About the Volvo 850The Volvo 850 is a compact executive car responsible for giving Volvo its hard-earned reputation in the North American market as a manufacturer of high-end automobiles. It included a number of firsts for Volvo, such as being the first front-wheel drive Volvo to be exported to the US. It was also the first Volvo in America to have a straight five-cylinder engine. It was the first car in the world to include side airbags. The 850 demonstrated Volvo's patented Delta-link semi-independent rear suspension", which provided it with passive rear steering by compressing rear axle bushings while under load.Although Volvo began production of the 850 in 1992, it didn't hit the North American market until 1993. At that time it was the biggest engineering undertaking Sweden had ever seen, with Volvo having produced almost 1.4 million units. As with its predecessor, the 850 enjoys ample space for passengers and cargo. The base line, however, still suffers from inadequate acceleration. Unfortunately, alll models seem to lack in automatic transmission performance as... View more well. The 1997 model year 850 was available in four trim levels, namely the nameless base model, GLT, T5, and 850 R. All trim levels were offered in both four-door sedan and five-door wagon body styles. The base model was powered by a five-cylinder, 2.4 liter engine capable of producing up to 168 horsepower. This 20-valve engine was made completely out of aluminum alloy. All US-bound 850s came standard with anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags, head restraints, and three-point seat belts, thus helping earn Volvo a reputation for being extremely safe. They also came standard with power windows, power mirrors, and power door locks. All trim levels further received cruise control and dual-zone climate control. Later models offered options such as power sunroofs, power seats, heated seats, leather interiors, and remote keyless entry. The Volvo 850 is no stranger to international recognition, having received over 40 awards throughout its lifetime. The most notable award it received was the "Good Design Grand Prize" presented by Japan's Ministry of Trade and Industry. The United States' Highway Loss Data Institute repeatedly reported the 850 as being the safest car on the market. The 850 was even used to compete in a variety of motorsport challenges throughout the 1990s. Despite heavy criticism, it performed well in events such as the 1994 British Touring Car Championship and the 1996 Australian Super Touring Championship. The 850 series was one of Volvo's greatest industrial undertakings, and the positive results of such undertaking are clearly displayed in every model year they produced. View less | |||
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