Volvo 850

Volvo 850
1994 Volvo 850 Turbo (US)
Overview
Manufacturer	Volvo Cars
Production	1991–1996 (716,903 units)
Model years	1992–1997
Assembly	Torslanda, Sweden Ghent, Belgium Halifax, Canada (VHA)
Designer	Jan Wilsgaard (1989)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact executive car (D)
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door estate
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
Platform	Volvo P80 platform
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 2.0–2.5L I5 (93kW–186kW) Diesel: 2.5L I5 (103kW)
Transmission	5-speed Volvo M56 manual 5-speed Volvo M58 manual 5-speed Volvo M59 manual 4-speed Aisin AW50-42LE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,664 mm (104.9 in)
Length	saloon: 4,661 mm (183.5 in) estate: 4,709 mm (185.4 in)
Width	1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Height	1991–1997 saloon: 1,415 mm (55.7 in) 1993–1995 estate: 1,415 mm (55.7 in) 1996–1997 estate: 1,445 mm (56.9 in)
Kerb weight	saloon: 1,385–1,520 kg (3,053–3,351 lb) estate: 1,465–1,570 kg (3,230–3,461 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Volvo 200 Series
Successor	Volvo S70/V70

The Volvo 850 is a compact executive car that was produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1991 to 1996. Designed by Jan Wilsgaard it was available in saloon and estate body styles. The 850 was the first front-wheel drive vehicle from Volvo to be sold in North America and also the first all-wheel drive Volvo. The range was replaced for 1997 by the Volvo S70 and Volvo V70.

The Volvo 850 was introduced in Europe in June 1991, as a 1992 modelyear car. It was launched with the slogan "A dynamic car with four unique innovations" which referred to the newly developed five cylinder transverse engine, the Delta-link rear axle, SIPS and the self-adjusting seatbelt reel for the front seats. Only the saloon was available, badged as 850 GLT and came with the 2.5L 20V engine. In 1992, the 850 was brought to the United States as 1993 model becoming Volvo's first FWD car on the US market.

The estate version of the 850 finally went on sale in February 1993, on all markets. 6 months later, in August, the 850 Turbo was introduced for the 1994 model year as was the new 2.5L 10V engine. A facelift with new bumpers front and rear, new headlights and indicators on the outside and new switchgear on the inside updated the car visually. On the technical side of things Volvo switched from 4 bolt to 5 bolt hubs, made ABS standard on all markets and changed to a new A/C system.

Volvo 850 before facelift, notice different front bumper, airdam and headlights (DE)

Volvo 850 after facelift (US)

For 1995, the special edition 850 T-5R was offered.

All US 850s received standard equipment such as dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system, head restraints and three-point seat belts for all passengers, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, cruise control, and dual zone climate control. Side torso airbags became a world first when introduced as an option for 1995. Some other options during the model run included features such as traction control, leather interior, power glass sunroof, power seats, heated seats, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, and automatic transmission.