1993-1997 Volvo 850: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Acceleration (Base)
- Automatic-transmission performance
Vehicle Highlights
Volvo replaced its 700-series with the all-new 850 GLT sedan. The new 850 broke new ground by being Volvo's first U.S. front-wheel-drive model, as well as the first ever to feature a 5-cylinder engine. Under the hood of both the base and GLT trim levels, Volvo provided the 850 with a dual-overhead-cam, 20-valve, 168-horsepower 2.4-liter 5-cylinder engine. Five-speed manual was standard; 4-speed automatic optional. Driver- and passenger-side airbags were standard, as were 4-wheel antilock disc brakes. Traction control was an option.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Volvo 850 Turbo wagon Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 46 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1993-1997 Volvo 850 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1997 Volvo 850 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1997 Volvo 850 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Though we've not been overwhelmed by the 850, it represented a good job of breathing new life into what had become an outdated product line. With the side airbags and turbo engines, it also had more going for it than some rivals in the near-luxury market.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Volvo 850 Turbo wagon Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 46 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $940 |
| A/C Compressor | $395 |
| Alternator | $425 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,305 |
| Brakes | $170 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $755 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $135 |
| Exhaust System | $330 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $470 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $200 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1997 | |||
| 850 | $2,900-3,800 | $2,200-2,900 | $700-900 |
| 850 T-5, R | $4,000-5,500 | $3,300-4,500 | $1,300-1,800 |
| 1996 | |||
| 850 | $2,400-3,200 | $1,700-2,300 | $500-600 |
| 850 Turbo/R, Ltd. | $3,200-4,500 | $2,500-3,500 | $800-1,100 |
| 1995 | |||
| 850 | $2,000-3,000 | $1,400-2,100 | $300-500 |
| 850 Turbo R | $2,900-3,600 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| 1994 | |||
| 850 | $1,600-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
| 1993 | |||
| 850 | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.9 | 104.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 183.5 | 185.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 59.3 | 69.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.7 | 56.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3232 | 3342 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.7 | 67.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.3 | 19.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 37.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.3 | 35.2 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I5 | 2.4 / 149 | 168-190 | 162-191 | 5-speed manual: 20/29 4-speed automatic: 20/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 21.8 |
| Turbocharged dohc I5 | 2.3 / 141 | 222-240 | 221 | 4-speed automatic: 19/26 | 4-speed automatic: 22.5 |
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1. 1997 GLT models add a turbocharger to the 2.4-liter engine, which boosts the engine up to 190 horsepower. A slightly lower EPA highway rating of 27 mpg is the result. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 850 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








