Volvo 850 model year changes 1993 -> 1994

[matthew1]

This is a dedicated thread to the changes between '93 and '94 850.

To avoid confusion: as is convention here at MVS, model years are North-American Volvo models.

Have something to add for 1994 -> 1995 850 changes?

Summaries/Edits

Summary of characteristics for the 1993 850

• all 850s are GLT trim
• no wagon available
• no turbo engine available
• 4-bolt wheel lugs
• 1993-specific wheel covers
• headlights (taller)
• tail lights (taller)
• seat coverings
• timing belt change interval 50k miles
• different spoiler on the sedan
• ABS standard
• Traction control was an option

More info on the 1993 Volvo 850.

1993-850.jpg (16.89 KiB) Viewed 5179 times

Summary of characteristics for the 1994 850... assume things are unchanged, except for:

• dropped GLT designation, base 850 is just "850"
• wagon debuts
• turbocharged engine debuts (222hp), available for both wagons and sedans
• new base-level sedan and a Level II tier of optional equipment for both sedans and wagons
• timing belt change interval moved up to 70k miles

More info on the 1994 Volvo 850.

1994-850.jpg (12.58 KiB) Viewed 5145 times

Those are the specific differences I know of. If I have anything wrong, I'll update this list.

[matthew1]

Two obvious changes: the headlights were a 1993 part only. They were taller in '93 and gave the front a more square look.

The wheel covers ("hubcaps") were also a 1993-only part.

Anyone know if 850s were offered with wheel covers/steel wheels after 1993?

[scot850]

One of the more obvious for us here in NA is the 4 bolt to 5 bolt wheel change.

On the wheel covers, not sure about being 'offered'? Do you mean were they a new car option or something you could fit? Up here and I'm sure in your area, the steel wheels are a winter tire option as are the steel wheel covers.

Not sure what you mean by the 'hub-caps'. My 93 GLT came with the alloys with the snap in center cover to cover over the lug-bolts (actually I still have a set somewhere?!).

Other than the headlights and wheels issues not sure what other differences there are.

Neil.

[matthew1]

Ah yes, 4-bolt wheels on 1993s.

As far as my comments on steelies with hubcaps, I meant that as far as I know, they were "factory" on base 1993s, and not on 1994+ 850s.

[misha]

In EU,changes were from '94 to '95 models.
I know that you pointed out that this stands for North American market only,but this forum have members worldwide.

[matthew1]

Non North American data is welcomed in this thread.

The disclaimer was to avoid confusion about the model years.

[jblackburn]

Timing belt and associated stuff was slightly different than the later years and ran only a 50k interval.

Rear end/tails looked different from the 94 (this did carry over to early 94 sedans IIRC).

93 was also sedan only, as well as only naturally aspirated in N.A. The wagon, as well as the HPT 2.3T, debuted for the 94 model year.

[misha]

Dashboard and interior switches are also a lot different in '91-'94 models than from '95 models.
Automatic shift knob is also different....front and rear bumpers...front side lights are not interchangeable.
Then...there are no airbags for driver's & passenger side from '91-'93,at least on EU models,although sips was present.Driver's side airbag was introduced in late '94 model.Headlight wipers and plastic trims under the headlights are different.
Side plastic trims on doors and wings are a lot thinner,rear spoiler for sedan is also different.

[shaker_chi]

My first Volvo was a 94 n/a 5 speed. GREAT CAR. Here are my observations:

1. Mine came with steel wheels and Volvo factory hubcaps, that were made of a rubbery plastic. Still have them if anyone wants them. My early 1994 had 5 lugs as well.
2. In 1993 I believe all 850's were GLT models and came with leather. Mine came with clothe seats and I absolutely loved them. I removed them every other year and could powerwash them and could shampoo the carpet.
3. In 1994 the top of all the dashboards were black. In 1995 the dashboards were switched to match the interior (black or khaki)
4. The control arms in 1994 were aluminum with the separate ball joint, not sure if 1993 had the same.
5. My early 1994 had the 1993 style headlights and loved them. Best headlights I've ever had. Rear tail lights were larger as well.


I put 230,000 on it and the engine still ran great. I gave it away to a fellow Volvo enthusiast who lost his job. It needed a new steering rack and it was winter time and didn't have the space to store it until Spring. I would definitely buy another one if I found one. The car handled like it was on rails. I put in the 960 throttle body plate and an open air intake and that really pepped it up off the line.

[matthew1]

Head post updated with a summary of 1993-specific differences. Thanks for all the input!