How can I find Volvo's "Model Year" or Production Date?

Some vehicle manufacturer's track production changes by the date the vehicle was manufactured.  While the Production date is usually quite important for some car brands, Volvo does not typically do things that way.

Volvo generally makes changes based on the Model Year the vehicle is being produced for.  In many cases, this is different than the legal registration date.

It is very common for a car to be produced in the year prior to the actual Model Year of the car.  For example, many 1993 Volvo 850 models were produced in late 1992.

Volvo generally specifies that parts fit particular Model Years and usually has clean year breaks when making a production change.  When a mid year production change does occur, they typically do it by chassis number or engine serial number.

The only way to know for sure what Model Year your Volvo is is to use the 10th digit in the Vehicle Identification Number.

The 10th digit of your VIN (from left to right) is the Model Year of all 1981 and newer cars.