When I was walking away from my car after parking it today, I turned around to make sure I locked the doors (because I can't get my freaking remotes to work) I stopped and realized how beautiful the 850 is. I think the lines of this car give it a timeless beauty, which will some day be appreciated as we appreciate the lines of old cars such as Duesenbergs. And it couldn't of had better timing , it came out in the 90's when every car looked pretty much the same. All overly rounded and had no distinction. Yea thats all for now, just take the time once in a while to take in the sights of your 850.

My remote locking works well, if only at about 4 feet away, but I allways give my car a glance back. It makes me smile!
And I thought I was the only one.

I agree entirely. I think my 96 854T5 looks much better without the stupid trunk wing, which I pitched. Fortunatly, no holes were drilled in the trunk, so it was real easy. My body shop did it for free in return for me giving them the spoiler. I know they are gonna sell it for $$, but I didn't want the dang thing, so who care's?

Patsc85,

Duesenberg?

The 850/S70 shape has been around a long time as it first appeared in the 700 and 900 series. Actually, the 3 box school of automotive design has been around for far longer than that.

Unlike most other FWD cars, Volvo kept the long engine bay when it switched drivetrains for the 850/70 series. Not only does it make the engine/tranny relatively easy to work on, it gives the car a sense of proportion that is quite appealing.

No doubt about it--the long hood with short trunk profile is classic. Volvo is among the few manufacturers who did it well.

Bryan

Funny, I'm doing exactly the same thing! : ...turned around to "make sure" I locked the doors.... At my point of view, the 850 is the one of the best looking cars of all time. The S70 looks beautiful too but I'm really not raving about the S40, S60 & S80 series, those cars looks really anonymous...influenced by Ford ?

Totally agree with you. Our (white) '98 S70 looks beautiful. Always admire it's lines and shape much to the chagrin of the kids who think dad is a bit crazy (but don't they think that about everything adult)?

Enjoy!
--
'98 N/A S70 145,300Klm

Me too. I first saw an 850 in a Consumers guide report and thought "wow, that is a cool looking car. I want one". My 97 R has 87,000 miles and other than normal wear and tear does just fine. I just wish that they had made the Volans in 16" so that the tread life would be longer than 20k miles a set.

Amen....if you are lucky enough to get 20K on them Z rated tires.

No doubt.

The 850 series is quite attractive and I thoroughly enjoy mine, but the all time classic Volvo is the 1800 series. Just sold my 1966 and I really do miss the compound curves and chrome. (The 1961 -1966 are the real classics) Having owned and driven a Volvo product for the last twenty years (64 122S, 66 1800S, 86 245 DL, and 96 850 GLT) I have concluded that Swedes know how to build a car. The secret is that the Swedes make their cars like they want their women, beautiful on the outside and tough as nails on the inside. Something comes from a loyal companion that you can depend on. All of these models were years ahead of their contemporary counterparts in form and function. Maybe that's why we are all in love with Volvo's, we see it.

Just hope Ford management keeps their fingers out of Guttenberg, or the reliability and classic looks will be replaced with Taurus parts and Contour lines>>>>>

Oliver
96 850 GLT

I agree, I love both my wagon and my sedan,
classic look never looks old

me too.

dont worry I admire my car everyday.

Many Volvo cars age very nicely. Some old cars just had a classic and clean design. I would also say that Mercedes, BMW's and some Hondas have that same quality of looking good over the years (and keeping their owners happy over many years as well.)

i've had a 318i and accord exr (both 5 spd)
but the volvo so far has totally outpowered both and less maintenance expense.
gas on the otherhand is a different story
plus i know the 318i sucks for anytype of power but i almost bought a 325is before the 850 and it totally lagged in comparison. The accord had good top end which i havent really tried in the 850... keeping my record clean.. 3 years ++
too many tickets in the past :(
keeping it clean mean cheap insurance :) off the line doesnt count :)