1996 Volvo 850 GLT 2.4L I5

Summary:

Expensive to maintain, but comfy

Faults:

Had to replace all brakes/rotors twice in the last 40,000 miles (and brakes appear to need replacing again.)

Plastic interior of the car not able to hold up over the long haul. Plastic trim around seats has broken and dashboard has cracked.

ABS computer died at about 85000 miles. cost $600 USD to replace.

Check engine light cycled on/off repeatedly for 20K miles. Finally traced the problem back to some vacuum leaks after several trips to shop and over $1000 in repair bills.

Battery dies if car is not driven for several days.

Door hinge busted and makes horrific cracking sound.

Window switches on center console are busted and work only intermittently. Not good when window is stuck down!

In general, the car has not held up very well over time.

General Comments:

The Volvo 850 is a comfortable vehicle that is adequately powered, but seems to suffer from problems due to low-grade plastics and poor interior design.

Though I have had numerous problems with the car since buying it, it still has a rock solid power-train and I am confident it will last for several more years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th February, 2004

6th Jan 2007, 16:25

There are a couple of known design faults with the 850s. I have owned and driven them for many years and although they seem to be slightly less sold than a 740s and 940s they do last well!

The door spring is a known fault and for the price of £15 a replacement can be sourced that takes just 10 minutes to fit.

6th Jan 2007, 17:17

The door "spring" called check strap is probably OK, the bodywork fractures were it is mounted, may req body shop to repair!

1996 Volvo 850 Turbo

Summary:

A safe, high performance sedan

Faults:

Oxygen sensor needed replacement.

Engine mount needed replacement.

Rear power windows didn't work.

Driver's seat heater didn't work.

Glove box latch needed replacement.

Spoiler faded and needed to be painted.

General Comments:

Overall, this car has been very reliable.

The power from the turbo engine is great and it seems effortless.

The automatic transmission works great with the 3 selectable modes (economy, sport, winter).

Trunk is very large, but rear passenger leg room could be better.

The leather seats are very comfortable.

The Premium Sound stereo sounds great.

Paint is still very glossy after almost 8 years (even though plastic spoiler faded).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th December, 2003

10th Mar 2006, 21:50

Well for most drivers out there, they would need a fast, good looking car. Then again, the Volvo 850 turbo (1996) is an outstanding car for people who like to go fast.

Speeds from 0-60, have been resulted to be 6.05 seconds.

With the car, it also comes with "turbo". The turbo only kicks in only if you put pressure towards the throttle.

Equipped with an amazing sound system, this makes your audio music sound like your at a concert. Also, The Volvo 850 turbo is a very safe car. performance of the car is so incredible, it can handle the road well. The car is also safe, with protected airbags and professional designing of the structure of the car from crashes. This car will be a good car for the people who like to have fun, and like to be safe. I recommend anyone to get any Volvo, but the Volvo 850 turbo is a great car for anyone.

1996 Volvo 850 Turbo 5-cylinder turbo

Summary:

You can outrun a Mustang 5.0 with your kids and dog on board

Faults:

Numerous small electronic problems.

Transmission computer wouldn't allow shifting out of park.

Rattling liftgate.

General Comments:

Extremely fast, with decent mileage.

Powerful brakes.

Decent handling for front-wheel drive.

Nice looking, nice rims.

Every possible feature inside.

Amazing seats.

Harsh ride, decent on the highway.

Lots of space and cargo room.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2002

1996 Volvo 850 GLT 2.3 20v 5 cyl non-turbo

Summary:

Regardless of minor problems, this engine will not die for a long, long time

Faults:

Evaporator cannister.

Brake rotors warped.

Power seat button housing fell off.

Windshield trim came loose.

Door panel material coming off.

ABS/Tracs control module (recall).

Sunroof shade fell apart.

Alternator.

General Comments:

Although many little fit and finish problems, the car has given me lots of trouble free miles in the sense that I drive over 30K miles a year.

Although the car completely died with an alternator problem, it was in my own driveway. It has never left me stranded.

Even though it has the base engine, it has plenty of zip with the 5-speed, handling is good and the seats are extremely comfortable.

Servicing and parts are very expensive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2000

3rd Nov 2002, 18:46

I drove a 850 GLT, bought it second hand, had done 120.000 km, I sold it at 270.000 km. It was a great car, magnificent power, beautiful sound, and very very safe feeling. Nice under-steered and a high performance car.

27th Jan 2004, 10:16

I currently drive a 1996 850 GLT, nice!!! I hear the 1993-1995 models have had more problems. I do intend on keeping the car for it's intented life span of 20 yrs. (volvo designed this car to last that long). So, 2016 is when I sell the car.

Volvo for life.

1996 Volvo 850 GLT 16 Valve

Summary:

Excellent station wagon

Faults:

Oxygen sensor - only problem!

General Comments:

OUTSTANDING car. It is reliable, safe and comfortable. We have taken a good amount of trips. It has never left us stranded anywhere

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th July, 2000