:

Suspension, transmission (replaced two of them), replaced at least 3 set of tires due to suspension problems, replaced all front end suspension parts, replaced rotors, starter, radiator, fuel pump, camshaft position sensor, etc.

General Comments:

This car has been a hole in the pocket.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th September, 2004

25th Sep 2005, 07:20

The 850 Turbo wasn't introduced until 1994.

11th Nov 2007, 02:48

It was only re badged as T5 in Europe. In America was 850 Turbo till the end of production.

1st Feb 2008, 15:20

OK fair enough you are correct about the rename in europe only. I live in Northern Ireland. But here is another little bit of info which you may or may not find useful; the 850 was introduced almost a year earlier to europe than america which may answer why you cannot get a '93 turbo in the states.

3rd Feb 2008, 05:43

You can't get 93' turbo in EU either. Turbo was available in 94'.

1994 Volvo 850 GLT

Summary:

Mechanics dream - owners nightmare

Faults:

Before purchasing this car from a used car dealer, we brought it to a mechanic for a check-out. He indicated no major problems.

After purchasing it, we brought it to a Volvo shop for a tune-up, changing the timing belt (as it was due). -> ~$1000.

A couple of months later, we spent another $800 on the heater core - as it went out - thus flooding the interior of the car.

Just recently, we had to replace the transmission with a new one (this is a notorious problem with this year and model Volvo as it was the first year they came-out with this configuration - front wheel drive - on this model.

We've become to know the Volvo dealer all too well. Sian-ara, this lemon is going up for sale.

General Comments:

Looks nice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th May, 2002

1st Jul 2002, 21:10

I purchased a 1993 850 in July of 2001. 30 days later, I replaced the tranmission. Needless to say, I was very upset. Just last week, my heater core went out and I am now having it replaced. In the course of a year, I have put over $3,000.00 into my car. Oh, by the way, when I bought the 850 a year ago, it only had 75,000 miles on it. I thought I was safe. After all, my 1989 740 had 206,000 and was just fine. Go figure. I wish somebody would by this thing off of me.

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1994 Volvo 850 Turbo 2.4 turbo gas

Summary:

An evil Swede plagued with hundreds of reliability gremlins

Faults:

Oxygen sensor failed twice.

Heated seats never worked properly from the get go.

Rear tail lights mysteriously went out three weeks after purchase.

Thousands of squeaks and rattles throughout interior.

Power antenna motor failure.

Power driver seat failed.

Check engine light is always on for various reasons of its own.

Transmission failed twice resulting in the car being towed both times to the dealership.

The emissions system cannot be depended upon.

Pieces of the interior breaking and falling off. Center armrest has broken four times and is broken right now as a matter of fact!

Dozens of other electrical-related and expensive problems still run rampant as we speak.

General Comments:

Buying this thing was the biggest mistake of my life. I thought Volvos were reliable, well-engineered cars. They are not at all! I can't wait to get rid of it for something else! This Volvo makes my mom's old Jaguar seem like a Lexus in terms of reliability.

Acceleration is pretty good, if you can get over the torque steer.

Seats are comfortable, audio system is OK, rear visibility is not good at all.

Lately, the steering in my car has become more heavy with a disconnected, ponderous feel to it. The quality of the interior materials is awful.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st July, 2001

6th Sep 2001, 14:49

Maybe you just got a bad egg! I haven't heard a lot of bad things said about this car.

Bill U.K.

10th Dec 2001, 07:05

It sounds as though you may have purchased a lemon. I frequently deal with Volvo automobiles of various years and models, and have never heard reports to this negative of an extent before. I wouldn't lose faith in this great car company!!

Pat, U.S.

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