Volvo 850

Whether as a Saloon (Sedan) car, Estate or a heavy duty track, the Volvo is a very versatile motor vehicle. The Volvo 850 series for instance does not only have a tough body but also a well decorated and styled interior. Among the key features it has are airbags, antilock brakes, moon-roof, power glass and heated seats. Volvo 850 is furthermore renowned for its “semi-independent rear suspension” that gives it a kind of “passive rear steering” capability. This reduces the turning distance and makes the vehicle very easy to maneuver.

The Volvo 850 Estate can also be fitted with a cargo guard and a cargo space divider. These are very handy accessories which add to the already stylish finishing of the Volvo 850 Estate. They are also made necessary by the large nature of the boot for this particular model. With the cargo space divider you can secure your luggage firmly for the long bumpy ride, or create separate compartments for the different types of “luggage” you are carrying – e.g. pick-nick items, the family dog or cat, a bird, etc.

For the Volvo 850 R Estate which was originally conceived as a race- car, a bit more style can be added by fitting it out with a black or chrome mesh grille. This will also give it a more aggressive and sporting appearance on the race course. In addition to that there are also headlamp eyebrows and black or clear styling indicator lamp kits that can be mounted to give your Volvo 850 a more personal and unique look.

The stylish interior design of the Volvo 850 can further be enhanced with Heico Aluminium kits. The Heico Aluminium door pin gives an elegant touch to the interior of the car, whereas the Aluminium foot pedals not only enhance the internal appearance but they also cater for a better foothold and grip, especially with the manual transmission models. This is also true for the leather gear shift knob which has an aluminium insert to it. The 850 series can in addition be fitted with a reading lamp and a cigarette lighter socket.

All the above styling features can be applied to all Volvo 850 models, and that includes the Volvo 850 T-5R and Volvo 850 T5 models as well. Some of these were “special editions” that did not see large numbers being produced and they rolled out with polished door sills. The 850 T-5R model also had the so-called “Motor sport Badge” attached to it to signify its place in the motor sport scene. All in all both of these models were just versions of the already well established Volvo 850.

With such a variety of styling options available for most models it is possible to transform your Volvo 850 into a whole new machine, different from the basic 850 model, and that is sure to give you a whole new driving experience.

If there is one thing that has made Sweden famous throughout the world then it is Volvo, that unmistakable model of Saloon (Sedan), Volvo Estate (Station Wagon) and heavy duty motor vehicles. What all these brands or models of Volvo vehicles have in common is the fact that they are strong in body and very durable.

Among the top range Volvo models that have left their mark on the car market is the Volvo 850 model which is highly regarded for its versatility and above average performance on and off the road. The Volvo 850 has over the years established itself as a true workhorse. It comes in both Saloon and Estate models and it used to be the darling of many people in and outside Europe, especially during the mid 1990s.

In terms of comfort the Volvo 850 can definitely hold its own against other top of the range cars in the same category. The Saloon model boasts of an interior measuring up to around 100 cubic ft. Come to think of it, not even the Mercedes-Benz E-Class can lay claim to such “roominess”. The all-leather interior of the Volvo 850 Estate car together with the sophisticated climatic control system is one of the other features that have characterized this model over the years.

The Volvo 850 series is also renowned for its over the top security features. The models that were manufactured in the mid 1990s are equipped with airbags, 3-point seat belts, central door locks and remote keyless entry, to mention but a few of the security features built into these machines. Some of the models are also All Wheel Drive with automatic transmission.

Though looking compact and heavy on the outside, the Volvo 850 Estate is also rated as a “speed merchant” because of its 250+ km/h capabilities. Its dynamic Turbo engine is definitely another plus in that regard.

The motor-sporting scene has not been spared by the Volvo 850 either, especially the 850 Estate model. This particular model featured in some of the best car races in Australia and Britain between 1994 and 1996 and in most of the cases it was able to cross the finish line in respectable positions.

The Volvo 850 R Estate or Station Wagon which entered the market around 1995 was particularly designed to take on other car brands on the racing course. It had an engine developed in line with Turbo technology and it included a kind of booster unit that gave it enhanced horsepower – that is more than 10 kW above the normal! Because of its special features this model was baptized the “Volvo 850 T-5R”. Other models in the same line, especially those that were made later simply bore the brand name “Volvo 850 R” or “Volvo 850 T5”.

The pricing pattern for the Volvo 850 models ranges from about USD $24,000 for the 1993 GLT models, through to the $35,000 bracket for the 1995 Volvo 850 T-5R model, and above $38,000 for the 1997 Volvo 850 R type.

One thing is clear though: the Volvo 850 series has left its impact on the European and American car markets and is bound to remain a much cherished piece of motor vehicle engineering for a long time to come.