With a low fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, the 850 is not a car for those looking for a green friendly buy. Consumer Guide rated the 850 with a disappointing 3 in fuel economy.

Significant recalls for the 850 model are recorded for the years 1995, when there was a problem with the equipment, 1996, when there was a problem with the engine cooling system, and in 2004 there were problems with the fuel system.

In European markets, a 10 valve variant of the five-cylinder was popular for its lower costs and better gas mileage. This may have been what made the 850 Volvo's bestseller in the mid-1990's.

The 850 was a favorite in Hollywood, starring in popular shows such as Larry David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (2000-2008) and new hits like What Happens in Vegas Stays In Vegas (2008).

In 1994, Volvo and the successful Tom Walkinshaw Racing team came together to build an 850 Estate touring car to compete in the British Touring Car Championship. Although critics were skeptical, the 850 performed well with a best place finish of fifth and a best qualifying spot of third.

The 850's standard engine lack sufficient torque to provide great acceleration, but the turbocharged Turbo Wagon can sprint from 0-60 mph in an impressive 7.1 seconds.

The total number of units recalled in the history of the volvo 850 is about half a milion.

Surprisingly, Volvo's 850 Turbo Wagon is one of the fastest production station wagons in the world, capable of reaching over 160 mph when under no regulation. Production models to be sold to the general public are regulated to reach a max. speed of approximately 142 mph.

In 1995 Volvo released a special limited edition race-bred model named the 850 T-5R. It was limited in exterior paint color choices to cream yellow (2500 worlwide), black (2500 worldwide), and emerald green metallic (500 worlwide).

The Volvo 850 was notable for being Volvo's first front-wheel drive model to be exported to North America, and due to the many features offered that were not previously included in past Volvo models, the 850 is credited with giving Volvo its name as a high-end automaker in the North American auto market.