**Volvo 850 (1996)**
The Volvo 850 is a mid-size luxury sedan that was produced by Volvo from 1991 to 1998. It was the first Volvo to be built on the company's new P2 platform, which was also used for the S70 and V70 models. The 850 was available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, and was powered by a variety of inline-five and inline-six engines.
The 850 was a critical and commercial success for Volvo, and is widely regarded as one of the safest cars ever built. It was named the "Car of the Year" by several automotive publications, and was also the first car to receive a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
**Exterior**
The Volvo 850 is a sleek and stylish sedan with a timeless design. The front end is dominated by a large grille with the Volvo logo prominently displayed in the center. The headlights are sleek and angular, and the bumper is integrated into the bodywork for a smooth and aerodynamic appearance.
The sides of the 850 are clean and uncluttered, with a gentle curve to the roofline and a pronounced shoulder line. The rear of the car is characterized by a sloping trunk lid and large taillights. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and sophistication.
**Interior**
The interior of the Volvo 850 is spacious and comfortable, with a focus on ergonomics and safety. The seats are supportive and adjustable, and there is plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard is well-laid out and easy to use, with a clear instrument cluster and intuitive controls.
The 850 was one of the first cars to feature side airbags, and it also came standard with a number of other safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, and a roll-over protection system.
**Engine and Performance**
The Volvo 850 was available with a variety of inline-five and inline-six engines. The base engine was a 2.4-liter inline-five that produced 140 horsepower. Other engine options included a 2.5-liter inline-five that produced 170 horsepower, a 2.3-liter inline-six that produced 190 horsepower, and a 2.9-liter inline-six that produced 225 horsepower.
The 850 was available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The front-wheel drive models were equipped with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive models were equipped with a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission.
The 850 was a capable performer, with good acceleration and handling. The all-wheel drive models were especially well-suited for driving in snow and ice.
**Safety**
The Volvo 850 was one of the safest cars ever built. It was the first car to receive a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 850 was also named the "Car of the Year" by several automotive publications.
The 850 was equipped with a number of safety features, including:
* Side airbags
* Anti-lock brakes
* Traction control
* Roll-over protection system
* Crumple zones
* Reinforced passenger compartment
The 850's safety features helped to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The car's strong body structure and crumple zones helped to absorb impact energy, while the airbags helped to protect occupants from serious injuries.
**Conclusion**
The Volvo 850 is a mid-size luxury sedan that was produced by Volvo from 1991 to 1998. It was the first Volvo to be built on the company's new P2 platform, which was also used for the S70 and V70 models. The 850 was available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, and was powered by a variety of inline-five and inline-six engines.
The 850 was a critical and commercial success for Volvo, and is widely regarded as one of the safest cars ever built. It was named the "Car of the Year" by several automotive publications, and was also the first car to receive a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
