Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: If the transmission is sometimes difficult to shift out of park, it is due to improper contact of the lockout microswitch. (1994-96)

Cruise control: If the cruise control will not engage, the plastic vacuum supply line may be damaged in the area of the left headlight. (1993-96)

Engine noise: Noise from the front of the engine at the drive belts may be caused by a defective belt tensioner and/or idler pulley. (1993-96)

Oil leak: Replacement copper washers might fix oil pump leaks from mounting screws on 2.5-liter engine. (1993-97)

Poor drivability: Starting and drivability problems may be caused by a corroded ground connection on the engine for the negative battery cable. (1993-97)

Windshield washer: If the windshield washer does not work well, the jet can be replaced with a larger one. (1993-94)

Windshield washer: Washer leaks at the rear window can be prevented by installing a pressure valve in the line near the upper hinge of the window. (1993-95)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

1994: Ice can form on throttle linkage, resulting in uneven throttle return or loss of low-speed engine control.

1994-97: After prolonged exposure to heat, fuel tank on some cars may seep or leak fuel.

1995 w/power seats: Threaded insert that attaches safetybelt catch was incorrectly manufactured and can reduce restraining capability.

1995: Some jacks do not have the necessary load capacity.

1996-97 sedans and sation wagons: Under excessive compression, seat cushions with heaters could short, causing a possible fire. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1996-97: Screws that attach throttle plate to the throttle shaft can loosen, possibly preventing throttle from returning to idle position.

1997: Operation of headlight switch over extended period of time can result in inconsistent operation.

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

Volvo provides the 850 with a dual-overhead-cam, 20-valve, 2.4-liter 5-cylinder engine. It's derived from the 960's all-aluminum, 2.9-liter inline-6, and provides 168 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque at 3300 rpm. A second engine joins the powertrain team for '94. New 850 Turbo models feature a 2.3-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder that delivers a respectable 222 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque. Volvo also provided limited-edition sports models in 1995-96, equipped with an even hotter version of the turbocharged 5-cylinder. It cranks out 240 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 2100 rpm. The extra power is possible thanks to the Bosch Motronic 4.4 engine-management system, programmed to squeeze the maximum boost from Volvo's turbo motor. All of Volvo's turbocharged engines come only with a 4-speed automatic, while the normally aspirated units can be joined to either a 5-speed manual or the 4-speed multimode automatic, which features shift programs for "Economy," "Sport," and "Winter" modes. Starting in 1997, the GLT begins using a "High Torque, Low Rev" turbocharged version of the base engine that delivers 190 horsepower. The T5 model offers the 2.3-liter turbocharged and intercooled 5-cylinder provided on former Turbo models, rated at 222 horsepower. Finally, R versions use the same engine as the T5, but employ more sophisticated electronics, which squeeze an additional 18 horses out of the engine--boosting horsepower to 240.