Volvo 850 car: description, owner reviews

2025 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-22 21:14

Volvo 850 is a mid-size car. This Swedish car became very popular in the 90s. By the way, it was published from 1991 to 1997. And during this time, a lot of sedans and station wagons were produced (it was not produced in other bodies). Jan Wilsgard worked on the design of the model. And this is the last car he designed during the days when he was still the chief designer of the concern.

A bit of history

So, the very first copy of the Volvo 850 appeared in 1991, on April 11th. The premiere took place later - in September of the same year, in Frankfurt. This car, which is a front-wheel drive D-class sedan, was released to replace the Volvo 240. This model at that time was produced for 18 years in a row. Because the company needed a novelty.

And she succeeded. In general, it must be admitted, the Volvo 850 had fundamental differences from all other cars that the concern had previously produced. In the design, you can see a departure from traditional right angles. It was with this car, by the way, that the disposal of “cubic” forms began. The level of controllability and dynamism has also increased. The novelty could boast sever altechnical innovations. The first is a transverse 5-cylinder engine. The second is front-wheel drive. The third is the steering rear axle, which combines the comfort of an independent suspension and dynamics. The fourth innovation is the side impact protection system. And finally, the fifth - seat belts equipped with pretensioners.

Development

Interestingly, the Volvo 850 turned out to be the most progressive car ever produced by this Swedish company. About 15 billion (!) crowns were spent on development. And this model turned out to be the most expensive project ever undertaken by Volvo Cars.

The developers have created a completely new automotive platform and developed special manufacturing technologies. In addition, a separate plant for the production of power units was erected in Shevde. Interestingly, he still develops and supplies engines for Volvo cars. Engines, by the way, are distinguished by a modular structure. Their development and design were carried out by highly qualified professionals. By the way, all the work was carried out as part of the Galaxy project.

In general, in terms of technological innovation, no other car has been as important and significant for Volvo Cars as the 850.

Features of the model

Volvo 850 - wagon and sedan, which were fast and modern cars at the time of the 90s. It was then that the Swedish manufacturers proved that they can develop and produce powerful machines, respecting the traditional values of their company.

The car was distinguished by comfortable wide seats equipped with electric heating and head restraints. The steering column was made safe and adjustable in all directions. Even a children's fold-out seat was regularly offered. And the car had 4 power windows. There were even headlight washers.

By the way, the model has a pretty good (for a sedan) trunk volume - as much as 415 liters.

Design and manufacturing process

Volvo 850 received only positive reviews. Everything about it was really top notch. But the first thing they always paid attention to was the design. After all, in the process of its development, the latest technologies were used! We maximized the number of robotic installations, and also used automatic assembly systems for measurements. Welding and cutting of steel was also carried out in a different way - with the help of a laser. The technical structure was also simplified and reorganized. Each assembly point was automated. All operations that were previously performed higher than the level of the collector's leverage ceased to exist.

The developers paid great attention to security. The 850th model has airbags (front and side). Each model is equipped with ABS.

Updates

The 850 model proved to be very popular. Therefore, in 1992, the Volvo 850 GLE was released. It differed from its predecessor by a motor. The GLT, the ancestor of the 850s series, was equipped with a 5-cylinder 170-horsepower 2.5-liter engine with 20valves. A similar unit was installed on the novelty of 1992. Only there were 10 valves, and the power was 140 hp

In 1993, the station wagon became known as the Volvo 850 Wagon. It turned out to be a very practical and roomy model, which in terms of handling and “behavior” on the road was in no way inferior to a sedan. What do the owners say about this car? Nothing wrong. What can be said negatively about a dynamic and fast car, in which the luggage compartment is almost one and a half thousand liters of volume? Plus solid suspension and engines. Everything in this car is as it should be - these are the words of its owners.

In the summer of the same 1993, the concern released a turbocharged engine, which was immediately installed on the Volvo 850. The engine had a volume of 2.3 liters and produced 225 “horses”. But in 1994, the most powerful version of Volvo appeared to the world. A car with a 250-horsepower (!) engine - it quickly became a real Swedish bestseller. The maximum speed of the car was 250 kilometers per hour, and it accelerated to hundreds in 6.7 seconds! The numbers are just incredible. No wonder why this car sold out so quickly. By the way, only 5000 pieces were produced.

Recent years

In 1995, a 2.5-liter "diesel" appeared in the engine lineup. This made the lovers of Volvo cars very happy. The car itself is economical, and here is also a diesel engine.

In 1996, the premiere of a new coupe, the C70, took place in France. Interestingly, this machine was built precisely onexclusive platform of the 850s “Volvo”. By the way, on the same base they produced a car that ran not only on gasoline, but also on methane. All thanks to a special dual fuel system.

In 1996, the station wagon came to be known as the 850 AWD. The legendary ancestor of all-wheel drive "Volvo", equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine for 193 "horses". It also quickly gained popularity, which is no surprise.

Owners comments

And finally, a few words about what the owners of this car say about their iron horse. In fact, there are no bad comments about the model. But there are plenty of good ones. Yes, there is one minus - in the event of a breakdown of the Volvo 850, the repair of the car, as they say, will cost a pretty penny. In maintenance, it is not cheap, but it pays in return with reliability. And it's worth it.

Manageability is on the level, comfort is also. Many people like the original, eye-catching design. It is also very spacious and comfortable inside. True, it consumes a lot of oil - you have to change it often. But otherwise the car is reliable. No wonder it became the best of all Volvo models until the early 2000s.

Now, by the way, this car can be bought for very little money. For example, a car manufactured in 1994 in good condition (that is, sat down and drove off) will cost about 120-150 thousand rubles. There are cheaper options - the very first models, there the price will not reach a hundred thousand at all. The main thing is to check the car at the service station before buying. As long as it doesn't turn out to be a bat.