Volvo 850 Overview

For years, Volvos have been praised for their solidity, lengthy road life and reputation as being virtually invincible when it comes to impact resistance. Adjectives such as "sporty" and "stylish," however, were rarely used to describe Volvo's utilitarian, built-for-comfort-not-for-speed design-especially when the talk turned to wagons.

But Volvo's serious reputation began to change last year when the Swedish t maker introduced its front-wheel drive 850 series sedan, with its sleek lines and 168-hp, 20-valve, five-cylinder engine. That vehicle clearly filled a need in the market-place: After just one year, the 850 sedan accounts for a high percent of Volvo's U.S. sales.

Now, Volvo has followed up that success story by offering a turbocharged 2.3-liter, 222-hp engine - in both the 850 sedan and the new 850 Sportswagon. For the wagon, the result is a delightful synergy of safety, durability, roominess, superior ride comfort, and levels of power and handling quite uncommon in a vehicle of this type.

The MSRP of our test 850 Sportswagon was $30,985. Optional amenities such as leather seats, a wood-trimmed instrument panel and a front-passenger power seat bumped the price up to $34,335.