Volvo has been on a roll in the U.S. market, and this car is one of the reasons. Although station wagons don't ordinarily play a big part in a manufacturer's total sales picture, they do at Volvo - particularly the Volvo 850 Wagon. Introduced just last year, it accounts for something like one-third of all 850 sales, in contrast to the more common 7 or 8 percent.
Why is this? We can only speculate. Volvos tend to appeal to people who prioritize functionality and safety ahead of style, and few automobiles are stronger in these two traits than the 850.
And as far as style goes, we happen to think that Volvo wagons generally look a little more appealing than their sedan counterparts.
There's a premium price for this or any of Volvo's other virtues. But Volvo owners tend to be a fairly satisfied lot, and their cars just keep going and going...