1996 - 1997 Volvo 850

The Volvo 850 is a compact executive car produced by Swedish automaker Volvo from 1991 to 1997. It was the first front-wheel drive Volvo to be exported to North America and it was also the first Volvo model to feature a five-cylinder engine.

The 850 was available in sedan and station wagon (estate) body styles, offering spacious and comfortable interiors with seating for five passengers. It had a distinctive boxy design, characteristic of Volvo cars of that era.

Under the hood, the 850 was powered by a range of five-cylinder engines, including both turbocharged and naturally aspirated options. These engines were known for their smooth and refined performance, offering a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.

The Volvo 850 was also known for its exceptional safety features, which were a hallmark of Volvo cars. It was equipped with anti-lock brakes, front and side airbags, and Volvo's innovative SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) that provided additional protection in case of a side collision.

In terms of driving dynamics, the 850 offered a comfortable and stable ride. It had a well-tuned suspension system that provided a good balance between comfort and handling. The steering was responsive and the brakes offered good stopping power.

Overall, the Volvo 850 was a reliable and practical car, known for its safety features and comfortable interior. It was popular among families and those looking for a reliable and well-built vehicle.

The Volvo 850 was produced by the Swedish automaker Volvo between 1991 and 1996. It was available in both sedan and wagon body styles, and was the first front-wheel drive model from Volvo.

Generations:

1. First Generation (1991-1993): The first generation Volvo 850 featured a boxy and angular design. It was available as a sedan or wagon and came with a range of engine options, including turbocharged and non-turbocharged variants.

2. Second Generation (1994-1996): The second generation Volvo 850 received a mid-life refresh, which included minor changes to the exterior design and improvements to the interior. The styling became slightly more rounded and modern.

Redesigns:

1. Volvo S70/V70 (1997-2000): The Volvo S70 and V70 were the successors to the Volvo 850. They featured a more refined and rounded design, with smoother lines and a more aerodynamic shape. The interior was also redesigned to be more modern and luxurious.

2. Volvo S60/V70 (2001-2009): The Volvo S60 and V70 were the next redesigns of the Volvo 850. They featured a completely new design, with a more contemporary and stylish look. The interior was also updated with improved materials and technology.

3. Volvo S60/V60 (2010-Present): The Volvo S60 and V60 are the current generations of Volvo's mid-size sedan and station wagon, respectively. They feature Volvo's latest design language, with sleek lines and a modern appearance. The interior is luxurious and tech-focused, with many advanced features and technologies.

The Volvo 850 was originally introduced in 1991 and was produced until 1997. It was available in both sedan and wagon body styles and came with a range of engine and transmission options.

Engine:

• The Volvo 850 was offered with a variety of engine options, including four-cylinder petrol engines and a five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.

• The base engine was a 2.4-liter inline-four that produced around 140 horsepower. It was available with both a manual and automatic transmission.

• The turbocharged version of the 2.3-liter five-cylinder engine produced around 225 horsepower. It was only available with a manual transmission.

Transmission:

• The Volvo 850 was offered with both manual and automatic transmissions, depending on the engine option chosen.

• The manual transmission was a five-speed unit, which offered smooth and precise shifting.

• The automatic transmission was a four-speed unit, which provided smooth and effortless gear changes.

Performance:

• The performance of the Volvo 850 varied depending on the engine and transmission combination.

• The base engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, while the turbocharged engine offered more performance and acceleration.

• With the turbocharged engine and manual transmission, the Volvo 850 was capable of reaching 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Top speed was limited to around 150 mph.

• Overall, the Volvo 850 offered a comfortable and refined driving experience, with good performance and handling for its class.

The fuel economy of the Volvo 850 can vary depending on the engine size and transmission type. Here are the estimated MPG (miles per gallon) figures for different versions of the Volvo 850:

• Volvo 850 equipped with a 2.4L inline-5 engine and a manual transmission: around 18-20 MPG in the city and 25-28 MPG on the highway.

• Volvo 850 equipped with a 2.4L inline-5 engine and an automatic transmission: around 16-18 MPG in the city and 23-25 MPG on the highway.

• Volvo 850 equipped with a 2.3L turbocharged inline-5 engine and a manual transmission: around 16-18 MPG in the city and 24-26 MPG on the highway.

