The United States met the Volvo 850 as a 1993 model. However, the rest of the world was introduced to this vehicle as a model for the year 1992. The Volvo 850 was crafted and sold as a sedan. Later on in 1994, it welcomed in a wagon model in its family. This vehicle, the Volvo 850, is the first model in the United States that featured a front wheel drive along with an all-aluminum five cylinder engine with twenty valves.

The Volvo 850 has a remarkable interior space of some 99 cubic feet of room. This space was all due to the right mounting of its engine under the vehicle's hood. It also sported an improved handling and steering over its Volvo predecessors. The company held a US patent for the use of rear axle bushings that compress under load so as to create passive rear steering. This kind of technology brought and functioned well for the Volvo 850 for it had a dynamic driving performance coupled up with flexibility and space. The construction and engineering of this vehicle guarantees drivers and owners outstanding road handling, comfort, security, and the Volvo reputation for total safety. The vehicle command respect. It also receives adulation. It has a dynamic sporting style and unequalled poise from the very first time you meet it. Tagging along with the Volvo 850 is safety technology, utility and total functionality. Making the vehicle comfortable to ride in is the specially thought over ergonomic design and generous equipment.

Customers have a choice for this vehicle has been constructed with seven different model specifications. There is also a choice for its seven engines that could either be petrol or diesel fueled. This wide range of choices would give the customers a choice as per what kind of performance and quality they would want their Volvo 850 to have. A manual and an automatic transmission was also made available. There are sixteen body hues to choose from along with three interior color schemes. The upholstery finishes is not left behind for it holds four selections.

All of the Volvo 850s that has been sold in the United States bears standard equipment that includes dual front airbags, antilock brakes, head restraints, three-point seat belts, power windows, door locks, power mirrors, a cruise control, and a dual zone climate control. Added in are side torso airbags. The options given for the Volvo 850 comprised of traction control, a leather interior, a power glass moonroof and sunroof, power seats, heated seats, a remote keyless entry, an automatic climate controls, and an automatic transmission.