The compact executive car produced by Volvo Cars from 1992 to 1997 and designed by Jan Wilsgaard was famously called the Volvo 850. The Volvo 850 was the first front-wheel drive vehicle with an all-aluminum 20-valve five-cylinder engine. The Volvo 850 was available in sedan/saloon and station wagon/estate body styles. The Volvo 850 was introduced in the U.S. for the 1993 model year. The 850 was Volvo's top-seller in the mid-1990s. In 1995 a special limited edition race-bred model of the Volvo 850 was released. This "850 T-5R" model was only available in cream yellow colour.
All U.S. Volvo 850s received standard equipment such as dual front airbags, antilock brakes, head restraints and three-point seat belts for all passengers, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, cruise control, and dual zone climate control. In 1995 the Side torso airbags was used for the first time. The other main features of the Volvo 850 include the traction control, leather interior, power glass moon roof, power seats, heated seats, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, and automatic transmission. The 10-valve variant of the five-cylinder was popular for its lower cost and better fuel economy outside the U.S market.