5. Volvo 850 Turbo
When Volvo launched the 850 in 1991, they disrupted the performance-sedan scene with the 850 Turbo. Under its understated skin lurked a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-five producing 225 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque—numbers that vaulted the 850 Turbo to 60 mph in under 7 seconds. Its front-wheel-drive layout featured a viscous-coupling limited-slip differential to tame torque steer, while a finely tuned suspension provided crisp turn-in and controlled body motions.
In 1995, the 850 T-5R amped power to 243 hp and added eye-catching blue paint with gold wheels, presaging Volvo’s performance credentials. The 850 Turbo’s blend of family practicality, safety features, and surprising acceleration cemented its reputation as a capable road weapon.