1997 Volvo 850 Non-Turbo Sportswagon

My first car is now for sale. I’m getting rid of her to get a different, hopefully older or more luxurious Volvo. Therefore, it’s time to say goodbye and give a final, definitive, long term (2+ years) review.

Specs and Backstory

This is my 1997 Volvo 850 Base Sportswagon with Grand Lux Package, premium stereo (8-speakers and a single disc CD player), Leather, 4-speed automatic, alloy wheels, and for some reason (it’s a Florida car) a road temperature sensor that turns on a light when it thinks the road may be icy. It has a transverse mounted 168hp, 2.4L 5-Cylinder connected to a 4-speed automatic with Economy, Sport, and Winter/Wet modes driving the front wheels.

    This probably won't be a great review as I've owned it for 2 years now and through all that time it's had blown shocks and struts, a good oil leak, and brittle interior plastics from the evil Florida Sun. But, before my father and I she only had one owner who always had it serviced at the dealership all the time and her nephew was a Volvo technician. Oh and did I mention she was a little old lady? Yup. But with 150,000 miles on the clock we we got it, she didn't just drive it to church and back. Although the odometer had broken before I got it, she also had it fixed, I assume she got it fixed promptly. But, 150,000 (+ a little) isn't that bad for a car of it's age but more than I would think a little old lady would drive. She currently has 176,000 on her odometer and still runs strong. Volvos are truly built to last.

Interior

Except for the interior, at least from my experience and what I’ve seen on other old 850s. I know the Florida sun kills interiors, (I can only imagine how bad it must be in other parts of the world, I’m looking at you Austrailia.) but the dash warps like crazy, in the exact same pattern as all other 850s do. Cracks in the plastics are everywhere and it creaks and rattles constantly. The dashboard lights also don’t work except for: the light on the fan speed controller, window switches and radio screen. All others don’t work. With the exception of 3 times in the recent past, randomly for only about 10 seconds, right after I start the car, then they shut back down.

    BUT! A big but! The seats. Are. Fantastic. It is so disgustingly, perfectly, comfortable. The driver's seat is 8-way power adjustable, and that's all you need. The bolstering is perfect and holds you in the seats around tight bends. Manually adjustable lumbar support works perfectly. You don't need 36-way power adjustable heated and ventilated seats to be comfortable. You just need Swedish ergonomics covered in supple Swedish leather.

What it's like to drive

It’s not fast. No, sir. 168hp in a 3,350lbs car does not make for a fast car. From my research though, the base 850 reaches over 130mph. Better than I would expect. Maybe due to it’s quite low drag coefficient of 0.29. All that aside, it’s fun. Damn fun. When that little 5-cylinder buzzes up to 6,500 rpm it always gives me butterflies in my stomach. And driving down the one winding road near me was always a blast with sunroof and windows open, wind blowing through your hair, and the noise. Yes, the wondrous noise! CarThrottle did say that the Volvo Modular 5-cylinder was one of the best sounding engines ever made, and they’re not wrong. They are soo right! You need to listen to one, in person, in your lifetime. There’s nothing else like it. The deep burble at idle, and the wonderful buzz on acceleration is perfect. Absolutely, perfect. It is a thrill to drive, at any speed. And for a front wheel drive car, it handles incredibly well. Even after 20 years, blown shocks and struts, bad end-links, etcetera.

Exterior Styling

It’s nice. Not flashy. Not too plain. Not too boxy. Not too round. It’s just lovely.

Fond Memories

I got invited to local car meets because of this car, which may be surprising, but it was from another Volvo enthusiast surprisingly. Without it, I may not have gotten to know my local group, gone to car shows, and become one of our group’s fine administrators. She’s taken me to a couple charity car shows, Relay for Life and supporting a middle school. Which brings me to a funny point, at the middle school show she got labeled as a Muscle car!

So that’s it. The end of our adventure, but not the end of hers. I hope she goes to a good home, and I can’t wait until I find another classic Volvo to replace her. Thanks for reading!