Volvo 850
The
Volvo 850
is the first front-wheel drive car to be exported to North America by
its Swedish manufacturer. It is a small executive car that was
manufactured by Volvo Cars during 1992-1997.
It was made available in the American market starting 1993 in sedan or estate body designs. The
850
is a pivotal model for Volvo in the North American market, as it
provided its Swedish manufacturer the reputation of a high-end
automaker.
The development of the
850
was considered among of the largest Swedish engineering projects.
Emerging as Volvo's best-seller in the mid-1990s, the 850 featured an
all-aluminum 20-valve five-cylinder engine. Standard
Volvo 850
equipment include antilock brakes, dual front airbags, head restraints
and three-point seat belts for all passengers, power windows/door locks/
mirrors, cruise and dual zone climate controls. Side torso airbags were
offered as an option for the 1995 model, a world’s first.
