written by on 26/08/2009
2.5 20v non turbo, very rapid for such a heavy tank of a car. A little thirsty but worth the expense over tiny engine, small cars just cannot compare to this.
Can pick a good one up for around £850 which will see of most boy racers without looking like a racer yourself.
written by on 25/07/2009
I've had a Volvo 850 for 3 years and bought it as a stop gap. I still have it now because I cannot justify wasting money on changing it for something newer but inferior. Contrary to what other reviewers are saying the 5 cylinder 10V engine sounds great, is beautifully smooth even after 110K miles, returns 28 mpg and the automatic box operates smoothly if used intellegently. Selecting '3' in traffic or on twisting/hilly roads stops the gearbox 'hunting' between gears and keeps 'take up' on the throttle instant. Build quality is pre-Ford standard so is bullet proof. Bad points - weathered plastic bumpers and loose interior trim on tailgate - not bad for a 13 year old car! Good points everything else!
written by erlichman on 14/09/2008
Huge space - how did they do it? I've moved from a W124 Mercedes E320 and I thought that was a great load carrier but this beats it. Great all round visibility too. Major safety feeling on board... have you noticed how the SIPS sticker reminds you of this every time you look in the rear view mirror 'cause it reads right way round? Cleverrrrrr...
A great workhorse and load swallower, all at a very affordable price.
I now look at Volvos in a new, and very positive, light.
written by graham french on 02/07/2008
Comfortable, long legged work horse that enables me to take kids to and uni with all their kit. Any estate car that has done 174,000 miles and is still going strong has to be a great car.
written by on 28/06/2008
Excellent spacious, comfortable long lived estate. Reliable too!
written by Broomhayes on 24/02/2006
I have owned by 96 Volvo 850 2.5 manual over 2 years now. No problems worth reporting. I have the 20v model which by all accounts is far better than the 10 valve version. I would thoroughly recommend this version as a family car purchase.
written by brireynolds on 19/10/2004
I have had my 2nd hand Volvo 850 2.5l estate car on an M plate 1995 for 10 months now.
It has quite a few extras, leather, dual air con, wood trim elec win and mirrors.
I am thoroughly pleased woth it. It has done 120k miles, and still purrs like a kitten. The drive is smoother than my old merc 190, and the build quality is slightly better. It passed its mot with only a tyre replacement needed.
It is auto box and has enough kick to make overtacking safe and confident. And of course if you stick your nose out in busy traffic people just have to stop!
This is my 2nd the last being a 960 which i only replaced so to get the luvury extras. I recommend volvo's of any age.
Do you have a question about this product or company? Simply type it in the box below and one of our community will give you an answer
Once we've checked over your question we will put it live on the site and our strong community of experts will hopefully give you some great answers that you find useful.
We will email you when the question is on the site
229714_Volvonewbie's Response to brireynolds's Review
Written on: 12/02/2006
I have owned my 1995 Volvo 2.5 S estate for less than a month. It starts first time, warms up quickly, is a joy to drive, is very manoeuvrable for such a large car and there is not a spot of rust. The only query I have is the fuel consumption – 37mpg – more like 27 mixed driving. As a new owner the only suggestion I would add is do not skimp on the servicing. Have the car regularly serviced by a main Volvo agent or independent Volvo specialist. The cars are not cheap to maintain, but have the work done by a specialist. I shall be disappointed if I am not still happily driving my car in 10 years time.