I have a 95 850 sedan, and am wondering why the rear windows only travel downwards about 5 inches. Is it simply a design thing? A limitation of the sedan which doesn't occur with the "estate"? A child protection feature? Or is it SIPS related?

Can the travel be extended through in-door modifications?

My `88 Mazda 323 wagon has back windows that go all the way down because there is a small fixed vent window over the rear wheel portion of the door. I would have liked that arrangement better in the Volvo. (Also, if thieves use the small vent window to break in, it is very cheap and quick to replace)

The same exists with almost ALL other 4 door cars as well (not just Volvos). Take a look at the door noticing the rear wheel well arch, that's why, the window simply can't go down into that limited space (more that than a "safety" feature really).

Suburbans have windows that go all the way down and Tahoes don't. It is just like you said , there isn't room in the door for the window to go down.

Depends entirely on how the vehicle and rear doors were designed considering the wheel wells and allowable space. If the rear doors can be made full, then the glass will go down all the way. I seriously doubt that rear passenger safety is ever a real consideration with that by any car manufacturer.

Our 95 wagon only goes down 5 to 6 inches so it is not

an estate vs. sedan thing.

I think if you take of the interor door panel you will

see it can't go down any further since the door bottom

is curved to provide room for the wheel well. This

curve limits the downward travel.

I think this is a design limitation cleverly sold as a safety feature.

Yep, yet another Volvo safety feature! Check your owner`s manual.

Yep, think it's a child safety issue. I personally think the car looks gay with rear windows rolled down only halfway but oh well...I'll live.