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.