• Volvo 850 equipped with a 2.3L turbocharged inline-5 engine and an automatic transmission: around 15-16 MPG in the city and 23-24 MPG on the highway.

These MPG figures are approximate and can vary depending on driving conditions, driving style, and maintenance of the vehicle.

The interior of the Volvo 850 is well-designed and comfortable. The seats are supportive and offer plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cabin is also relatively spacious, making it easy for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.

The dashboard layout is clean and user-friendly, with easy-to-read gauges and accessible controls. The materials used in the interior are of high-quality, giving the 850 a more luxurious feel. The overall fit and finish are quite good, with minimal rattles or squeaks.

In terms of exterior design, the Volvo 850 has a classic and timeless look. It features a sleek and aerodynamic profile, with smooth lines and a well-proportioned body. The overall design has held up well over the years, still looking modern despite being introduced in the early 1990s.

The overall comfort of the 850 is excellent. The seats offer plenty of support and adjustability, allowing passengers to find their ideal seating position. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a smooth and comfortable ride even over rough roads. The cabin is also well-insulated, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum.

Overall, the Volvo 850 offers a comfortable and well-designed interior, a classic and attractive exterior, and a comfortable and smooth ride.

The Volvo 850, produced from 1991 to 1997, did not come with the same level of infotainment and connectivity features that are found in modern cars. However, for its time, it did offer some advanced features.

The Volvo 850 came with a standard AM/FM radio with cassette player. Some models also had the option for a CD player. The positioning of the radio and controls was designed to be user-friendly, with large buttons and a well-organized layout.

In terms of connectivity, the Volvo 850 had limited options. It did not offer built-in Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling or audio streaming, as these technologies were not yet commonplace in the 1990s. However, aftermarket Bluetooth adapters can be installed to enable these features.

In terms of audio quality, the Volvo 850 had a reputation for having a premium sound system. The higher trim levels and optional packages included a more powerful amplifier and additional speakers, resulting in improved audio quality.

One notable advanced feature of the Volvo 850 was its optional built-in car phone. This was a separate unit that was installed in the center console and could be used to make and receive phone calls while driving. However, these car phones were also quite expensive and not as common as they are today.

Overall, while the Volvo 850 did offer some advanced features for its time, it does not compare to the modern infotainment and connectivity options found in newer vehicles.

The Volvo 850 was a mid-size luxury car that was produced by Volvo from 1991 to 1997. During its production, Volvo was known for its commitment to safety, and the 850 was no exception. It featured a range of safety and driver-assistance features that were innovative for its time.

1. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): The Volvo 850 was one of the first vehicles to come standard with ABS. This system helps to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.

2. SIPS (Side Impact Protection System): The 850 featured reinforced side-impact protection, including reinforced doors and beams in the body structure to help protect occupants in the event of a side collision.

3. Dual airbags: The 850 was equipped with dual front airbags for the driver and passenger. This safety feature was still relatively rare at the time, making the 850 ahead of its time in terms of occupant protection.

4. WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System): The 850 introduced Volvo's Whiplash Protection System, which helps to reduce the risk of neck and back injuries in the event of a rear-end collision. The front seats are designed to move with the occupant's body, reducing the force of the impact on the neck and spine.

5. Three-point seat belts: The 850 came with three-point seat belts for all occupants, including the rear seat. Three-point seat belts are more effective at restraining occupants during a crash compared to lap belts.

6. Daytime Running Lights: The 850 was one of the first vehicles to come equipped with daytime running lights as standard. These lights improve the visibility of the vehicle during daylight hours, reducing the risk of accidents.

7. Traction Control: Some versions of the 850 were equipped with a traction control system, which helps to prevent wheel slip during acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces. This system improves vehicle control and stability.

8. OBD-II Diagnostic System: The 850 was one of the first vehicles to feature the OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system, which allows for easier and more accurate diagnosis of engine and other vehicle systems. This system helps to ensure that the vehicle is performing optimally and can help reduce emissions.

Overall, the Volvo 850 was a pioneer in terms of safety and driver-assistance features. It set the standard for many of the safety features that are now common in modern vehicles.