1996 Volvo 850 GLT 2.4L Inline-5

Summary:

I loved this car so much, I bought two more of these

Faults:

My alternator developed a short at 170,000 miles, still worked, but would drain the battery while sitting.

It needed AC accumulator replaced, was leaking at 165,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car has good performance for a non-turbo, the 5-speed which are pretty hard to find helps keep the performance up, they have strong transmissions and clutch systems.

Handling is excellent, especially with the addition of the 17" wheels and 215/40 tires.

These cars are al around great performers, fuel mileage, performance, handling, braking, all the luxury features inside and the lengendary safety of a Volvo, everybody knocks the looks, but I find that appealing also.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th September, 2005

1996 Volvo 850 GLT 2.4 Liter

Summary:

A Car not to be overlooked!

Faults:

Replaced Main Seal.

A/C coil needs to be Replaced. ($1200 USD)

Struts and Suspension has been Replaced.

Tires, Rotors, and Brakes.

Sparks plugs

Fuel Filter

Replaced Air Filter with a Drop In K&N.

General Comments:

Impressed by the car's quickness, especially in Sport Mode.

Seats are very comfortable, but the driver's seat needs to be replaced because of wear and tear, also the plastic seems to have issues with cracking unfortunately.

Car handles like no other.

As far as maintenance, there's a lot of do it yourself if you have the tools and time to it.

Gas Mileage is excellent and for those who have bad mileage, buy some Lucas Fuel Injector Cleaner and that will solve the problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2005

1996 Volvo 850 Turbo 2.3 turbo

Summary:

An expensive poorly manufactured car

Faults:

Transmission had to be replaced at 69,000 miles with no previous transmission problems noted.

Door trim on passenger side doors has come loose for no apparent reason.

Brake pads and rotors have had to be replaced every 15,000 miles even though we are not hard on the brakes. The rotors warp and the dealer claims it is due to them over heating with city driving.

General Comments:

This car has great pickup and handles nicely, but the expensive and frequent maintenance make it very expensive and unreliable vehicle. Parts and labor are extremely high and with the frequent service required it is just not worth it. I would never buy another Volvo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th June, 2004

1996 Volvo 850 GLT 2.3, Inline 5 Cylinder

Summary:

Safe, very safe, and fast. Buy it!

Faults:

We bought the car from people who never took it into the shop for it's regular maintanance, but it didn't have too any problems so we got it anyway.

We had to replace a windshield damaged by a hail storm.

Transmission selector switch messes up from time to time.

Windshield washer pipes clogged up.

General Comments:

Great car. Very reliable. It's my first car. Extremely safe. My friend had the same models. One day, he took a corner too fast and ran into a truck going around 50 MPH. The only injury sustained was a minor burn on the passenger's face from the airbag. He currenently owns a 1998 S70. Dual airbags on the dash, and one on each of the doors.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th March, 2004

24th Jun 2004, 10:40

I also think this a very great car. I bought mine when it had 100,000 miles on it and I drive and average of 15,000 miles a year. The only things I have had to replace are the brakes and the front rotors. The O2 sensors are the only set back as they are always read as malfunctioning. Generally a great powerful car.

19th Nov 2011, 01:13

Hey there, original reviewer here. Thought I'd update.

This car is temporarily being given to my brother until he finishes school, because I purchased a low mile '98 Volvo S70 GLT.

Things gone wrong since original review was written:

- Rear main seal replaced at around 112,000 (common problem).

- Odometer gear failed around 112,000 (also common).

- Developed stalling problems around 115,000 due to mass airflow sensor failure, ~$300 fix.

- Climate control head unit failed, salvage part replacement $75.

- PCV system currently needs replacing. Burning oil very slowly.

- And the biggy, recently the dreaded signs of head gasket failure have made themselves known. Pressure buildup in the coolant system caused a massive leak (tank needed refilling every eight days). I rigged a fix for the leak (again, caused by pressure, not a failure in the hose), so the leak is much slower. However the exhaust smell is unmistakably sweet.

This car has gotten me through a lot, and I'm understandably attached to it, so after my brother saves up for his own car for college, I'm going to turn my 850 into a project car. I still love my little Volvo, and I still think that if you can find a relatively low mile one that's been properly cared for, they're definitely worth buying.