I don't know if you guys share the same observation as I do, but do you consider the old 850 "Sportswagons" (1994-97) to be cult cars with a loyal following? Where I live in Vermont, I see a lot of them every day, and they all have high mileages on them. They're numerous in this state, just like old Saabs and Subaru wagons are. I know a few people who won't consider anything but an 850 or old V70 wagon; they think these are cool-looking rides, albeit a little on the pricy side.

Juan, where are you in Vermont? I'm in Stowe quite a bit, but live most of the time in Providence, RI. Infact, my car is registered in VT. I don't see so many 850s as I do Subies, Saabs and Audis.
Rhode Island must have the highest Volvo per sq. mile percentage in the country.
The 240 is the venerable cult wagon, but the 850s are slowly making their way in. I've got one, and people don't think it's strange for a college student to own one. Certainly not the 245.
--
'94 855 2.4 - Jet Black/Beige Leather 5-spd

Back in the '70's - '80's I thought 122 wagons were "cult" cars. I still want one someday. I recently came to understand my wifes '90 240 wagon is a cult car. The other folks at my children's school mentioned it to me. Now you're telling me the 850's and V70 are? I just bought a '98 XC. Last week I parked it at little league practice and when I came back found a 240 wagon on one side and a 960 wagon on the other. I'm not aware of it's cult status yet but I live in the midwest where ketchup is still considered a spicy food.

I live in Sunnvyvale CA which could be described as smack-dab in the
middle of Silicon Valley. Volvos are very popular here (so are
BMWs, Toyotas and Hondas). The 800 and 70 series cars are very common
as are older wagons. I think the function over form of the design
appeals to a lot of engineering types (after all, a box is a very
efficient shape).

Our 850 wagon has lots of room (with a roof cargo box on top for
longer trips) sparing us from the more mundane minivan and SUV (we
are a family of four, though). My neighbors all like their Volvos and
I don't hear many complaints from them about their cars. OK, one
neighbor traded in their 700 series turbo wagon for a Saturn wagon, so
there is always a deviant in the crowd.

I also see quite a few S80s. I'm not seeing many S60s though (I see
more C70s then S60s).

I drive a 98 S70 T5M. Parked it in front of the kids school for open
house and an identical 98 S70 T5M (ok, color was different) pulled up
and parked behind me. How often do you see that?

I think the highest Volvo population I ever noticed was in Boston. Never
figured out what it is about Boston and Volvos.

I reckon the 850 wagons are the nicest I've ever seen, no less attractive than the sedans and in a lot of cases better looking.I recall that some Italian design group voted them the best styled wagon in the world several years back. Anyone know anything about that? All in all, if you want a wagon I couldn't think of a better ride.

I HAVE A 97 850 GLT TURBO SEDAN AND I WILL DRIVE IT UNTILL THE WHEELS FALL OFF!

IF THERE IS A CULT FOR THE 850, SIGN ME UP!

DAN

I agree - we have a 95 turbowagon that's taken my family and I across the country (CO to VA) 5 times. Bought it new, 110K miles later it still runs like new. Receive frequent compliments on its condition and styling. Incredible highway car! While my wife was unhappy with the cost of a couple of the more recent repairs I also will drive mine till the wheels fall off.

P.S. - My wife had never driven a turbocharged vehicle prior to our 850. She now thinks ALL cars should be turbocharged!

agreed, after driving a turbo, non turbo cars just don't do anything for me. amy wife also loves the car and want's a turbo.

i recently drove my car from Houston Texas to Ft wayne Indiana, left with a full tank, and only bought gas twice on the way up, excellent highway car, gets many looks from others.

Volvo on!

Dan

I have a 95 855 turbo 17 in. titan wheels, R model front spoiler and a rear spoiler. I keep it very clean and shiny and I get compliments all the time from young and old. In my humble opinion the understated styling is timeless. Sincerely, Slacker

I have two of these cars, a 97 sport wagon and a 93 glt,
there is nothing cooler than a 850 r sport wagon,

I need it to haul my bikes to races or my kids to soccer, its the perfect
car for that, Its nice to drive to vermont with the back packed with
stuff. It is great with my bright red 850 wagon ;)

I love both cars, but get frustrated with some of the problems.

MY buddy lives in boulder subaru outbacks is the cult car of choice

New England has a huge 850 following. including myself.

upstate new york Is Sabb 9-5 country

Nice styling, yes. Comfortable, yes. Unique, yes. Reliable, NO!
--
96 850 GLT 5-Speed- Sold due to astronomical repair costs.

I used to think that running the Volvo was at least cheaper than running a Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 would be. Now I'm not at all sure!

Oh well. At least there's not a mugshot of me on file with the Police Department. (As there is of Bill Gates with the Phoenix Police as a result of one of his famous Porsche adventures!)

Observing the Subaru board I suspect that if you order your car with AT and don't drive a bazillion miles it's probably going to do OK, otherwise there are a lot of posts there about bad Subaru clutches and blown head gaskets on the 2.5 liter motors.

Ultimately it comes down to one of two choices. Do you like chocolate (Honda) or vanilla (Toyota)?

-Punxsutawney Phil