These 850s drive much like Volvo's larger 960 models, but their trimmer size and superior suspension give them truly athletic cornering ability. The suspension is firm enough to provide a stable highway ride with little bouncing and absorbent enough to soak most bumps without braking stride. The standard engine lacks sufficient torque to provide good acceleration. But the turbocharged engine is an entirely different story. The 850 Turbo wagon can sprint from stop to 60 mph in an impressive 7.1 seconds. We do have a couple of disappointments to report, however. Turbocharged engines come only with a 4-speed automatic, which is often slow to downshift when climbing steep hills. Speaking of jolts, on the Turbo versions the ride is often a bit too stiff, with excessive tire thump on rough pavement. As you'd expect from Volvo, there's plenty of head and leg room for four adults, but the interior isn't quite wide enough for comfortable three-across seating in back. The sedan's spacious trunk has a low bumper-height opening, and the wagon has a long, flat cargo area when the rear seat is folded down.

Value for the Money
Though we've not been overwhelmed by the 850, it represented a good job of breathing new life into what had become an outdated product line. With the side airbags and turbo engines, it also had more going for it than some rivals in the near-luxury market.